Hypersensitivity

[queenlamoni]

I am having issues with taking medicines that have a coating. Everywhere I turn it says that there is no gluten in them. The only avenue I had found was a post from a man in Australia last year that had reacted to Pristiq because the coating did have a trace amount of gluten that he was able to verify. I stopped the Pristiq after 3 weeks last year because I became very lethargic and had the typical symptoms that I get from small amounts of gluten. I got better. But I've noticed that I seem to have symptoms when I've had to take more pills than usual (Pain pills + vitamins+ heart burn pills + supplements + allergy pills) and I've noticed that if I wipe off the pills that the fatigue isn't as bad. I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience?

I've also had to stop taking the Claritin Decongestant 12 hour or 24 hour because when I take them I become very fatigued to the point of not being able to function safely. I took these for years and never had a problem until the last 18 months. I've checked everything I can think of in my house for gluten, made phone calls, etc. The only thing that seems to be suspect is the coating on the pills. I'm not lactose intolerant either.

I have put on 40 pounds in the last year because of the fatigue, and I am so tired of being tired. I was hoping to find someone who might be able to shed some light on the subject or give me some hope.

Thanks

[dilettantesteph]

I am also hypersensitive to gluten. I stopped taking vitamins completely. I felt way better. Weird, you would think that the vitamins should be making me feel better, not worse. I don't take any meds. Hopefully I won't have to. I just switched from instant coffee to organic beans and that helped a lot too. I stick to unprocessed foods and minimal grains. Hope you feel better soon.

[Skylark]

Maybe you can get a coumpounding pharmacy to make you the OTC drugs you need in a gluten-free form.

Also with the Claritin it is possible to have a side effect suddenly start bothering you. Drowsiness is a well-known side effect of that medicine.

[RiceGuy]

I always use the powdered forms of supplements whenever I can. The rest I try to get in capsules, as they seem to generally contain less added ingredients. You can get vegetarian capsules if gelatin is a problem. I don't take meds, only supplements, so I haven't had to look into that, but I'd think some brands would be formulated differently.

Even if your reaction seems the same as it is from gluten, it may be some other substance causing the problem. Additional sensitivities are common, especially to the top 8 allergens.

[Flo BInks]

I also have problems with supplements and medications. The problem for me is not gluten - they are gluten free- but the filler that they use - derivatives of cellulose. The reaction I get is hard to tell from a gluten reaction. The gelatin caps are ok, but the vegetarian ones are made from cellulose derivative. But at least you can empty the contents out.

I get supplements in powder form to avoid cellulose and cc, and a compounding pharmacy can make a lot of drugs for you.

Sarah Binks

[queenlamoni]

Thank you for all your responses. Sorry I had not look on here recently. I think I have developed a sentivity to this medicine. In part that's why I'm searching on here today.

I was on the verge of an ear infection because of the cedar allergies, so I took a 4 hour Wal-phed (chloropheniramine and pseudoephedrine) and the sedation has lasted over 24 hours. Getting in to see doctor tomorrow, they told me to push fluids and I should feel better tonight. Apparently the antihistamine part of that duo can interact negatively with a lot a things one of them Zyrtec. Funny thing is that it had been over 36 hours since I has taken a half dose of that, but there was still enough in my system to create an issue.

I use to never have problems with medicines, but along with this hypersensitivity to gluten I have also developed odd reactions to medicines in the last two years. Even ones that are suppose to be gluten free. I really wish I could get away from taking all medicine, but I have not been able to achieve that yet. As soon as I am able I think I will buy a juice, so I can improve my nutrient intake. Hopefully that can help decrease the severe allergies I have too.

Has anyone had any luck eliminating asthma and allergies by eliminating dairy? I guess I need to hear an actual persons testimonial to that before I can muster up the courage to restrict my diet more.