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Subject: Severe itching and insomnia aft
Hello Doctor,
I was earlier prescribed Flunil 20 mg for my mental illness (ocd ) However, I developed severe itching with red rashes all over my body, especially around the thighs and legs.
I consulted a psychiatrist who changed my medicine to Fluvoxamine 25 mg, but the same symptoms reappeared — intense itching, red patches on the skin, and also insomnia started within 2 days of starting the medication.
Please advise me on what I should do now. I was taking this for my mental health condition, but these side effects are getting difficult to tolerate.
Looking forward to your guidance.
Thank you.
Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concern.
From your description, it seems like you're developing hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to SSRIs (Fluoxetine and Fluvoxamine), both of which belong to the same class of medications. Symptoms like red rashes, itching, and insomnia are important and must not be ignored
Next Steps
Next Step:
1. Stop the medication immediately if rashes/itching are worsening.
2. Visit your psychiatrist for an urgent review.
3. An alternative class of medication (like Clomipramine or low-dose antipsychotics like Aripiprazole) might be considered under medical supervision.
4. An allergy workup or dermatologist referral may also be needed.
5. For insomnia, short-term non-habit forming options like melatonin or relaxation techniques might help temporarily.
Health Tips
Helpful Tips / Word of Caution:
Do not retry any SSRI on your own.
Document your reactions for future reference.
Psychological therapies like CBT for OCD may be useful as an adjunct or primary treatment, especially if medications cause adverse effects.
Feel free to reach out for further help.
Wishing you relief and good health.
Warm regards,
Dr. Shivam Bhandari Jain
Consultant Psychiatrist, Bhopal
🕕 Clinic Timings: Mon–Sat, 6–8 PM
📍 249 Gufa Mandir Road, Lalghati, Bhopal
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Hi
Stop the medicine and inform your psychiatrist immediately, as this may be an allergic reaction. Seek emergency care if rashes spread rapidly or you have breathing issues. Meanwhile, start CBT for OCD management.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Hello, it appears you are developing allergic reactions to both Flunil and Fluvoxamine, which belong to the same group of medicines (SSRIs). Such skin rashes and itching should not be ignored. I suggest stopping the medication for now and consulting me in detail to discuss alternative treatment options for OCD that suit you better without these side effects.
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