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What Causes Hives On The Shoulders While On Wellbutrin?

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Posted on Wed, 26 Jul 2017
Question: I have very suddenly broken out in hives today on my shoulders, chest, arms and legs. 50 year old male. Excellent health. No known allergies. Under prolonged stress, particularly so this week. Taking Wellbutrin for past several weeks to cope with depression. No previous experience with hives. Thoughts?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Hives can come on from an allergic response to a food or substance, from a virus, thyroid disease, medications, and other reasons, so sometimes it's hard to sort out. Food allergies to peanuts, nuts, shellfish, and other foods can come on at anytime even if no prior history. People can also react to laundry products, particularly those with fragrances and dyes (which many of them have).

I recommend taking either Benadryl 50 mg every 4-6 hours, or Zyrtec 10 mg twice a day. The Benadryl may work faster. These are antihistamines which will help decrease the itching and hives.

However, if you are finding it is intolerable, OR if you should have difficulty with breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, then you need to go to the ER. There they will give a shot of epinephrine if you are having a severe reaction, and a short course of corticosteroids.

I am wondering about the Wellbutrin as that is a relatively new medication for you. It is not a common medication for allergic reactions, but reactions can happen with any medication.

If the hives continue, then I recommend talking with your doctor about the Wellbutrin. But this may be just a temporary thing that will go away soon.

I hope this information helps. I've had hives and know that they are no fun.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Hives On The Shoulders While On Wellbutrin?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Hives can come on from an allergic response to a food or substance, from a virus, thyroid disease, medications, and other reasons, so sometimes it's hard to sort out. Food allergies to peanuts, nuts, shellfish, and other foods can come on at anytime even if no prior history. People can also react to laundry products, particularly those with fragrances and dyes (which many of them have). I recommend taking either Benadryl 50 mg every 4-6 hours, or Zyrtec 10 mg twice a day. The Benadryl may work faster. These are antihistamines which will help decrease the itching and hives. However, if you are finding it is intolerable, OR if you should have difficulty with breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, then you need to go to the ER. There they will give a shot of epinephrine if you are having a severe reaction, and a short course of corticosteroids. I am wondering about the Wellbutrin as that is a relatively new medication for you. It is not a common medication for allergic reactions, but reactions can happen with any medication. If the hives continue, then I recommend talking with your doctor about the Wellbutrin. But this may be just a temporary thing that will go away soon. I hope this information helps. I've had hives and know that they are no fun.