Hi. I have been getting hives since around Chrstmas time. On Jan 5th, after my symptoms were at their worst, {65% saturation) I awoke extremely fatigued. I stayed in bed a good 10 minutes before getting up. When I did get up, I was dizzy and disorientated. I awoke my partner before passing out. I was pale and clammy and very weak. I came to and felt a lot better for a minute or 2 before I passed out again. I passed out 3 or 4 times and soiled myself (whilst conscious) before the ambulance arrived. In hospital I was treated with intravenous steroids and antihistamines and was kept in for 36 hours before I was released. My symptoms persisted in hospital to spite the treatment and I kept having breakouts, but was released when saturation was down to around 15% Blood tests were carried out shortly after arrival in hospital and I was told I had not experienced anaphylactic shock. My outbreaks are now constant, although a lot milder. At times they are accompanied by dizziness, nausea and a feeling of being very cold. The hives tend for a greater part to be extremely itchy, although the odd one stings. (Not as a result of scratching) I had thought that I was experiencing an allergic reaction, but there is absolutely no constant exposure with each reaction. My 1st severe reaction was also after waking and I had not consumed anything for the 7 hours previous. I have considered washing powders etc, but have now ruled these out as I have discontinued use of these for quite some time. My symptoms could appear at home, at work (clean room environment) and anywhere else. I have other symptoms which may, or may not be related. These include stomache pains, back pains, (both lower back and spinal tension) aggitation, low mood, numbness in my fingers, toes and middle back, sweating or being very cold to name most. Some of my symptoms may be extended discontinuation symptoms after having stopped taking venaflaxine over a month ago. As I no longer believe this is an allergic reaction, I am looking for other possible causes such as an autoimmune disease or hormonal imbalance of some sort. Suggestions have been made that all of the symptoms may be as a result of venaflaxine discontinuation as my first reaction appeared aproximately a month after titrating from 187,5 mg to 150 mg. Is this a possibility? Antihistamines only alleviate symptoms if used at high dosages and this is not an option for me as it interferes too much with my job. Thank you for your time and I appreciate any advice which may be offered.