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OXYCODONE and ITCHING

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Posted 10/31/2012 4:19 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Gang,

Haven't posted in a while as I've kind of been holding in a hovering pattern with my various ailments.  However, I've noticed that the oxycodone that is now allowing me to tolerate my back pain (and live somewhat normally) is giving me a fit with the side effect of itching.  When I take the oxys, I itch EVERYWHERE!!!  I am constantly scratching here and there, and I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to combat the problem.  I've tried taking an antihistamine, but that doesn't seem to make a difference.  Anyone have any suggestions?

Leigh Ann cool

Posted 10/31/2012 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
I used to get the same thing when I was on tramadol. I stopped using it the end. I'd suggest trying a new med if it's too uncomfortable to deal with. Best to talk to your Dr.
Posted 10/31/2012 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
I occasionally get the "narcotic" itch. It is usually mild for me and when it happens I take a Benadryl. I have tried other "allergy" meds like Zyrtec and Claratin but they don't work for me as far as the itching goes. Only Benadryl or a store generic version with the same active ingrediants have I had any luck with.

If that doesn't work and the itching continues, gets worse, or is accompianed with hives or any other side effects you need to speak to your doctor as it could mean that you are having a severe allergic reaction to it.
Posted 10/31/2012 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cranky,

The same thing happens to me with just about all opioids. I take benadryl about an hour before I take my meds. It helps, but I still itch some, especially at higher doses. Fortunately, the benadryl doesn't make me sleepy.

You may want to talk to your doctor, as there are also prescription options that may help you, or perhaps you might fair better on a different medication. Itching is certainly no fun! I hope you find some relief!

Skeye
Posted 11/1/2012 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
benadryl helps. if you can get a perscription for Vistaril, "Hydroxyzine Pamoate" or Atarax, "Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride" that would be optimal. Promethazine, Meclizine(Bonine), Fexofenadine, Certizine(Zyrtec), Dramamine, Chlorphineramine, Claritin all help, probably with Claritin being the weakest. AdvilPM would help pain/itching/and insomnia. 2 tabs is about 40mgs of the antihistamine
Posted 11/2/2012 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
I have had the same issue being on Loratabs long term (2 plus years), and my wife is currently on Tramadol complaining about the same thing. Seems like it comes with a lot of the pain meds. Also had that sympton when I was on diladuid.

Good luck, hope you can find some relief soon.

david
Posted 11/2/2012 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hydroxyzine Hcl has helped with my itching majorly from the opioids! It's a prescription, just ask your doctor. They gave me this and the itching went down dramatically. It's also supposed to even make the opioids work more for the pain!

Prayers your way!
-Kayla
Posted 11/2/2012 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Oh man, the nose itching used to drive me insane.
Posted 11/2/2012 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
My experience: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is about the only thing good for systemic (all over) itching over the counter. It's also the first thing they give you in the ER if you are having an non-airway obstructing (skin) allergic reaction to something. Its also the PM part in all of the Tylenol PM's, Advil PM's, etc. It's your basic antihistamine, but it does cause drowsiness in a lot of people. If it makes you really drowsy, you can cut the 25 mg standard dosage tablets in half with a pill cutter, see if that helps.

The other antihistamines are formulated for sinus or breathing issues, but can work for itching in some people. Phenergan can help itching as well as nausea, but that's another scrip and also can make you drowsy too. Cortisone cream might help as well, or just plain lotion.
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