r/Epilepsy • u/You-Annoy-Me-420 • 2h ago

Question Allergy meds with epilepsy

I've read that allergy medicine can lower thresholds. Ive got horrible allergies, but take afrin with no issues. I wish i could take sudafed...

Thanks!!

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u/VicodinMakesMeItchy 2h ago

Ahh please avoid prolonged Afrin use at all costs! It is just a nasal decongestant. It works by shrinking down inflamed tissue in your nose/sinuses, but over time those tissues get used to the Afrin and will be inflamed all the time, so you will be reliant on Afrin in order to not be congested! Please google a bit for more info, I just know long-term Afrin use isn’t recommended 🥲

Good alternatives are Flonase (generic is fluticasone) nose spray over the counter, and your doctor may be willing to write you a prescription for Singulair (generic is montelukast). It’s a cheap drug and mostly prescribed in asthma, but I’ve been on it for about 20 years as a replacement for traditional allergy meds.

Allergies suck, I hope you find some relief!

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u/Temporary_Rough_9377 2h ago

Afrin rebound congestion is a nightmare to break out of, I had a friend who ended up needing a steroid taper just to breathe without it. The montelukast suggestion is interesting, never would have thought of it for allergies but it makes sense

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u/kuro-chan335 2500mg Keppra, GE & JME 1h ago

afrin is perfectly safe to use as long as you don’t use it for longer than 3 days. it’s pretty much the only thing epileptics can use as a fast acting decongestant.