Epilepsy information

Hey guys,

Having only been on meds for 2 months I still don't know all the ins and outs, I think I can recall my GP saying I can't take decongestants but I could be wrong.

I'm on keppra 1000mg daily (increased to that amount on fri morning) I woke up yesterday with a terrible cold, nose running like a tap, banging headaches, high temp and sinus pains. I'm not a good ill person lol and would normally be using a nasal spray like first defence (vicks) and taking a cold and flu tablet to help relieve symptoms but am worried about conflict between these and the Keppra.

I haven't had a great deal of side effects since starting meds, have lost nearly 1.5 stones prob due to lack of appetite and for the first couple of days after an increase I've been very sleepy with no energy but think that I've got off relatively lightly.

Does anyone know if I can use the nasal spray or anything other than paracetamol to help me feel better???

Thanks xxx

Off the top of my head I can't say either way for any product - your best bet is to read the information leaflet for any given product you might normally and/or speak to the Pharmacist at your local chemists shop.


Dave xxx

I've been on meds for epilepsy sice the age of 7 and never had any trouble with decongestents or any over the counter meds for coughs or colds. Been geven them by my GP too.

As Dave said, read the label and ask the pharmacist, they often know more than the doctors

my gp will not allow me to take over counter things

I think it depends on your GP and also on what meds you take.

I've been through loads of AEDs though and never been told I can't take over the counter stuff for colds. The only thing the pharmacists as me is if I'm on tablets for bp, I'm not so I've used cough and cold meds and bought them over the counter.

Don't use anything unless you have checked with your pharmacist. There are lots of things you have to be careful about on AEDs. Decongestants are one of those things. I am also on Keppra and I use a wonderful product called 'Sterimar' which is basically salt water which you use to flush the sinus. It works better than any decongestant in my opinion.

Alas these are some of the things that you just learn to live with. I confess I do err on caution to the point of hyper vigilance but better to be safe than sorry is my motto.

Get well soon.
DD

Definatley check with the pharmacy. My husband cannot take cold and flu tablets with psydoephedrine in it.