Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Hello all!

I've tried looking through other posts and websites but there's just so much information to try and sort through. I am looking for suggestions for allergy medications that will not aggravate RLS.

I never drew the connection between Benedryl (diphenhydramine) and my restless legs but I've seen it mentioned enough places that I decided to try find an alternate treatment for my allergies. I've since tried Alegra (fexofenadine) and got no noticable results. I'd perviously had limited success with Chlortriplon (chlorpheniramine) so I decided to give that a try again but was quickly reminded that I switched from that to Benedryl because of the nausea.

The past three days my allergies have been so bad that I've reverted back to taking the Benedryl and tonight my legs are worse than they have been in a long time. At present I'd still rather be able to breath with RLS than not without but there has to be something better than this.

I'm looking for any suggestions, things that work for others that I might be able to try or even websites or links that I can find more information from.

Remaining hopful,
Lexique

You can try Loratadine, it's usually available as an off-brand generic

Thanks for the quick reply Zach!

I knew that name sounded familiar and indeed it is, Claritin which I took a few years back with very limited results though at this point I think it may be my best option.

Lexique,

I've been taking Zrytec-D and it has not made my RLS any worse. I take the 24 hour dose in the am. If you don't need a decongestant, then just take the Zrytec.

Sincerely,

Maddie

I use a combination of prescription Allegera and Singular. They work great and do not seem to aggrevate my RLS Another plus was the doctor told me the combination was the reason I wasn't having a lot of hot flashes with my menopause.

You might want to try Zyrtec, even though it's on the list of drugs that might cause the RLS to worsen. I take it without any problem and it's the best allergy drug I've tried. I also take Singulair which helps with my asthma as well as my other allergies.

If the Zyrtec (generic ceterizine?) bothers you, you might want to try Claritin (Loratidine) as Zach mentioned. I alternate between Claritin and Zyrtec and take the Zyrtec when my allergies are really bad.

Good luck with it. Allergies and RLS can be a bad combination.

Thanks so much for the replies!

Slee, I shouldn't have to worry about hot flashes for a while yet but I'll keep that in mind!

Susan, Singular for allergies AND asthma, I am very intregued as this is one I've never heard of. I've finally gotten my asthma to an almost controlled state which is another hesitation for switching any of my meds around but I am definately going to read more into that one.

Maddie/Susan, Zyrtec had seemed one of the more potentially promising from my reading. I'm glad to hear that there are people here are taking it successfully.

I can take Zyrtec without problems, too. And Singulair, too. Hope one of these works well for you.

Just thought I'd update and let everyone know that I was unable to find Zyrtec but I did find Reactin, another ceterizine based antihistamine. I hesitated starting to take it as it contains lactose but I decided that given the minimal content it was worth a try. Thus far I've taken four 5mg tablets over the past two days with excellent results at least for my allergies. I haven't decided if it has impacted the RLS or if that is being worsened by other factors but it definitely feels like a step in the right direction.

THANK YOU for the support and suggestions!

Lexique,

I have to get my Zrytec-D from the pharmacist, as you do most OTC allergy meds. with psuedonephrine (I believe it's the culprit-someone correct me if I'm wrong) now. That's because of new laws regarding purchasing these in limited amounts. Thanks to our illegal meth producers, we are all limited in how we buy meds. You might want to check with your pharmacist. Be prepared to show your driver's license, give your address, etc.

Sincerely,

Maddie

I can't think of any names right now, but have you tried any of the nasal sprays? Some contain steroids, but they work and would not have to go through your entire system. The only problem is they usually have to come through a script..Just a thought ...Pat

Flonase, Beconase, Nasalcort... I've used them all and they work great. My problem with inhaled steroids, both into the lungs and up the nose, is that they lower my resistance to the common cold and I catch colds and can't get rid of them. Then because I can't figure out whether it's my allergies getting worse or it's a cold, I end up with a sinus infection or bronchitis or both.

But hey, they do work, and even without using them I have a case of bronchitis, so avoiding them doesn't seem to help that much anyway...

Usually by the end of allergy season I need a round of cortisone and a round of antibiotics anyway.

Good luck with it!

if you are needing a antihistamine and want to avoid oral use, may i suggest a trial of Astelin nasal spray (Rx only, consult your physician) i find this helps immensely with the runny nose, drainage problems with my cpap..

Ed