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Symbicort/Albuterol and Seizures
Can Symbicort and Albuterol cause seizures? I take Topamax for epilepsy and I notice that I get breakhthrough seizures, especially if I have problems and need to use Albuterol in addition to Symbicort.
41 yr old, Female
asked Dec 06, 2009 at 09:18PM in Asthma
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2Votes
answered Dec 07, 2009 at 02:32PMAlbuterol, no. Symbicort, yes. I have never, and I have asked around the hospital, heard of anyone suffering a seizure as a side-effect of Albuterol. Symbicort, generally speaking, should not be taken with any anti-seizure medications like Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), without your physician being told that you're on any other drugs for asthma, this includes Beta agonists. Out of the top 10 possible adverse effects of concurrent use of Symbicort and Topamax, Seizures ranks #1.
Bottom line, Talk to every physician who is treating you and let them know about every med you take. An average respiratory therapist probably knows very little about about complex drug interactions. As an RRT, I'm well versed in the side-effects of the meds I administer, however, I don't automatically know about all of the other meds you may be taking. -And, it goes without saying, Do Not Stop, or change dosages, or frequency of administration of your medications with your doctor's approval. -
0Votesanswered Dec 07, 2009 at 08:32PMDoes the same interaction occurs between Advair and Topamax? Are there are non-Albuterol rescue inhalers that work just as well as Albuterol ones? Maybe my Topamax needs to be changed to a different medication? Yep, I need to have a chat with my neurologist and allergist...perhaps they need to chat.
Thank you so much for answering my question. -
1Votesanswered Dec 08, 2009 at 04:35AMAlbuterol is a front-line rescue drug. In fact, there are a number of rescue drugs, however, they basically all use Albuterol is the chief ingredient. Albuterol is the most commonly used short-acting beta-agonist and is the ingredient in Accuneb, Alupent, ProAir, Proventil, and Ventolin.
Without getting into a pharmacology lesson, a different form of albuterol [an (R)-enantiomer of albuterol.], called levalbuterol, has been available for some time and appears to require lower doses with longer action and fewer side effects. Levalbuterol is delivered with a nebulizer or an HFA (CFC-free) MDI.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, dry mouth or cough may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. Report promptly: tremor, lightheadedness, mental/mood changes. Unlikely but report promptly: leg cramps, fast/irregular heartbeat, headache, trouble sleeping. Very unlikely but report promptly: fainting, chest pain, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
I have administered Xopenex hundreds of times and never seen anything more severe than an increase in heart rate and minor tremors in the hands. And, I have only seen this one time. Xopenex is a great alternative for those people who need an alternative to Albuterol.
As for Advair vs. Symbicort, Symbicort is a better drug hands down. It is a faster acting drug and the effects are longer lasting. Unfortunately, these really are the only two drugs that do what you need them to do. Just remember, to ALWAYS rinse your mouth with water and spit after using your either drug. You run the risk of a fungal infection ("thrush") in your mouth if you don't.
Only your neurologist can offer alternatives to your Topamax. However, be aware that ALL anti-seizure or anti-epileptic drugs have possible side-effects and many people do not achieve a "seizure-free" life while taking any of these medications. Just chat with your doctor and/or pharmacist about your concerns. They are the best sources for information. -Good luck...James -
0Votes
answered Dec 08, 2009 at 02:58PMFor your reference, here are some Articles on Medpedia that may help:
Albuterol: http://wiki.medpedia.com/Clinical:Albuterol_%28Albuterol%29
Topamax: http://wiki.medpedia.com/Clinical:Topamax_%28topiramate%29_topamax_%28topiramate%29
Epilepsy: http://wiki.medpedia.com/Epilepsy
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