Celiac Support

I have been taking Effexor XR in various doses for about 8 years now. In the past 6 months, I have had serious breakouts with hives and also some facial swelling. I have also been having loose stools, gas and some cramping. I have seen an allergist, immunologist and GI specialist and no one can figure out what is wrong. According to the tests, I have no allergies. I also had an endoscopy and colonoscopy done and the biopsy results were negative for celiac disease, which I was thinking could possibly be my problem. I have cut out the gluten anyway for about 6 weeks and am feeling a little better, but not completely. I was thinking maybe I had early celiac or just gluten sensitivity. Many of my symptoms and other chronic issues seemed to fit celiac disease. The hives are still there in small patches, especially if I miss my meds. I am taking allegra, hydroxyzine and zantac for the hives. I also take effexor XR for anxiety and prilosec for GERD and Barrett's esophagus. Levbid prescribed for IBS-like problems.

My mom just discovered today online that there are people who have shared their stories of having effects of effexor show up even after taking it for several years with no problems. I am wondering if my body is just "tired of it." I am having trouble finding much info about it. Effexor has been like a miracle drug for my anxiety and I hate to have to go off of it. And I know that the withdrawal is hell...been there, done that. Also, my psychiatrist thinks my hives and bowel problems are from anxiety/IBS, which I don't believe is true. I have not been any more stressed/anxious in the past few months. I don't think she'll like the idea of changing my anxiety meds or going off them completley.

Has anyone had experience with developing hives with effexor after long term use? I did have to switch to the generic (per insurance company) when it came out in July, but I began getting hives in May.