Hi, I am am taking risperdal , xanax , and wellbutrin for bipolar disorder , OCD , and anxiety . I decided to try taking 5-HTP supplements with it in the morning to see if it would help me out more. The next day I did not take it but I noticed a strange rash that looks almost like poison ivy, but, I have had to contact with poison ivy. They are raised bumps that itch sometimes, but, not THAT bad. They started on my right arm and I noticed them today on my left thumb . What could this be and what should I do?
Hi Nikole, Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for your question... Firstly, I hope that you are taking the mentioned psychiatric medication only on advice of a psychiatrist. I'm also not sure whether the psychiatric diagnoses which you have mentioned are self-made or made after a proper assessment by a psychiatrist. The reason is because there seems to be a discrepancy between you diagnosis and the type of medication you are on. You have mentioned that you have a bipolar disorder, but you are not on a mood stabilizer. Also, you have mentioned that you have OCD, but again you don't seem to be on the appropriate medication. Risperidal is an anti-psychotic medication and Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant medication. So, please clarify and discuss about your medication with a psychiatrist. 5-HTP supplements are non-prescription, off-label medication which may be useful in depression and anxiety, but there is no clear and scientifically proven data or evidence for it. Moreover, they are NOT advised for people who are already taking anti-depressant or other psychiatric medication because that can result in side effects (sometimes a dangerous adverse effect called "serotonin syndrome") If your rash has developed following the starting of these supplements, then there is a strong likelihood that it may be related. Itching and rashes can sometimes be part of a serotonin syndrome also. My advise would be to STOP the 5-HT supplements and consult your doctor for further evaluation and advice. All the best. - Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist