Post-Medication Reactions: Body Aches and Allergic Responses

Q: Post-Medication Reactions: Body Aches and Allergic Responses

Hello： This is a case of allergies. <br>Fatigue and weakness may be side effects of antihistamines; stopping the medication should resolve the issue.

After experiencing drug sensitivity and receiving an injection, you are now experiencing widespread bone pain. What could have happened?

Hello, Dr.
Yeh! Last week, I took Cortal for adults due to tooth pain.
I have a medication sensitivity (I react to most analgesics), so I only took a quarter of a tablet to avoid an allergic reaction.
After a while, I went to sleep, but I woke up due to nasal congestion and found that one of my eyes was swollen shut, although my vision was still normal.
The other eye also became swollen.
Eventually, I went to the emergency room.
The doctor first did a skin test on my forearm, then administered two injections, plus another one in my other arm.
However, the doctor warned me that this injection would make me feel quite uncomfortable and could cause dizziness.
To my surprise, less than two minutes after the injection, I started to feel my body trembling, and gradually my whole body began to shake, so I had to lie down in bed.
After fifteen minutes, the shaking stopped.
After half a day of treatment, my eyes did not swell further, but the swelling had not subsided.
The doctor prescribed medication for me but advised me to be cautious and return to the hospital if I experienced shortness of breath.
The medications prescribed were PREDNISOLONE TABLET 25MG and CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE TABLET 4MG, and I just finished taking the required medications yesterday.
However, for the past two days, I have been feeling very fatigued, with weakness in my arms and legs, and pain in my bones, such as my sternum, neck, and face.
The pain feels like the soreness one experiences after playing a sport after a long time of inactivity.
Dr.
Yeh, is this normal? How can I stop the medication? Thank you for your response.
Sincerely, patient muumi.

muumi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/08

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

Hello: This is a case of allergies.
Fatigue and weakness may be side effects of antihistamines; stopping the medication should resolve the issue.

Reply Date: 2006/08/08

More Info

Hello Muumi,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging situation, and I appreciate your detailed description of your symptoms and the medications you've been prescribed. Let's break down your concerns regarding post-medication reactions, body aches, and allergic responses.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the symptoms you are experiencing, such as body aches and fatigue, can indeed be related to the medications you took, particularly given your history of medication sensitivity. The medication you mentioned, Cortal (which typically contains paracetamol and possibly other ingredients), can sometimes cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The swelling of your eyes and the subsequent treatment you received, including the administration of Prednisolone (a corticosteroid) and Chlorpheniramine Maleate (an antihistamine), suggests that your body was reacting to the medication, likely in an allergic manner.

The body aches you are feeling, which you describe as similar to post-exercise soreness, could be attributed to several factors. First, corticosteroids like Prednisolone can have various side effects, including muscle weakness and fatigue, especially if taken over a longer period. Additionally, Chlorpheniramine, being an antihistamine, can also cause drowsiness and fatigue as side effects. The combination of these medications, along with your body's reaction to the initial pain medication, could certainly contribute to your overall feeling of malaise.

Regarding your question about whether these symptoms are normal, it is not uncommon for individuals who have experienced an allergic reaction to feel fatigued and achy afterward. The body can take time to recover from such reactions, and the medications used to treat them can also contribute to these feelings. If you are feeling excessively fatigued or if the body aches persist, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to evaluate your symptoms further to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

As for stopping the medication, it is crucial to do so under the guidance of your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing side effects from the medications, your doctor may suggest tapering off or switching to alternative treatments that may be better tolerated. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about all the symptoms you are experiencing, including the fatigue and body aches, so they can make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to the medications you took and your body's reaction to them, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They can help determine the best course of action for managing your symptoms and ensuring your recovery. Please take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or if you have any concerns.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and better health ahead.

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