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Cold Medication and Epilepsy

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Posted 4/26/2005 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I am suffering right now with a terrible head cold and I can't take anything for it. I just have to sweat it out of me.

I've been told by my neurologist and also my family Doctor that, If I should happen to catch a cold or the flu , Since I'm on medication for my EP, I should not take any over the counter medications, especially the ones that contain DECONGESTANT and/or ANTIHISTIMINE as they can cause internal bleeding or even massive nose bleeds.

When they mix with the other meds that I'm on, (dilantin and pheonobarb) they can also trigger a seizure. nono

 

The only safe medication that I could take if abolutely necessary is Tylonol.

I found out the hard way. One day with out thinking, I took an extra strength Advil for a headache. A few minutes later, my nose started to bleed massively and uncontrollably.

A few days later I had a Dr's appt. for a different matter and I happened to mention the nose bleed incident and the Dr. said that under no circumstances am I to take that and was very suprised that I didn't bleed out through my stomach (I also have Ulcerative Colitis) as it causes a reaction with my other meds and it causes thinning of the stomach walls and arteries.  

Randy

 

Posted 4/26/2005 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry you have such a bad cold! It is a pain when you cannot take things to help ease the symptoms.

We have had doctors advise us wrong at times that things were safe and were not between reaction to other meds and seizures. So frustrating!

hang in there, have some Vitamin C and get well, Randy


Ginny
Posted 4/26/2005 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
what about things like Vicks Throat drops or Halls cough drops???

 

Posted 4/26/2005 6:24 PM (GMT 0)

boolie

That's OK, anything that does contain medicine.

Randy

Posted 4/26/2005 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
I hope you feel better! That's a drag about the medication!
Chicken Soup, water, and lots of T.V. not to mention NAPS! :-)
Posted 4/26/2005 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Very strange about the meds. I will have to find out from my instructor if she knows anything about that. My neuro and PCP has never mentioned that I cannot take those last time I was ill in November. I have learned from you all that it may not be good but they say it is okay.. Maybe it is because I am only on Keppra. Anyway try those vitamin C drops with some hot tea and soup. Hope you feel better soon. Take care.
Posted 5/1/2005 11:10 PM (GMT 0)

I'm wondering if anyone uses a nasal spray for a stuffy nose. 

Decongestants like sudafed really do me for a loop, make my heart race and my mind is like crazy, so I avoid it too,  but I have to use SOMETHING, or I'm miserable if I can't breath and my head is congested!! 

A nasal spray like Afrin works wonders - I only use it at night - then I can sleep ( there's nothing worse than lying in bed suffering with a head cold in the dark).     Glenda :-)

Posted 5/3/2005 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I am getting nervous. BUt that is just me ;)

My ear is bothering me. I don't want an earache. I can't miss alot of school, we are working on learning EKG's and I am so interested to speacialize in this area.

I hope everyone else with a cold or dealing with allergies this time of year is doing okay. It is tough enough to be sick, but to have to avoid meds that should help stink. Take Care Tracy
Posted 6/3/2005 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
A neurologist once told me that cough drops were a no no. nono   They do have a decongestant or something in them. So I was told to stay away.

Just thought I would add that in.... :-)

Posted 6/4/2005 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Wow.. I to hope you feel better. I have always taken what ever I wanted to take.  but it wasn't until recently, that I noticed that I have this Drunk like feeling.  where I have to hold on to the walls.  the only way to make it go away is to sleep it off.  I have never drank or did any sort of drug in my life besides my medications for my siezures.   I have had siezures all my life.  since the age of 9 months. I am now 36 soon to be 37 next month.      I am contpliation having a brain surgery to get rid of the siezures.  I spent last week on an EEG going off my medication, then finally when I had them.. I had 10 of them.    I came home on Tuesday.  I am still very weak trying to get my drug levels back up to par.  has any one here had the surgery. tongue
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