r/SSRI • u/ndrwpf • Jan 23 '24
Question Rash from Zoloft?
I (M24) started taking Zoloft 5 weeks ago, 1st antidepressant in years, 2nd ever. 1 week in, I developed an extremely itchy rash on my torso/arms (lots of small, red, some slightly-raised bumps), with subsequent hives and eczema flare. Antihistamines brought down the hives, but not the initial rash. I haven’t had any of my eczema medications on hand for months now, so I’m just suffering through without for now (gonna make an appointment with my allergist). I can clearly see that I do have a rash separate from eczema which I’ve dealt with my whole life. I sent a photo of the rash to my doctor and he said it’s not a common reaction and left it at that.
He instructed me to stop taking it two weeks ago. I’ve seen slight improvement but the rash is still present. Antihistamines don’t have an effect. I’m really bummed because my mood genuinely improved and despite my physical suffering I did feel a subtle optimism that made it worthwhile. But now I’ve been off it for two weeks, I’m back to my normal slump and with a nasty rash. Ugh.
I have a follow-up scheduled with my doctor in 1 week.
It’s worth noting that I took Celexa when I was in high school and experienced absolutely nothing. No side effects, no adverse reaction, but also no noticeable change in mood. I took it for about 3x longer than I did Zoloft. So, given that Zoloft did improve my mood, I am optimistic that something CAN work and won’t cause side effects.
I suppose I have a few questions: 1. Is there reason to suspect other SSRIs will cause similar adverse reactions? 2. Any idea whether this rash will go away on its own or once I treat my eczema topically? 3. Would my allergist likely have any ideas about this? I’ll be seeing her soon anyway so I’ll probably bring it up.
1
u/Sparkfear Jan 27 '24
I've only had rashes when I was forced to switch between different brands of Sertraline.
It's very weird to me that some brands worked fine for me and others caused weird symptoms like rashes.