Posted by kid47 on July 13, 2001, at 11:49:55
Hello. In August of 1999 I had what was called a severe immuno-response (allergic reaction I guess) after eating a large amount of catfish. I had never had a problem with fish before but had to be hospitalized after eating this particular catfish. My entire body swelled up & my blood pressure was dangerously high. I was not given the standard treatment of epinepherine because of the high blood pressure, but was instead given Mega amounts of IV Benadryl. After being released from the hospital I was told to continue oral Benadryl @ 4 times the normal insert suggested dosage!!! I was also started on a steroid pack.(Starting at like 6 pills a day, then reducing dose by 1 or 2 pills a day till I finished the pack in about a week) During that time I had what I now realize was a panic attack. I was told it was probably just a reaction to the meds & to reduce the Benadryl by half. After 10 days I was allowed to stop medication. I never felt quite "right" after this expeience & on Christmas of that same year I was hospitalized with severe depression & anxiety. Later this dx was changed to Bipolar II. Previous to these events I had never had a severe physical or mental illness. I have read that benadryl & steroids can both effect brain chemistry. Any thoughts on this? Possibly a combination of the meds & the trauma of the illness triggered my mental breakdown? Any input to these theories would be greatly appreciated. Sorry about the length . Thanx In Advance
kid
PS- I wasn't sure which board to post this on so redirect it if necessary Dr. B
poster:kid47
thread:69997
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69997.html