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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sandra on March 21, 2000, at 8:03:14
hi,
i just started taking wellbutrin about 11 days ago, and for the first week, i was taking 150mg a day, then starting the second week, my doc upped the dosage to 300mg a day. for the past 4 days, my hands have been shaking uncontrollably (they were extremely steady before) and yesterday i developed this awful rash that makes me itch all over, and it's actually even worse today. the rash consists of red spots all over, even on my palms! my doctor says that it's probably not due to the wellbutrin, as i only now developed this rash, but i don't know. this is the first anti-depressant i've ever been on and i'm not sure how to track my progress, reactions, etc.
does anyone else have any advice, comments, or experience??? all would be much appreciated.
thanks,
sandra
Posted by AprilA. on March 21, 2000, at 10:08:59
In reply to has wellbutrin given anyone else a rash?, posted by sandra on March 21, 2000, at 8:03:14
> hi,
>
> i just started taking wellbutrin about 11 days ago, and for the first week, i was taking 150mg a day, then starting the second week, my doc upped the dosage to 300mg a day. for the past 4 days, my hands have been shaking uncontrollably (they were extremely steady before) and yesterday i developed this awful rash that makes me itch all over, and it's actually even worse today. the rash consists of red spots all over, even on my palms! my doctor says that it's probably not due to the wellbutrin, as i only now developed this rash, but i don't know. this is the first anti-depressant i've ever been on and i'm not sure how to track my progress, reactions, etc.
>
> does anyone else have any advice, comments, or experience??? all would be much appreciated.
>
> thanks,
> sandraSandra, I have tried taking WellbutrinSR twice and both times I had an allergic reaction. This was in the form of a hive-like rash ( small irregular shaped raised spots) with intense itching. This started on the tenth day of taking 100 mg per day. I discontinued the WellbutrinSR and used benadryl. It disappeared completely in about 2 days. A.
Posted by sandra on March 21, 2000, at 15:52:40
In reply to Re: has wellbutrin given anyone else a rash?, posted by AprilA. on March 21, 2000, at 10:08:59
> > hi,
> >
> > i just started taking wellbutrin about 11 days ago, and for the first week, i was taking 150mg a day, then starting the second week, my doc upped the dosage to 300mg a day. for the past 4 days, my hands have been shaking uncontrollably (they were extremely steady before) and yesterday i developed this awful rash that makes me itch all over, and it's actually even worse today. the rash consists of red spots all over, even on my palms! my doctor says that it's probably not due to the wellbutrin, as i only now developed this rash, but i don't know. this is the first anti-depressant i've ever been on and i'm not sure how to track my progress, reactions, etc.
> >
> > does anyone else have any advice, comments, or experience??? all would be much appreciated.
> >
> > thanks,
> > sandra
>
> Sandra, I have tried taking WellbutrinSR twice and both times I had an allergic reaction. This was in the form of a hive-like rash ( small irregular shaped raised spots) with intense itching. This started on the tenth day of taking 100 mg per day. I discontinued the WellbutrinSR and used benadryl. It disappeared completely in about 2 days. A.Thanks for the reply, April. That sounds exactly like the rash that I have. I've taken benadryl and it hasn't helped yet. What did you replace the Wellbutrin SR with? Have you tried the immediate release stuff?? I need so badly for something to work for me, and I'm not sure what to try next! Does anyone have any suggestions?
-sandra
Posted by AprilA. on March 21, 2000, at 17:48:12
In reply to Re: has wellbutrin given anyone else a rash?, posted by sandra on March 21, 2000, at 15:52:40
>
> Thanks for the reply, April. That sounds exactly like the rash that I have. I've taken benadryl and it hasn't helped yet. What did you replace the Wellbutrin SR with? Have you tried the immediate release stuff?? I need so badly for something to work for me, and I'm not sure what to try next! Does anyone have any suggestions?
> -sandraHi Sandra- I've never taken the immediate release form but I posted a question about the allergy problem about a month ago and someone suggested that the allergy might be to the time release formulation and not the drug itself. I'm thinking about trying the regular formula but I haven't yet.
The main plus for Wellbutrin in my case was the energy boost. I am taking effexorXr and I've had pretty good results. My depression is pretty predictable seasonally and I made it through the Fall without the bottom falling out so I guess it's a success. I just wish I could stabilize at a little "higher" level.
Sorry you had a bad first experience with ADs. It seems like a lot of it is trial and error.Good luck-A.
Posted by MHK on March 23, 2000, at 14:40:44
In reply to has wellbutrin given anyone else a rash?, posted by sandra on March 21, 2000, at 8:03:14
>>my doctor says that it's probably not due to the wellbutrin, as i only now developed this rash
Your doctor is misinformed. Allergic reactions do not always occur immediately upon taking a medication. Some people can even take a drug successfully for long periods of time before developing an allergy.
My own personal experience has borne this out. I took penicillin countless times as a child before developing an allergy, took bactrim for a week before hives appeared, and took minocycline for several days before I had a reaction so severe it required a 4-day hospitalization.
If Benadryl doesn't work to clear up the hives (it didn't for me), ask your doctor for a prescription of Atarax. If the Atarax doesn't work, try Vistaril. Also, hydrocortisone cream is usually prescribed, but I find that the residue becomes itchy when it dries -- I've had better luck with it in an ointment base.
Good luck!!
Posted by Cynthia on March 23, 2000, at 21:59:41
In reply to Your Doctor is Misinformed about Allergic Response, posted by MHK on March 23, 2000, at 14:40:44
Sandra- I have had the same experience- I had a bad rash on my hands and feet with intense itching No relief from Benedryl or any other OTC's about 2 weeks after discontinuing the Wellbutrin I began peeling on the same areas ( palms and feet) It became very severe . Needless to say , I will not be using Wellbutrin in the future. What other meds are you on?
Posted by sandra on March 23, 2000, at 23:16:10
In reply to Re: Your Doctor is Misinformed about Allergic Response, posted by Cynthia on March 23, 2000, at 21:59:41
> Sandra- I have had the same experience- I had a bad rash on my hands and feet with intense itching No relief from Benedryl or any other OTC's about 2 weeks after discontinuing the Wellbutrin I began peeling on the same areas ( palms and feet) It became very severe . Needless to say , I will not be using Wellbutrin in the future. What other meds are you on?
Well, today was my second day Wellbutrin-free, and my rash has faded quite a bit (now they just look like chicken pox scars. :P). i'm not currently on any other meds, because i'm trying to figure out which one to try next. i've been diagnosed as a bipolar II, but i've always resisted mood stabilzers because they've always struck me as more "serious" medication. (i know, i know...) what meds should i try next? i've heard good things about effexor, and terrible things about zoloft. i liked the wellbutrin because i didnt want to eat all the time (i've been eating non-stop since i stopped taking it), and it gave me some energy, though it somehow made me groggy at the same time. please share any recommendations or worthwhile experiences with me!
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 23:19:14
In reply to Your Doctor is Misinformed about Allergic Response, posted by MHK on March 23, 2000, at 14:40:44
An alleric reaction occurs when an allergen (the thing you are allergic to) enters your body. Your body's immune system makes antibodies to fight this foreign invader. The next time you introduce the allergen to your body your immune system begins to churn out antibodies in large numbers. The antibodies attach to white blood cells (mast cells) that contain histamine. The antibodies break open the mast cells and release the histamine. The histamine causes many changes in your body, but mainly directs white blood cells (in a more or less indirect way) to destroy the allergen and remove it from the body. The released histamine is what causes hives (the rash that is seen). Antihistamines work by binding to the mast cells, not allowing the antibodies to break open the cells and release histamine. Just a little info - Cam W.
Posted by An-Rock(Cam) on March 24, 2000, at 7:54:18
In reply to A Note on Allergic Reactions, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 23:19:14
> Cam, just curious if you've heard about a release date for this new Anti-IGE drug that is supposedly going to practically eliminate all types of allergies.
Thought I read it was due out late this summer from the drug co's genentech/novartis. I am eagerly awaiting, for this would be of great benefit to myself and countless others I'm sure.
Thanks,
Anthony
Posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 19:37:20
In reply to Re: A Note on Allergic Reactions, posted by An-Rock(Cam) on March 24, 2000, at 7:54:18
Anthony - Others on this site follow these things much closer than I do. I am only a community pharmacist and do not have ready access to this information as pharmacists in teaching hospitals. Sorry that I cannot help you more - Cam W.
Posted by AprilA. on March 25, 2000, at 12:00:45
In reply to Re: has wellbutrin given anyone else a rash?, posted by sandra on March 21, 2000, at 15:52:40
> > Sandra, I have tried taking WellbutrinSR twice and both times I had an allergic reaction. This was in the form of a hive-like rash ( small irregular shaped raised spots) with intense itching. This started on the tenth day of taking 100 mg per day. I discontinued the WellbutrinSR and used benadryl. It disappeared completely in about 2 days. A.
>
What did you replace the Wellbutrin SR with? Have you tried the immediate release stuff?? I need so badly for something to work for me, and I'm not sure what to try next! Does anyone have any suggestions?
> -sandraSandra- I just started the regular form today- I'll let you know if I break out in hives again. A.
Posted by sandra on March 26, 2000, at 1:23:09
In reply to Re: wellbutrin guinea pig/ Sandra, posted by AprilA. on March 25, 2000, at 12:00:45
>
> > > Sandra, I have tried taking WellbutrinSR twice and both times I had an allergic reaction. This was in the form of a hive-like rash ( small irregular shaped raised spots) with intense itching. This started on the tenth day of taking 100 mg per day. I discontinued the WellbutrinSR and used benadryl. It disappeared completely in about 2 days. A.
> >
> What did you replace the Wellbutrin SR with? Have you tried the immediate release stuff?? I need so badly for something to work for me, and I'm not sure what to try next! Does anyone have any suggestions?
> > -sandra
>
> Sandra- I just started the regular form today- I'll let you know if I break out in hives again. A.april-- please do let me know! i'm seeing a new doctor next week and i'm very curious as to what he will suggest for me.
sandra
Posted by bigbertha on March 28, 2000, at 3:07:03
In reply to New Allergy Products Release Dates - Anyone Know?, posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 19:37:20
Try this URL for New Drug Release Info:http://home.earthlink.net/~newdrugpb/
I didn't go past the homepage but it seems
to be in the zone for the above inquiry.
Hope it helps.
bb
Posted by AprilA. on March 30, 2000, at 19:45:56
In reply to Re: wellbutrin guinea pig/ Sandra, posted by AprilA. on March 25, 2000, at 12:00:45
>
> > > Sandra, I have tried taking WellbutrinSR twice and both times I had an allergic reaction. This was in the form of a hive-like rash ( small irregular shaped raised spots) with intense itching. This started on the tenth day of taking 100 mg per day. I discontinued the WellbutrinSR and used benadryl. It disappeared completely in about 2 days. A.
> >
> What did you replace the Wellbutrin SR with? Have you tried the immediate release stuff?? I need so badly for something to work for me, and I'm not sure what to try next! Does anyone have any suggestions?
> > -sandra
>
> Sandra- I just started the regular form today- I'll let you know if I break out in hives again. A.This was my sixth day on 100mg of the regular Wellbutrin and the hives are back. I'm pretty disappointed but at least I know now. A.
This is the end of the thread.
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