Medicines for a cold

[Ikeeptrying]

I'm getting a cold. Are there any cold medicines I can take that won't aggravate the rls? I've heard that antihistamines do make rls worse. Thank you all.

[Joolsg]

Paracetamol for any pain/fever & saline nasal spray from Boots or Olbas oil on a tissue for stuffiness/blocked nose. Avoid any meds with phenylephrine as that makes RLS worse.

Claritin anti histamines are non sedating and don't make RLS worse, but most other anti histamines should be avoided.

Natural remedies include zinc and echinacea tablets.

[Ikeeptrying in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you Jools. I didn't know Claritin anti histamines didn't make rls worse. And I'll try the Olbas oil on a tissue. My pitiful nose is sore already.

[Joolsg in reply to Ikeeptrying]

Claritin is non sedating & doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier unlike other anti histamines; that's why it is ok for us RLS sufferers.

Hope you feel better soon & manage some sleep.

[BoldMove in reply to Joolsg]

Using oil base in your nose is not wise, it can get into the lung and cause pneumonia. It's rare but can be dangerous. mayoclinic.org/petroleum-je...

[Joolsg in reply to BoldMove]

If you read my reply, I did say to use olbas oil “ on a tissue”.

I do not say to put it up your nose.

Also, the instructions on Olbas oil here in UK state even more clearly than I, that you put it on a tissue and sniff the tissue or put it in your bath water .

But thanks for posting in case anyone is foolish enough to put it up their nose.

[Joolsg in reply to BoldMove]

Olbas oil is a menthol based product used in UK to clear blocked noses by breathing the fumes after you put it on tissue or a few drops on your pillow at night.

Petroleum jelly ( brand name vaseline) is completely different.

[BoldMove in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you. Never heard of Olbas oil here in states. I often use lavender oil the same way at night.

I'll look it up and see if it is available in the US.

[BoldMove]

Everybody is different. I don't have any worse of a problem with an occasional Benadryl or Contac; other people can't handle one or the other.

[LotteM]

Antihistamines do not help with a cold, which is your body’s reaction to a virus infection. Basically you just have to give it time to pass. And meanwhile assist your body a good as you can; lots of rest, some distraction and drinking a lot - water or herbal tea (“infusions”. as the French call them).

Get well soon!

[Ikeeptrying in reply to LotteM]

The antihistamines do unblock my nose. It's awful when I can't breathe through my nose.

[LotteM in reply to Ikeeptrying]

I know! It is indeed awful when you can’t breathe through your nose. And when you have rls, it may be wise to rather use something other than antihistamines to unblock your nose. E.g. sniff up lukewarm water with a bit of salt stirred in. An age-old remedy prescribed by my specialist doctor after nose surgery. And also by my ex-nurse mother.

[Hidden in reply to Ikeeptrying]

I am a nose breather too, and have to have a clear nose, when i get a head cold i use a nose spray, here in the UK called Beconase, its non drowsy and i have never found it to affect my RLS.

[LoisTonya]

I am currently suffering a cold. All I’ve taken is dispersable aspirin as well as my usual supplements and Ropinerole. I’ve experienced no rls !

[nathanwilde]

I avoid cold and flu tablets. Phenylephrine is a major trigger for me. It's in Lemsip too.

[Radone]

For a cough, Delsym does not have any antihistamines

[jimindigo]

They usually all have glycerin,so that's a no no.

Try honey+lemon which is safe.