Posted by Caper on May 19, 2004, at 10:44:23
In reply to Re: Focalin and all-over itchiness??, posted by University on May 18, 2004, at 21:18:29
I've gotten the itching from pain killers too, now that I think about it. It was codeine and I admit I was taking a bit too much.
I'm no medical professional, but I'm pretty sure anaphalactic shock from a medication happens quickly if it's going to happen at all.
My advice would be to get some more sleep, don't get dehydrated, and consider that (unlikely as it may seem) your dose of Focalin is too high. If it doesn't go away soon I'd see a doctor to reassure yourself.
I talked about skin problems once with my psychiatrist and she said something about nerves and skin both originally forming from the same stem cells (whatever the heck those are). But her point was that that's why so many different skin problems seem to happen to people when they are stressed out, whether it's acne or dry skin or whatever. My mom once was extremely stressed and developed such itching on her legs that she scratched hard enough to make sores that left scars- the docs couldn't find any reason for the itching. They called it neurodermatitis which seemed to me that they were basically saying "you're stressed out and this is how your body is showing it."
I hope this helps your worries a little. Don't hesitate to see a doctor though. I know the first time it happened to me it completely dominated my thoughts, which just stressed me more, until I saw a doctor. The doctor was no help at all in stopping the itching, but she was not at all alarmed by the itching either, which relieved my mind somewhat.
Let me know how it goes. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Caper
> PS, Caper, I just took 1.5mg clonazepam an hour ago and am anxiety-free and feel much more clear-headed, but still itching. This would seem indicate that the itching is not a stress response, but I realize it still could be. The itch is not unlike itching I've had while on opiates (e.g., Vicodin), which release histamines.
>
> Lastly, do you think it's anything to worry about (i.e., anaphalactic shock allergy response)? Normally, I'd be wary of an ostensibly allergic reaction, but this just doesn't seem like on. Incidentally, I have not had an allergic reaction to any drug I know of.
poster:Caper
thread:348189
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040515/msgs/348549.html