Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 436145

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allergic to Wellbutrin?

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?

 

Re: allergic to Wellbutrin? » DustBuster

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.

 

Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?

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.

 

Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?

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

 

Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?

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.

 

Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?

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.

 

Re: allergic to Wellbutrin?

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.


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