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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DustBuster on December 31, 2004, at 19:10:35
Have any of you experienced an allergic response to an anti-depressant? After my bad experience with Effexor, my doctor agreed that I may be "med sensitive". This week, he gave me a scrip for Wellbutrin XL. I'm to take one 150 mg tablet for two weeks, then go to 300 mg.
I started on Tuesday. Wednesday evening, I realized I had been scratching the back of my hands a lot, and when I looked down, there were raised welts where I had been scratching. I've occationally experienced mild (unknown) food allergies in the past, so I just took some generic benedryl, and tried to stop scratching. Thursday morning, the welts and itch were gone. Then in the early afternoon, after a shower, I noticed more raised welts on my arms and chest where I had scrubbed hard with a (clean) washcloth. But they didn't itch. Today (Friday), I woke from an afternoon nap with wet lungs, coughing hard for a good five or more minutes. Again, after taking a couple of allergy tablets and sitting upright for an hour, I'm feeling just fine again. Of course, I might just be coming down with the flu, since I did go out shopping both Wednesday and Thursday this week. Tis the season and all that.
I really don't want to overreact (I admit that I kind of panic'd with all the effexor side-effects and scary stories on the net), but I'm getting a little nervous. I haven't had any side effects on Wellbutrin, like I did with the Effexor, so I'm really hoping these are unrelated. I thinking that if I continue to have problems tomorrow, I should stop taking the wellbutrin until the "flu" or whatever it is clears up, then try one more time. If the itching and coughing come back a second time, then I'll stop completely and go back to the doctor. Does that sound like a reasonable plan? Another alternative is to keep taking the wellbutrin, and just see if the symptoms get worse or better.
I'm starting to feel a little nervous and worried about this. How long should I continue taking the meds before deciding I'm not just panicing. On page 10 of the Wellbutrin Physician's Prescribing Information Sheet (http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_wellbutrinXL.pdf) they say some people have allergic reactions, and to stop taking it and consult a doctor if you have any allergic reactions. And what I'm experiencing does seem to fit the description of a mild anaphylactic reaction.
What do you think?
Posted by anneL on December 31, 2004, at 19:24:30
In reply to allergic to Wellbutrin?, posted by DustBuster on December 31, 2004, at 19:10:35
Stop Wellbutrin and call your physician. It may or may not be Wellbutrin, but why take a chance with compromising your airway? Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and needs to be treated emergently.
Posted by sdjeff on December 31, 2004, at 20:21:13
In reply to Re: allergic to Wellbutrin? » DustBuster, posted by anneL on December 31, 2004, at 19:24:30
I had allergic reactions to Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Prozac. From what you are describing, it sounds like a reaction to the Wellbutrin. I would suggest stopping and waiting to see if your condition gets better. You should also talk to your doctor. I can tell you from personal experience that winding up in the ER over an allergic reaction is no fun.
Posted by Phillipa on January 1, 2005, at 19:13:52
In reply to Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?, posted by sdjeff on December 31, 2004, at 20:21:13
I agree. It definitely sounds like an allergic reaction. Welts are usually "hives" a sign of allergic reaction and as previously posted can lead to anaphylactic reaction.Your pdoc may want you to take Benadryl or something else to counteract it. Phillipa
Posted by DustBuster on January 2, 2005, at 15:21:56
In reply to Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?, posted by Phillipa on January 1, 2005, at 19:13:52
Thanks all. I've stopped taking the wellbutrin, and will call the pdoc on Monday.
I already take generic benedryl, for other allergy problems, and it didn't seem to be helping me with this one much.
Posted by DustBuster on January 3, 2005, at 19:18:45
In reply to Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?, posted by DustBuster on January 2, 2005, at 15:21:56
Thanks again. Talked to the doctor this morning, and he agreed, stopping the Wellbutrin was the best thing to do.
Saw him this afternoon, and we're trying Lexapro now. I know he really wanted me to try Effexor again, and honestly, I was tempted. At least now I know what kinds of side effects to expect. The first time it was just so scary and unexpected, especially after the pdoc told me I probably wouldn't have any problems at all. I don't really know who he was trying to delude - me or himself.
Posted by Sebastian on January 4, 2005, at 21:49:43
In reply to allergic to Wellbutrin?, posted by DustBuster on December 31, 2004, at 19:10:35
Sounds like the wellbutrin. Skip a dose see what happens. You get a lot of energy, nervous. Sounds like the bad side-effects are wining.
This is the end of the thread.
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