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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 0:11:00
Hi
I am new to this forumI have been on Fluoxetine 20mg since I was 40 (female). I am now 59. For the last month I have had urticaria daily. The rash I have looks like serum sickness but I don't have a fever or aches and pains. I also have larger welts which appear to be hypersensitivity urticaria. I have been to a doctor and I get results next week. I am now thinking that it might be the fluoxetine. Today it is very bad and I cannot control it with antihistamines.
I have posted some images of my rash here
http://bolandg.zenfolio.com/p352969536
I get the itchy rash badly if I go for a swim and that is called cold-induced urticaria.But it comes up anytime. Mainly on inner arms and legs, abdomen and back.
Can anyone suggest if this might be a fluoxetine reaction even though I have been on the meds for 19 years?Thanks
Posted by bleauberry on February 6, 2010, at 8:40:40
In reply to hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 0:11:00
There is little doubt in my mind that most of us have other undiagnosed unsuspected problems besides psychiatric ones. And that in (my guess) 30% of those cases the depression itself is a direct result of that other unseen problem.
Developing a rash fits into that model as I see it. Something else is going on.
I would doubt prozac is the culprit, unless you are taking generic prozac. Then it would move up higher on my suspect list, but only if you were on a different generic than you previously were accustomed to. The supposedly neutral filler ingredients in generics can cause a host of problems for anyone with unbalanced immune systems and/or intolerances or sensitivities. Different ones can even change the absorption efficacy and rate of the active ingredient. We've seen that with nardil, parnate, and low dose naltrexone.
It is possible that somewhere along the line in recent history your generic brand was changed from one manufacturer to another? Maybe not, but worth investigating. If you don't know, your pharmacy should be able to tell you which manufacturers filled your prescriptions in recent months.
If you are on brand prozac, or on the same generic you have always been on, then I would not suspect prozac as being the problem. Something else has developed. Something else is going on. My best guess.
Hopefully your doctor will come up with some concrete findings. In my own experience that doesn't happen very often, but fingers crossed.
Posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2010, at 13:58:49
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by bleauberry on February 6, 2010, at 8:40:40
You can develop an allergy to any med after using it like PCN some get allergies after years of looking. I'd get to a doc seriously and get that rash checked out. Phillipa
Posted by Sigismund on February 6, 2010, at 19:11:01
In reply to hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 0:11:00
After taking anything for 20 years your system can decide to recognize the drug as deserving of an immune response.
That is conceivable.
Posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2010, at 20:02:06
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by Sigismund on February 6, 2010, at 19:11:01
Agree can you get the doc again? See a dermatologist? Phillipa and welcome babble!!!!!
Posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 23:45:49
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years » Sigismund, posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2010, at 20:02:06
Thankyou for the welcome Phillipa.
I am being investigated for ? urticarial vasculitis or ?lymphoma. I have a doctors appointment on Tuesday to get results of skin biopsy and blood tests.
As from today I have stopped fluoextin. The GP/dermatologist knew I was taking fluo and did not recommend ceasing it.
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2010, at 19:38:34
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 23:45:49
I'm sorry those are serious conditions. If that's the case why stop prozac what is the reasoning for that? Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2010, at 19:47:55
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 23:45:49
I now see why you have stopped the med as it can be one of causes. Hoping it is. Love Phillip. I posted a link to number one.
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2010, at 19:55:16
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by libran on February 6, 2010, at 23:45:49
Why is prozac the only ad implicated? Phillipa
Posted by gerri on February 27, 2010, at 23:28:12
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years » libran, posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2010, at 19:55:16
Just reporting back again. I forgot my registration details so had to register again.I still have the urticarial vasculitis and the other types of urticaria also anaphalactoid reactions . Fortunately tests neg for lymphoma. I went cold turkey on stopping Fluo after 20 years. My Dr was concerned. No withdrawals yet about 3 weeks now. It's made no difference to the urticaria. I'm on high doses of sedating and non sedating antihistamines and a low dose of prednisolone. I have also commenced doxepin mainly for it's antihitamine effects. I am now taking 50 mg.
It seems to be an autoimmune condition or may be mast cell activation disorder. The cause is unknown. I know another person who has had the vasculitic rash ? caused by antidepressants (not sure what type)
So whether fluoxetine has tipped me over into this auto-immune urticarial condition or not I do not know but I suspect it may have.
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2010, at 19:04:59
In reply to Re: hypersenstivity urticaria after 20years, posted by gerri on February 27, 2010, at 23:28:12
Yes it does sound like its autoimmune. How is your thyroid as autoimmune hasimotos or Graves can be sometimes the first autoimmune illness to rear it's ugly head. Lots of times at menopause time in females. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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