Wellbutrin severe allergic reaction - How long does the itching last?
Question posted by Notthatbad on 21 Oct 2010
Last updated on 11 September 2023
I was on wellbutrin xl at 150 mg for a week. Then upped to 300mg. I immediately began itching. After reading neg experienced others wrote about generic, i switched to Brand Wellbutrin on Day 3. Itching continued. Developed into rash all over my legs and arms. Worst itching I've every felt. Soon broke out in large hives. Dr took me off immediately when I told him about rash. I took it for 5 days at 300mg and now have been off for 5 days. But I'm still itching and continuing to break out. Not as bad, but can't sleep at night. Taking benadryl and prednisone, but not going away as I thought.
My question is this: For anyone who has experienced similar reaction, how long does it take for itching and hives to go away, (or for meds to get out your system)?
Any advice would help. I can't find any answers or info on the duration of an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin, although I know it is somewhat common. Thanks!
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63 Answers Page 5
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Dana233
20 Aug 2017
Same here! Took 75mg of W for 2 weeks then moved up to 75mg 2xs/day. I immediately started itching on my fingers, hands, scalp, and then eventually everywhere and I mean everywhere! It eventually turned into a red rash as if someone colored me in with a red marker.
Went to the Dr who agreed that I had to stop. That was 5 days ago and I still itch! Not as bad and not everywhere but it's enough for me to take Zyrtec and rub hydrocortisone cream to the places that itch.
I am super bummed because this drug was awesome! Although, I think it made some of my hair fallout too which would have also made me quit. Oh well, onto the next drug.
Votes: +0
YO
Yolanda837
4 Dec 2017
I take 300 mg.a day since I got back on it I think earlier this year around the time the itchy skin rash pops up different parts of my body and the Dr.said I had chronic hives,it itches like I've never felt before,going to stop the med and see what happens.
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BT724
11 April 2019
I’ve been taking generic brand of Wellbutrin 150 mg XL for over 3 years. Last month I switched pharmacy’s and about the same time I started getting a slight rash. Now I have itching hives on my arms and stomach and on areas of my neck and chest. I’m wondering if a allergic reaction can develop over years of use or can certain genetic brands have fillet ingredients that might cause this.
AN
Ang111986
16 May 2019
I here multiple Pharma companies can make the generic. And yes I be a variation of fillers can probably be used per company. Wonder if there’s a way to find out where the “ good” ones are sourced from?
hello, I know you wrote your post back in 2010, so unsure if you would respond to my comment. I am having the exact allergic response you had. I took Wellbutrin for 5 days and on the 5th day I had uncontrollable itching in my hands and feet that spread on my body. I am on the 5th day now being off the Wellbutrin and the itching has not gone away. It has gotten better. but still a nagging itch. Dr. put me on Allerga and a heartburn med that suppose to help. I have tried everything already. How long did your reaction to stop and you started to feel well again?
Votes: +1
YZ
Yzarate
15 July 2017
I'm having the same exact reaction. So I'm immediately stopping medication today. The itchiness is in my hands and feet mostly. Any tips ?
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boxorane
24 Oct 2010
I hope I can help a bit. I stopped taking wellbutrin two days ago. I had top go the hospital for itching/hives/swollen eyes,etc. The dr. said I was having an allergic reaction. I am also taking Benadryl and a steroid to stop swelling/itching/etc. Wellbutrin is supposed to cycle out of your system within about 5-8 days. The suggestion is to drink lots of water to help flush your system and help your skin. I am itching so badly right now it is horrible. I truly hate pfizer, and I hate pharmaceutical drugs(i just really wanted to quit smoking). Wellbutrin worked quite well until this. I am going to try and learn more about natural remedies and avoid the evil corporate nature of pharmaceutical companies. This incident(unbearable itcching) is going to be a reminder to myself the next time I consider 'trusting' Pfizer or any other garbage pharma company with my health.
I hope you feel better in 5 days!
Votes: +1
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reeree1234
26 Feb 2017
hello, I know you wrote your post back in 2010, so unsure if you would respond to my comment. I am having the exact allergic response you had. I took Wellbutrin for 5 days and on the 5th day I had uncontrollable itching in my hands and feet that spread on my body. I am on the 5th day now being off the Wellbutrin and the itching has not gone away. It has gotten better. but still a nagging itch. Dr. put me on Allerga and a heartburn med that suppose to help. I have tried everything already. How long did your reaction to stop and you started to feel well again?
DO
Dogmommy3
21 Aug 2017
From,what I've researched on Wellbutrin/Bupropion it's an amazingly common allergic reaction. Hive rash. I think it's just individual with everyone as far as the itching and Hives are concerned. I'm on my 4th day and it seems like it may be lightening up a bit. I have it all over. The itching drives me nuts.
DO
Dogmommy3
13 Sep 2017
This is dogmommy. I'm,still itching although a lot less.
JU
Julie123447
4 Oct 2017
Even after a month you’re still itching dogmommy? Crap! I’m only on my fourth day, this is hell, as if the depression wasn’t enough haha
DO
Dogmommy3
7 April 2019
I have to say being almost 56 I've been on them all. If these meds help you that's great and I'm thrilled because depression is hard to treat meaning finding the right medication. I've had it ..I am tired of trying and stopping and starting all over again. The newer anti depressants have so many side effects I am fighting this battle without them. The most recent is paxil again on a lower dose which knocks me out. My anti anxiety helps a lot. The depression I'm going to start therapy for using CBT..I have to change my reaction to situations that are not going to change. The chemicals in my brain are not. Get rid of toxic people , read, use anti anxiety meds, get outside enjoy the weather the sunshine, etc..I'm done with over 30 years of these meds that do not help. Only anti anxiety meds and CBD oil helps. good friends, no toxic ones and realizing some circumstances are not changing so my reaction is changing. I am a therapist.
