narcotics and itching?

[demi]

can anyone relate to the terrible itching associated with narcotics? what do u do?I rather help the pain but i stay up scratching all night too:(

[Sarojini]

Itching is a common side effect of narcotic pain medications. Often taking an antihistamine along with your pain med can help -- antihistamines like Zyrtec (prescription) and Benadryl (over-the-counter) are particularly effective for itching.

[Betsie]

I do experience this and sometimes it is enough to make me go out of my mind. :bonk: :bonk:

Just spoke to my Dr about this...I have always had sensitive skin, so can't ever be sure about the cause...anyway, I am taking Benadryl, full dose (2) at night. It works very well but it knocks me for a loop...pain meds don't even make me sleep, but benadryl nails me. But it is effective and I am not experiencing constant itching, but I do take this almost every night (as long as no driving is needed). I just took a half dose, am itchy and also trying out a possible daytime use. Hopeful! I take clarinex daily in the AM, but it doesn't seem to do anything for itching...at least not for me.

I am hoping to "outgrow" this side effect or least have it diminish.... :loco:

[Babs RN]

While my buddies ahead of me told you all sorts of wonderful tips, I don't have a whole lot more to add--except that we are all here for you, and that itching is definitely a well documented side effect of most narcotics. THOUGHT I AM NOT A DOCTOR, hydroxizine would be a great antihistamine, is a great sleep aid as well as potentiate you pain meds. By potentiate I mean it allows meds to work better and last longer. It is like when you get an injection for pain, they usually have things like Demerol with Vistaril or Phenergan, etc.

Hope you're doing better,
Barb :grouphug:

[sunshine_77us]

So, its ok to take to benadryl with your pain medication so you won't itch. One of my doctors told me to take one 30 minutes before I took the pain medication. I take Allegra every morning so I didn't know if I should add the Benadryl at night or not.

[Betsie]

I take Clarinex in the AM and Benadryl as needed...my understanding is this is not a conflict, but you should always check if not sure. If after hours, you could ask your prescribing pharmacy.

Just be mindful that the Benadry is likely to knock you out...maybe not, but assume so until you are sure of it otherwise. I sleep real well on Benadryl and that is a big deal for me, since nothing gets me to sleep. :rolleyes:

[dminton]

When I first started Vicodin, the bottoms of my feet itched. But it went away shortly thereafter. Your itching may also go away. Also, consider Zyrtec. It's something that I take every night at bedtime. Just a little drowsiness, not like benadryl.

I also tried a Duragesic patch once, and found that I felt itchy all over, and clammy. It didn't work for me as well as Vicodin, so I never used it again.