What to do for chronic Hives?

What could my Hives be from? Medicine maybe?

• Please read all of this, there are quite a few details that I think are important. Background: I am 22 years old, a guy, don't smoke, don't drink, no known allergies. About 2 weeks ago I was put on Ritalin for Hyper-somnia. I took 20 Mg in the morning and 10 in the afternoon. I did this for a week with great results and no side affects. About the 8th day taking the medication I noticed I was itchy all over, and then I later realized I had hives on my back and chest. The next day I took the medication again in the morning but not afternoon, and again I had some hives in the evening. The following day I did not take the medication, yet I got hives in the evening. I did not take the Ritalin for 2 more days, a total of 3. I was sort of itchy those days not really bad though. Then took the Ritalin in the next morning. I again got hives that night, but not very badly. I did not take the Ritalin again for 3 days and had no real hives, but on the 3rd night I got hives again VERY badly on my back. I took benadryl and went to sleep and they were gone this morning. So I am wondering if a medication allergy would act like this? I always got hives in the evening many hours after taking the medication, and even days later. Please help, even just ideas would be helpful.

• Answer:

  This could be from your medication because it stays in your body for several days, even when you are not taking additional doses. It might also be a laundry soap you are now using which could be contributing to this so that would be another option. Call your doctor on Monday and discuss the symptoms you have been having and whether you should continue taking this medication or not.