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Venlafaxine and Skin Rashes

5 replies

NannaDee · 07/07/2025 11:44

Hi, I've been on 37.5mg of slow release Venlafaxine for 3 weeks now and I have a spotty itchy rash all over my neck, tops of arms, back, stomach, hips, thighs and bottom. It looks similar to chickenpox. My neck is extremely dry and itchy too. I do gave eczema but nothing like this rash which developed and has got worse. It stings, itches like mad and makes me scratch until I bleed, day and night. Setraline did this to me too and I had to come off it. As for my mood.....can't say I'm noticing much change yet. Just feel very flat and it's hard getting motivated to do things, like getting up and getting going daily, which takes alot of mental energy. My skin is the worst side effect though.
Just wondered if any of you have experienced this? If so, does it get better?

OP posts:
Catsservant · 07/07/2025 19:18

Sorry can’t help you with the rash but my psychiatrist wants me to switch from citalopram to venlafaxine can’t wait yet another med to try and switch to 😒

LimeLime · 07/07/2025 20:02

I got hives with an increase in dose of venlafaxine, my GP put me on an antihistamine (cetirizine) and I've been on both for years now with no recurrence.

Goneroundthetwist · 07/07/2025 20:27

Have a look at MCAS, Ssri/snri can make it worse.

NannaDee · 08/07/2025 23:37

Catsservant · 07/07/2025 19:18

Sorry can’t help you with the rash but my psychiatrist wants me to switch from citalopram to venlafaxine can’t wait yet another med to try and switch to 😒

I feel for you. Its a nightmare keep switching and dealing with withdrawal effects and then the body's adjustment phase to the new meds. I hope you have better luck this time and venlafaxine works for you 🙏

OP posts:
NannaDee · 08/07/2025 23:47

I take 180mg of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride daily and have had to take them 3 times a day to try to get some relief. I think venllafaxine isn't right for me. Saw my doctor today and she's advised me to come off them. Thanks for uour reply LimeLime

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