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What Causes Spontaneous Itching All Over The Body While On Cetirizine?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Question: After experiencing spontaneous moderate to severe hives and joint pain I saw a doctor and was prescribed the antihistamine Cetirizine HCL 10 mg, to be taken orally every 12 hours. The doctor suggested that the hives might be evidence of urticaria vasculitis. After taking the medication, I have experienced disconcerting symptoms, including drowsiness, dry mouth, tingling in the head and momentary pain. Tonight those symptoms have gotten worse and I am also experiencing muscle spasms and muscle pain in my legs and arms. This is very disconcerting, and I have also noticed a small red lump on the back of my upper neck. I am unsure if the medication is causing all these symptoms, as the joint pain came before I started taking the medication. What should I do? I think the medication is preventing the reoccurrence of the hives, but these side effect, if they are indeed side effects, seem serious. Should I maybe stop the medication altogether or limit dose/frequency? Thank you and please help.
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Maheshwari (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Stop cetrizine and get checked by a Rheumatologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thankyou for asking here.
Dear from your history and blood report of elevated blood ANA levels I doubt about autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune disease happen without any cause factor and in some autoimmune diseases antinuclear antibodies(ANA) are raised.
one of autoimmune disease example is Rheumatoid arthritis which may cause joint pains and hives ,other example is SLE (systemic lupus errythromatosis) which may also cause these symptoms.
In nut shell I would advice you to stop antiallergic and get an appointment of Rheumatologist .As it needs thorough examination and you may need some more investigation after getting checked in person.
Please do share if I need to clarify you more,I will be happy to help.
Best Regards,
Dr.Maheshwari
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Maheshwari

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 766 Questions

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What Causes Spontaneous Itching All Over The Body While On Cetirizine?

Brief Answer: Stop cetrizine and get checked by a Rheumatologist. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thankyou for asking here. Dear from your history and blood report of elevated blood ANA levels I doubt about autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease happen without any cause factor and in some autoimmune diseases antinuclear antibodies(ANA) are raised. one of autoimmune disease example is Rheumatoid arthritis which may cause joint pains and hives ,other example is SLE (systemic lupus errythromatosis) which may also cause these symptoms. In nut shell I would advice you to stop antiallergic and get an appointment of Rheumatologist .As it needs thorough examination and you may need some more investigation after getting checked in person. Please do share if I need to clarify you more,I will be happy to help. Best Regards, Dr.Maheshwari