If you experience frequent hives, and it feels like your heart is skipping beats after you take vitamins, discontinue use and talk to your doctor immediately. Hives are most likely related to an allergic reaction. If your heart is skipping beats, it may be unrelated to taking vitamins and may be a sign of a more serious condition. Although a vitamin allergy is rare, it is possible to develop a vitamin allergy, according to Health Tree.
Hives Background
Hives are a common symptom of an allergic reaction. Hives are patches of welts that form anywhere on the skin. They are elevated, itchy and red in color. They can typically spread from one area of the body to another in a short amount of time for not apparent reason. Hives form in clusters with defined borders, but can develop in various shapes and sizes. Hives are typically harmless, but annoying. If hives form in your throat or inner-ear, they then pose a serious threat, according to MayoClinic.com.
Hives and Allergic Reaction
If you have an allergy to vitamins, your immune system mistakes the vitamins for harmful substances and begins to defend itself. During the defense, the body creates antibodies that attempt to ward off the vitamins. The antibodies trigger mast cells to produce histamine, a chemical that assists in defending the body, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Increased levels of histamine near the surface of the skin lead to inflammation, irritation and hives.
Skipping Heartbeat
It is unlikely that a skipping heartbeat is related to taking vitamins. You may experience an increased heart rate or a faint heart rate as a result of a severe allergic reaction to vitamins. If this happens, you need to stop using the vitamins and get emergency medical help. An increased but faint heart rate is a common symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic condition, according to MedlinePlus. If this symptom is accompanied with hives, shortness of breath and mental confusion, you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
Overdose Consideration
If you think you've overdosed on vitamins, you may experience adverse reactions that could cause an outbreak of hives and other symptoms. Overdosing on fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E or K can lead to life-threatening side effects, according to Drugs.com. Other than hives, an overdose of vitamins can lead to severe back pain, bleeding, pale skin, blood in your urine, hair loss, vomiting, stomach pain and severe headaches. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor.
Precautions
To avoid adverse reaction to vitamins, always follow the directions on the label and talk with your doctor before using any vitamin, mineral or other supplement. Certain drugs may have negative interactions with the vitamins you're taking.
