I have been on WB SR 150 since Feb.; at first I did great...then hives set in. I stopped it all together and re-started a few more times; hives were not consistent.

Ritalin was started in May with great initial results. Then once again hives/skin rash and poor complexion began. I stopped the WB (hives continued) stopped Ritalin (hives continued).

So....it appears it is not the Ritalin or WB per say, I am having inicreased anxiety from the stimulant properties causing me to get hives. At the same time, having positive results with the medication tx.

Starting Hydroxyzine (atarax/vistaril)-antihistamine- tonight to fight off hives and it also helps with anxiety. Benadryl does not quite cut it.

I am hoping this helps settle the anxiety so I can continue this tx.

Atarax anyone? Thanks:)

Kim

Hi Kim,

Wow this is interesting. I don't take atarax, but I am struggling with hives too. And I get them on my face so they are a huge source of social phobia (and anxiety in general). I am currently trying loratadine (claritin). I never thought loratadine would work for hives. I just took it one day for hay fever and was thrilled to find out it suppresses the hives! All last year I was taking high dose cetirizine (reactine) plus chlortripolon and even THAT didn't suppress them completely. :( Plus the latter combination made me both sleepy and depressed. I've been at my wits end with it all and if this loratadine doesn't work i don't know what I will do. So far it is at least helping somewhat, but it does not suppress them completely. I'm thinking to boost the dose and see if it is any better.

I have wondered if the stimulants aggravate the hives. For me, the hives come when my body overheats even in the slightest way. I've read heat acclimatization helps too (if heat aggravates them) so i am going to try that as well. I'm also working to keep my body well hydrated because when I get dehydrated (including too little salt) the hives get worse I think.

btw my doctor once gave me a drug called doxepin for hives. apparently it is 700X stronger than benedryl? It is an antidepressent but when used in very small doses acts as an antihistamine. I tried it but the sedating effects were too much for me. But that might be another option if the atarax doesn't work.

Anyway....please keep us posted--I'm interested to hear how it goes for you.

Good luck!

Sprite- Sorry to hear that you are having hives too!!:(

I took the generic Atarax (Hydroxyzine)last night for the first time and it did help with the hives/itch. It is also suppose to help with anxiety....I didn't really notice any decrease. Maybe it needs to build up in my system first?

It is also suppose to help with sleep and cause drowsiness....I took 25mg and did not get drowsy at all. So now I know I can take it during the day if need be. I had to take another 25mg before bed....I did wake up refreshed.

Doxepin? Huh- I will look that one up...thanks.

This a.m. my doctors office called to check on me (they are so good to me:) ); they want me to continue the Ritalin and see what happens. The WB, they will get back to me on!

It is so frustrating....the stimulants help, however the side effects of increased anxiety causes hives. So I guess we have to ask ourselves; are the side effects worth the benefits? I would say yes...if I can get the hives in order.

I don't get hives everyday, some days are better than others. However, I usually will have itchy skin on my upper arms and chest area. My face is also itchy sometimes; sensitive face with slight rosacea.:(

Exercise, drinking lots of water, healthy diet, cool showers...all help me with hives and anxiety. If I go to the gym, get over heated(like you), then come home and take a shower.....I am asking for trouble. :eek: My skin will be bright red and itch for hours. I have sensitive skin and a tendency for hives w/o meds.

Keep me updated on your hives!!

Kim:D

Hi Kim,

How is it going with the atarax? Are you still taking it? I am still trying various combinations of antihistamines for my hives. Claritin, reactine (the odd time in combo with the claritin), ranitidine (when I can afford it....i take it with the claritin and it seems to help somewhat). Gah. It all gets so expensive. :(

I also recently changed what I used for shampoo and skin cleanser, only because if my skin is dry and irritated...it seems to set me up for even worse hives.

I've also been doing heat acclimatization. :) It is a bit silly. I turn up the heat in my apartment every day for a spell and even though it is uncomfortable I try to make myself sit through it. I'm not sure if that has been helping or not...my hives seem a bit better the last week or so...but it might be because of the skin cleanser.

Please let us know how it is going for you!

Gulp.....I just swallowed Atarax. :p

For real.....I started back on Ritalin and Wellbutrin; tonight was the first night I got hives.

Just tiny little red itchy bumps on my arm.:confused: Although, it is definately anxiety related since my son had an "off" day at school today and I got "the call" from the teacher. So now we have a behavioral plan meeting tomorrow.

Yeah......that will cause anxiety and hives!!!:eek:

To rate it on a scale of 1-10; 10 being the best. I would rate it a 6 or 7. It works sometimes, I think there must be something better out there?

Oh the side effects! Aren't they fun?????;)