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Generally over the counter cold medications only make a person feel better; they cannot treat a cold in the sense of changing the course a cold might otherwise take. Colds are viruses and while there are a few prescription anti-viral medications out there, doctors seldom recommend them and typically they are only for those with depressed immune systems where a cold can be a significant detriment to one's overall health in the long term (think cancer patients as one group ).
Two exceptions to the above generalizations are Tylenol which can reduce fever, and medications that make you cough up phlegm. I have been told that a syrup medication that ONLY contains the ingredient that makes you cough up phlegm does not interfere with seizure medications, but do check with your pharmacist about that.
If you are considered to have a bacterial infection that is contributing to your cold symptoms, such as a chest infection, that is a different matter and antibiotics are generally given.
Two exceptions to the above generalizations are Tylenol which can reduce fever, and medications that make you cough up phlegm. I have been told that a syrup medication that ONLY contains the ingredient that makes you cough up phlegm does not interfere with seizure medications, but do check with your pharmacist about that.
If you are considered to have a bacterial infection that is contributing to your cold symptoms, such as a chest infection, that is a different matter and antibiotics are generally given.
CQ:)
Veteran
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About 7 years ago I had a cold so went to the chemist to get some cough mixture. They asked me if I was on any meds so I told them I was AEDs.
They did a check on their computer then advised it was better not take cough mixture with the meds I was on, they suggested I try a day & night cold & flu tablet. The tablets weren't that cheap but they didn't do much to help with my cols lol.
Now when I have a cold I get cough medicine from the chemist, I go to this chemist all the time so they are aware of my epilepsy & the meds I'm on. I only get 1 particular type of cough mixture which tastes gross but it works really well & I've never had any problems with it affecting my epilepsy.
Have you spoken to your pharmacist to find out if there is anything you could take that won't react with your meds?
They did a check on their computer then advised it was better not take cough mixture with the meds I was on, they suggested I try a day & night cold & flu tablet. The tablets weren't that cheap but they didn't do much to help with my cols lol.
Now when I have a cold I get cough medicine from the chemist, I go to this chemist all the time so they are aware of my epilepsy & the meds I'm on. I only get 1 particular type of cough mixture which tastes gross but it works really well & I've never had any problems with it affecting my epilepsy.
Have you spoken to your pharmacist to find out if there is anything you could take that won't react with your meds?
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Benadryl and Sudafed are the main cold/allergy medicines that interact with many anti-seizure meds and/or potentially trigger seizures. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and Robitussin DM are considered safe. But everyone has different thresholds and sensitivities, so it doesn't hurt to check with your neurologist or pharmacist first, and proceed with caution until you know how you are affected.
nightowl47
New
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I was having the same problem as I have bad sinus problems that always have to get prescribed nasal spray and antibiotics, but last time I went to my General Practitioner, she told me to only get over the counter "Corisidan HBP" when I have the flu or cold and only take one pill at a time. These are for people especially with high blood pressure, we with Epilepsy have the same issues when it comes to colds and flu, something to do with the way our blood vessels become constricted or something. But I took it for a week and felt fine. Thankfully I don't have that cold any more. But I have to add this much, that prescribed nasal spray was a huge life saver for me, as most of the time I get those sinus infections, it almost always will lead to a cold or flu. Time for my annual Flu shot now that I'm doing better.
I wish you all my best, and stay healthy!
Terri
I wish you all my best, and stay healthy!
Terri
I too was never told by any type of Dr. or Neur.
it was when I took something, thinking nothing of it, then wammmm seizure. it seems we all have to pieces together.
That is why this forum has been such a blessing to me.
things such as this has been the experience of others with E. It helps to know you are not going crazy.
I know it must be hard for Neur, when we all react diff. to diff. triggers and over the counter meds.
I have had my Neur? tell no this or that could NOT cause a seizure, when in fact for me it did.
it was when I took something, thinking nothing of it, then wammmm seizure. it seems we all have to pieces together.
That is why this forum has been such a blessing to me.
things such as this has been the experience of others with E. It helps to know you are not going crazy.
I know it must be hard for Neur, when we all react diff. to diff. triggers and over the counter meds.
I have had my Neur? tell no this or that could NOT cause a seizure, when in fact for me it did.