Could someone please advise an alternative to Fexofenadine as it has an effect on my Restless legs. Since stopping this drug my RLS has gone. I have spoken to my GP (UK) they said there is not and alternative to Fexofenadine that is 'non drowsy' on prescription.
Thank you.
Keith
Sure there is. Clarityn and Cetirizine which should be OTC or Desloratadine i which is prescription.
Fexofenadine is indeed a non-sedating antihistamine which is generally safe for RLS. But you seem sure that it's the fexofenadine that's causing your problem...
The British National Formulary lists 10 other non-sedating antihistamines:
bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/fexof...
Sue has mentioned desloratadine (Clarinex), loratadine (Clarityn) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) which are all in the BNF list.
Its possible that your doctor may not feel that these are as effective as the strength of fexofenadine that you are on.
Maybe your GP is not communicating well and means that he can't give you non sedating anti histamines free on NHS prescription?In the UK you can buy several. I buy cetirizine online in bulk quite cheaply. Lots of online pharmacies sell it and loratedine, which is also safe for RLS.
Me too. I use Cetrizine for post nasal drip.
The only problem is that once on it ,you are stuck. It has a massive withdrawal problem.
It is certainly non drowsy for me.
Indeed, as Joolsg writes - both generic cetirizine and loratadine are cheap to buy - I don't need them in bulk, but buy packets of 30 for £1 in the various pound shops. I expect that they have these in Norfolk too 😉
Technically they can be prescribed, but this is probably discouraged because they are so widely, cheaply, available.
Thank you. They asked if I had tried OTC meds which I replied yes but were not as affective as Fexofenadine. They also said there are no alternatives on prescription. Which I guess means I need to source from elsewhere.
According to the NHS:"Other non-drowsy antihistamines like acrivastine, cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine and levocetirizine seem to work just as well as fexofenadine.
But fexofenadine seems to be less likely to make you feel sleepy than other non-drowsy antihistamines.
If one non-drowsy antihistamine has not worked for you, it's worth trying another one."
According to the BNF most of the alternatives - apart from acrivastine which is pharmacy only - can be prescribed, but perhaps local rules prevent this. But on the other hand, as most of these are also available cheaply (as long as you buy generic rather than branded versions) it's worth trying more than one to see which suits. If your doctor is being a pain, I'd try getting advice from a friendly independent pharmacist. (They may or may not try to sell you a more expensive branded product...)
Thank you for your advice.
I've been on (Zyrtek) Cetirizine for years and it doesn't seem to affect my RLS. I'd disagree (sorry Madlegs1) about it having a massive withdrawal as I've had to come off it 4 times before when pregnant and yes it annoying coming off it as your symptoms come back, but I wouldn't say I experienced withdrawal.
What do you need to take your antihistamine for? I have a severe dust allergy but also dermatographia but I controlled my dust allergy with beconase when pregnant rather nicely. I just scratched my skin still 🤣
Maybe you just need a higher dose of the other antihistamines. I'd certainly give Zyrtek (Certirizine) or Clarytin (Loratidine) a go as both work for me and don't sedate. The Zyrtek is the best of the 2 in my opinion.
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