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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 sebek on September 14, 2004, at 19:17:08
Hello,
I've been taking Lexapro for three months. I developed very irritating hives all over my body about a month and a half ago, and I haven't changed anything else in my life (soap, pets, diet, etc.) other than this medicine.I read something else online about a few people experiencing this kind of side effect. Does anyone either a) have a similar experience and/or b) know of another SSRI that might work as well, but not cause this problem? Thanks!
Posted by King Vultan on September 14, 2004, at 23:37:03
In reply to Hives Lexapro - what to do!?!, posted by sebek on September 14, 2004, at 19:17:08
> Hello,
> I've been taking Lexapro for three months. I developed very irritating hives all over my body about a month and a half ago, and I haven't changed anything else in my life (soap, pets, diet, etc.) other than this medicine.
>
> I read something else online about a few people experiencing this kind of side effect. Does anyone either a) have a similar experience and/or b) know of another SSRI that might work as well, but not cause this problem? Thanks!
Well, it sounds like you're having an allergic reaction to the Lexapro, and my opinion is that your doctor needs to be made aware of this as soon as possible, if you haven't done so already. If the drug is working well otherwise, you may want to ask if adding an OTC antihistamine would be prudent or worth trying. Otherwise, I would suggest going with a different SSRI. Considering that Celexa is so similar to Lexapro that it would likely cause the same problem to at least some extent, I guess I would suggest Zoloft as probably the next closest in terms of overall character; although, you would almost certainly notice some differences in terms of side effects.Todd
Posted by sebek on September 15, 2004, at 10:29:17
In reply to Re: Hives Lexapro - what to do!?!, posted by King Vultan on September 14, 2004, at 23:37:03
> > Hello,
> > I've been taking Lexapro for three months. I developed very irritating hives all over my body about a month and a half ago, and I haven't changed anything else in my life (soap, pets, diet, etc.) other than this medicine.
> >
> > I read something else online about a few people experiencing this kind of side effect. Does anyone either a) have a similar experience and/or b) know of another SSRI that might work as well, but not cause this problem? Thanks!
>
>
> Well, it sounds like you're having an allergic reaction to the Lexapro, and my opinion is that your doctor needs to be made aware of this as soon as possible, if you haven't done so already. If the drug is working well otherwise, you may want to ask if adding an OTC antihistamine would be prudent or worth trying. Otherwise, I would suggest going with a different SSRI. Considering that Celexa is so similar to Lexapro that it would likely cause the same problem to at least some extent, I guess I would suggest Zoloft as probably the next closest in terms of overall character; although, you would almost certainly notice some differences in terms of side effects.
>
> Todd
Hi Todd - thanks. My doctor suggested switching to Zoloft, but I have multiple friends who really hated it for various reasons (zombie feeling, no sex drive). Another option she suggested was Welbutrin. I have also experienced weight gain with the LExapro and want to avoid that with the next drug. Any thoughts?
Posted by Steve3211 on September 15, 2004, at 16:30:16
In reply to Hives Lexapro - what to do!?!, posted by sebek on September 14, 2004, at 19:17:08
Sebek,
Apart from the rash how is the Lexapro working? I am also on a low dose of lex (5-7.5mg) for 7 months and it seems to be quite effective. Was depression free but am now experiencing a bump. I also had hives on my chest and back although not to bad. I consulted my doc and she had me continue. They have since cleared up as have the majority of all the s/e's. This is my first a/d and I have been quite impressed.
Best to you-Steve
Posted by sebek on September 15, 2004, at 16:45:13
In reply to Re: Hives Lexapro - what to do!?!, posted by Steve3211 on September 15, 2004, at 16:30:16
Hi Steve,
Thanks! This is also my first time trying a medication. I was fist on 5mg, and then went up to 10mg. The rash has gotten pretty unbearable and has spread, gotten worse recently. The dermatologist couldn't really say if it was a reaction to Lexapro, but he didn't rule it out (since I had nothing else going on recently). The Lexapro was working pretty well, so I'm reluctant to switch, but the hives are awful! :)
Posted by sebek on September 15, 2004, at 16:45:47
In reply to Re: Hives Lexapro - what to do!?!, posted by Steve3211 on September 15, 2004, at 16:30:16
Hi Steve,
Thanks! This is also my first time trying a medication. I was fist on 5mg, and then went up to 10mg. The rash has gotten pretty unbearable and has spread, gotten worse recently. The dermatologist couldn't really say if it was a reaction to Lexapro, but he didn't rule it out (since I had nothing else going on recently). The Lexapro was working pretty well, so I'm reluctant to switch, but the hives are awful! :)
Posted by Steve3211 on September 15, 2004, at 17:04:01
In reply to Re: Hives Lexapro - what to do!?!, posted by sebek on September 15, 2004, at 16:45:47
Seb,
I really feel for you. It sucks when you find a good med and then you may have to get off because of a physical reaction. Talk to your pdoc before going off, lower your dose to 7.5 mgs, give it a little longer. I guess you've tried all the lotions and anti hitamines out there.
Steve
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