Posted by yxibow on September 10, 2008, at 3:35:27
In reply to Anticonvulsant Observation, Input Appreciated, posted by theo on September 8, 2008, at 19:59:55
> I've noticed since I haven't been on any anticonvulsant in a while that I HAVE NOT had a sore throat or cold. I've always been curious if anticonvulsants can lower your immune system. It seems like I'm constantly battling sore throat, upper respiratory sickness while on them. Any truth to this or just coincidence?
Some psychotropics can lower your immune response perhaps, but some people are just more susceptible to URI conditions. Do you have any family or personal history of asthma or sinus tract disorders? Do you get enough sleep? The average person has about 5 URI infections in a year, and some are just carriers, some are unnoticed.One would have to know the specific medication to see if there is any significance between medication and placebo for URI (upper respiratory infections.)
It could also be a passing trend and unrelated -- I used to have not-needed to operate but annoying tonsil and various symptoms for a year, a bit younger. Some of these things dissapear as one grows older, it depends, as for example bacterial pneumonia is more serious in teens, the flu is more serious, but can also be more serious in those 60-70+.
It's not a bad idea to have a flu shot (assuming you're not allergic to eggs) when on medications, every year since a heavy multi-medication regime could conceivably slightly lower one's response just because of all the chemicals in the system and the "we don't know" factor.-- best wishes
Jay
poster:yxibow
thread:851084
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080903/msgs/851289.html