Antihistamine and probiotics

[Edengirl58]

I have had long covid for 16 months now, and in the absence of any treatments on the horizon am thinking of trying antihistamine tablets and/or probiotic supplements.

My RLS is currently much more controlled than it was, after iron infusion and am taking Gabapentin 400 mg- though insomnia still bad (apparently also a symptom of long covid).

Has anyone experience of using antihistamines or probiotic supplements?

It’s frustrating having two illnesses that are poorly understood - I seldom tell people about the rls- though when it’s bad it is even worse than the (very debilitating) effects of the long covid. I really feel for those of us who are battling with severe rls- such a cruel illness. Thank you so much to Sue and all those knowledgable regulars who give massive time and energy to helping others- you have improved so many lives, and saved lives too Im sure. Thankyou🙏

[Joolsg]

I have Long Covid, MS and RLS.For my Long Covid, I take Symprove probiotic liquid every morning.

In the evening I take half an aspirin, cetirizine anti histamine, alpha lipoic acid and nattokinase.

My long covid symptoms are rapid heartbeat ( and often dizziness when standing), permanently blocked/ damaged left sinus.

I can't tell if the extra fatigue is because I'm no longer on MS medication or caused by Covid.

400mg is a very low dose of gabapentin. Usually, gabapentin has a sedating effect and helps insomnia.

You could try increasing it slightly to 600mg ( and taking 200mg just before bed to help with sleep).

Anti virals are clearly needed for Long Covid, but I doubt we'll EVER receive effective treatment. If we thought RLS knowledge was poor amongst doctors, Long Covid is even worse.

[Edengirl58 in reply to Joolsg]

Hi Joolsg I am wanting to take supplements to try and help my long covid without exacerbating my rls. I read your reply to my recent post in which you said you take cetirizine anti histamine, alphalipoic acid, nattokinase and symprove probiotic liquid. I have started taking cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg, but wondered if you could give me more info as to the dosages of the other items and where you obtain them from please. My symptoms of dizziness and extreme brain fatigue are very debilitating so I’m keen to try any avenues, in view of little coming out from the research so far by way of treatments.

Thank you for your help.

[Joolsg in reply to Edengirl58]

I buy Symprove direct from Symprove Ltd as they give discount for annual purchase. You take 70ml a day.symprove.com/

I buy Nattokinase and Alpha lipoic Acid from Amazon.

I take one pill of each daily.

There are several UK doctors who now help, but sadly, only privately. I suspect they prescribe blood thinners for the micro clots caused by Covid.

Nattokinase is supposed to be a natural blood thinner.

I also believe aspirin is used, but that can cause stomach ulcers/problems so use carefully.

[Edengirl58 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you Joolsg - are you taking the Alpha lipoid acid for long covid too? Which aspect is that supposed to help with? Do you find these are helping, and in what way?

I’m desperately trying to join a long covid forum- am currently pending approval on the Long Covid Uk one, but it’s taking them weeks to get me onto it. I wish Health Unlocked had a group for LC.

[Joolsg in reply to Edengirl58]

Yes, the alpha lipoic is for Long Covid. It's supposed to help reduce inflammation.I have no idea if it's actually helping as I still have rapid heart beat and blocked left sinus.

As I also have severe MS fatigue and brain fog, I'm also not sure whether it's MS or Covid related.

I follow many people on Twitter with long Covid and these are the most common self help supplements mentioned.

[Edengirl58 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you Joolsg for the detail on these, I’ll get them ordered ASAP. And for all your help generally on this forum- it’s wonderful help and encouragement.

[SueJohnson]

I agree with Joolsg about increasing your gabapentin but I would take the full 600 mg 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.

[Edengirl58 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you both for your thoughts- I will try a probiotic and/or antihistamine for the long covid. Going for my first (very sedate) wild swim tomorrow to see if that helps too.

Neurologist has suggested I may go up to 600mg of Gabapentin, but I’m reluctant to increase it at present as I want to keep that idea in reserve for when I need it, I’m getting my iron levels rechecked again in a couple of weeks so will see what they are like.

Thank you both once again for all the time and energy you put into helping people on here, it’s very much appreciated 👏👏👏