Are Cold Medications Safe To Take When You Have Epilepsy?

Are Cold Medications Safe To Take With Epilepsy?

Having a cold or flu when you have epilepsy can be challenging. Typical over-the-counter cold medications often contain ingredients like decongestants that may not be safe with seizure disorders.

However, there are OTC options that can help relieve cold and flu symptoms without increasing seizure risk when selected carefully and taken as directed. Working with your neurologist ensures you can get symptom relief safely.

Effects of Common Cold Meds on Epilepsy

Ingredients in many common cold remedies can potentially trigger seizures or interact with epilepsy medications. These include:

• Decongestants - Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine stimulate the central nervous system and may lower seizure threshold.
• Antihistamines - First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are more likely to cause drowsiness and seizure problems compared to newer options.
• Cough suppressants - Dextromethorphan at high doses can increase seizure risk.
• Expectorants - Guaifenesin in large amounts potentially affects seizure threshold in some patients.
• Analgesics - NSAIDs like ibuprofen may rarely cause seizures in sensitive individuals.
• Alcohol - Found in some cough/cold preparations, alcohol lowers seizure threshold.

Safer OTC Cold Medicine Options for Epilepsy Patients

OTC cold medications that are generally considered safer for people with seizures when taken as directed include:

• Acetaminophen - For pain/fever reduction. Avoid exceeding maximum daily dose.
• Saline nasal spray - Relieves congestion without medication.
• Steroid nasal spray - Reduces inflammation without stimulating effects.
• Guaifenesin - Safe expectorant for coughs at recommended dosing.
• Dextromethorphan - Cough suppressant that is typically well-tolerated at OTC dosing in epilepsy patients.
• Second-generation antihistamines - Less sedating, e.g. loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Discuss all cold medication options with your doctor first to ensure safety and avoid drug interactions with anti-seizure medications.

Risks of Specific Cold Medicine Ingredients

Various active ingredients found in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies can potentially worsen seizures or interact with epilepsy medications. Understanding which ones to avoid allows you to manage symptoms safely.

Decongestants

Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages to open airways. However, they also stimulate the central nervous system.

For some people with epilepsy, these stimulating effects may lower the seizure threshold. This could increase risk of seizures occurring when taking standard doses.

First-Generation Antihistamines

Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) block histamine to reduce symptoms like runny nose. But they cause significant drowsiness.

The sedative effects of first-generation antihistamines may exacerbate seizure disorders. Newer generation antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) are considered safer alternatives.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant found in many cold and flu medications. At high doses, it acts on the brain similarly to codeine and can raise seizure risk.

However, at recommended OTC dosing dextromethorphan is generally well-tolerated. Large amounts should be avoided.

Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that loosens mucus secretions and relieves chest congestion. Very high doses can potentially decrease seizure threshold.

But guaifenesin is typically safe for epilepsy patients at OTC dosages when taken only as needed according to package directions. Extended use or excessively high amounts may pose problems.

Alcohol

Many liquid cold formulas and cough syrups contain alcohol, typically 5-10% or more. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and lowers seizure threshold.

Alcohol can interact with anti-seizure drugs causing excessive sedation. Even small amounts found in OTC meds can potentially trigger seizures.

Safe Medications and Home Remedies

It is possible to find over-the-counter cold and flu medications that can offer symptom relief for people with epilepsy without increasing seizure risks. Home remedies using natural ingredients provide additional options.

Acetaminophen

For reducing fever and body aches, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe for most epilepsy patients when taken at recommended doses.

Avoid exceeding maximum daily amounts as high doses may cause liver toxicity. This can result in altered metabolism of some anti-seizure medications.

Saline Nasal Spray

Using a saline nasal spray or rinse can help relieve congestion. The salt water solution moisturizes and soothes nasal passages without any medication.

Frequent use and proper technique are key for best results. Avoid contaminated water sources which could introduce infection.

Steroid Nasal Spray

Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids reduce inflammation without stimulating effects. Brands like Flonase and Nasacort are generally considered safe for epilepsy patients when used as directed.

They take several days to reach full effect. Use sparingly and only when needed to avoid side effects like nosebleeds from overuse.

Guaifenesin

The expectorant guaifenesin helps thin mucus secretions making coughs more productive. Standard OTC dosing is normally well-tolerated in people with seizures.

Avoid extended use or excessive amounts. Discontinue immediately if seizures increase in frequency or severity.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan cough syrup in normal OTC amounts is generally safe for epilepsy patients. As always, carefully follow dosage guidelines on the label.

Make sure the product is free of alcohol, spectrum menthol, and other potentially problematic ingredients.

Honey

Honey can help suppress coughs and soothe sore throats. Look for raw, unprocessed honey to maximize benefits.

Avoid giving honey to infants under one year old due to risk of infant botulism poisoning.

Ginger, Peppermint Oil

Ginger tea, peppermint tea, or inhaling menthol peppermint essential oil may help reduce congestion and upper respiratory symptoms.

Use caution ingesting these as supplements as they may interact with some anti-seizure medications. Discuss with your doctor first.

Shopping for Safe OTC Cold Products

Reading medication labels carefully and knowing what to look for allows people with epilepsy to choose over-the-counter cold products more confidently.

Check Active Ingredients

Always examine the Active Ingredients section on any OTC medication package. Avoid products containing pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or diphenhydramine.

Acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and dextromethorphan at recommended doses are generally safer options.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Formulas

Avoid any cold medications, especially cough syrups or liquid blends, containing alcohol. Even small amounts pose seizure risks.

Alcohol-free childrens formulas are ideal. But always verify contents first.

Buy Dye-Free When Possible

Products dyed bright colors like red or yellow often contain tartrazine (FD&C Yellow #5) or other food dyes. Some epilepsy patients report dye sensitivity triggering seizures.

Choosing dye-free options when available reduces the risk of potential dye interactions with epilepsy.

Ask Your Pharmacist

When evaluating products, do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist which OTC cold or flu medications are safest for people with epilepsy.

Pharmacists are medication experts who can help identify the best treatment options and point out any ingredients of concern.

Discuss with Your Neurologist

Always talk to your neurologist before taking any new OTC medicines for colds, flu, or other conditions. They can evaluate risks of specific medications and possible interactions.

Having a treatment plan in place allows you to manage symptoms quickly and safely if you do get sick.

Preventing Colds and Flu with Epilepsy

While some over-the-counter cold remedies may be off limits, people with epilepsy can still take steps to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season in the first place.

Get Vaccinated

Getting an annual flu shot reduces your chances of coming down with influenza, which could worsen seizure control. Ask your doctor which vaccine is best for you.

Immunization against bacterial pneumonia is also advisable to prevent complicating respiratory infections.

Wash Hands Frequently

Washing hands with soap and water regularly, especially before eating and after going out in public, can minimize transmission of cold, flu, and other illness-causing germs.

Carry small bottles of alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene when soap is unavailable.

Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

Keeping hands away from your face reduces the chance of introducing viruses and bacteria into your respiratory system.

Break the habit of absentmindedly touching your eyes, nose, and mouth throughout the day to lower infection risk.

Clean Surfaces

Cold and flu viruses can live on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, and phones for up to 48 hours. Regular cleaning and sanitizing kills illness-causing germs.

Target high traffic areas and frequently touched items such as remotes, light switches, and tablets.

Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

Maintaining physical distance from people showing cold or flu symptoms limits exposure to viruses. Avoid crowds when contagious illnesses are actively spreading locally.

If you do get sick, isolate at home away from family members as much as possible to avoid transmitting illness.

The Takeaway

Managing colds, allergies, and the flu presents special challenges for epilepsy patients due to medication interactions and symptom treatments that may provoke seizures.

By understanding safer OTC options, scrutinizing labels for problem ingredients, and consulting your doctor, you can effectively relieve symptoms without increasing seizure risks.

Proactively preventing infection through vaccination, hand hygiene, disinfecting, and avoiding sick contacts also helps you stay healthy and avoid difficult cold and flu treatment dilemmas.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.