[deliquesce]

i noticed i had a bit of a rash last week, but it looked like it had gone (was just dry skin by the time i noticed) so i thought nothing of it.

today dad pointed out i had a few rashes on my neck. they are like little raised bumps, all in a circle (so the outside is raised, but the inside is just like normal skin).

decided to check things out a bit more, and it looks like i've had these across my stomach and on my thighs, but they've all healed up (stopped being red, gone down - just looks like patches of dry skin now).

i've never had anything like this before. is it possible that it's a reaction to the new anti-depressants i'm trying? i read the side effects, and hives/rashes are listed as incredibly rare. it also says i should go to emergency immediately if i notice something like this.

i see my pdoc tomorrow, so i'll just wait until then to ask him. but i'm starting to worry a bit: does this mean i might have to stop my meds? they seem to be working great.

[Eleora]

It could mean a reaction to the medication or a reaction to something else. When did you start taking the medication?

Have you changed anything in your life, like soaps, detergents, etc?

If it gets worse or you develop respiratory problems you need to seek immediate help. Allergic reactions, if that's what this is, can get progressively worse.

Depending on if you changed anything recently, you might not have to stop taking your medication. Which anti-depressant are you taking? Are you taking any other medications?

[deliquesce]

thanks for replying, girlbassplayer!!

have been on these meds for 2 weeks now. it's an MAOI (Parnate). not taking any other medications (although am taking a few vitamins - but always have).

interestingly, also did start using a new soap last week. so that probably confounds the issue. i'll talk it over with my doc tomorrow, but i'm hopeful it's the soap and not the meds. these really were a last-ditch hope.

[Eleora]

Try cutting out the soap and maybe just cross-reference an antihistamine and your medication to see if it would interact, (or call your doctor and ask). Taking an antihistamine might give you some immediate relief, but I honestly don't know if it would interact or not with Parnate.

[thunderbear]

It could be your medication. But it could also be sensitive/dry skin. Or nerves. I know when I get anxious or stressed, I get hives on my chest and throat.

[deliquesce]

thanks, guys .

i have cut out the soap like you suggested, girlbass. dad actually mentioned to me he used to get this too, and it was from his soap - so he uses something else now. i've just never had such a reaction to such a small change like that, that's all.

spoke to my pdoc also. he said we won't increase my med dose (i'm on a half dose now) until the hives go away completely. he wants to keep an eye on it in case it is the meds causing it. he said just to use some aloe vera gel, because he's worried the anti-histamine might hide it if it gets worse.