Iching while taking Norco?

[ZoeBird]

I was prescribed a pain reliever called Norco today for back pain. I have never taken this medication before, but after taking it I am ITCHING like CRAZY. I read from google that this is a common side effect, but is there a way to relieve the itching? It didn't say if there is a way to get rid of the itching without stopping the medicine. My back feels loads better, but the itching is so bad that it's almost not worth the pain releif. Does anyone know about this? Thanks.

 

[SweetErika]

You might try oral benadryl if you don't mind the sedative effect.

The one and only time I tried hydrocodone, I also had extreme itching, so I called my doc and he switched me to something else immediately. I'm allergic to morphine and a lot of other narcotic painkillers, so a lot of itching is usually a sign something's wrong (plus, it builds with more medication for me).

I'd suggest calling your pharmacist first and asking about the benadryl, then maybe calling your doc if the pharmacist doesn't think it's a good idea and/or it could be an allergic reaction. A lot of people are fine with things like codeine and oxycodone, but allergic/intolerant to drugs like hydrocodone and hydromorphone (and vice versa), so you may just need to try a different medication.

 

[bakedbeams]

You are able to take an antihistemine (spelling) it is the safest medication. Any of the over the counter ones will do. I am repeating my Doctors advice to me.

Having said that, and being someone who suffers from highly toxic reactions to some medications, contact your Doctor and let them know that you are having a reaction!!!

My experience has been that the longer Im on the offending medication, the more severe the reaction and the longer it takes for the reaction to subside. Your Doctor needs to know that you are having problems, he may want to reduce your dose until you become tolerant, or change your medication.

 

[shiny5437]

Pretty much what everyone else has said.

Itching with opioids can be one of two things: an allergic reaction or a side effect.

So an allergic reaction would probably go with a skin rash (ie before you scratch it), wheals, etc, whereas you don't tend to get that when it's just a side effect. Either way you need to speak to your doc and could try an antihistamine. Note that antihistamines can make you tired on top of the opioid.

You're on some fairly strong stuff though so expect some side effects in some way or another (eg constipation, etc).

 

[SweetErika]

Zoe, let us know if you got it sorted out and how you're doing, alright?

Hopefully you're just resting easy, and not in the ER for an allergic reaction or something!

 

[ZoeBird]

Thanks so much for your replies! I decided not to take the medication anymore. I would rather have back pain than feel like I have ants crawling all over my skin!!! My doctor gave me some topical patches with a strong ant-infamitory medicine in them to use. It seems I am allergic to Norco. It has been 18 hours since I last took the Norco and I still feel little twitches of itches. Crazy!! It's good to know I am allergic to the stuff though for future reference. Thank you again for your replies.

 

[SweetErika]

Thanks so much for your replies! I decided not to take the medication anymore. I would rather have back pain than feel like I have ants crawling all over my skin!!! My doctor gave me some topical patches with a strong ant-infamitory medicine in them to use. It seems I am allergic to Norco. It has been 18 hours since I last took the Norco and I still feel little twitches of itches. Crazy!! It's good to know I am allergic to the stuff though for future reference. Thank you again for your replies.

I'm glad you're okay!

If you're in pain, a call to your doc is probably still warranted. Reporting reactions is a good idea, and depending on the type of injury, there may be other medications that might help with your pain. If you've ever had success with another mild to medium painkiller, let them know, and maybe they even have some samples you can try with benadryl standing by, just in case.

 

[onsitehsv]

Norco itch

It is perfectly normal to experience itching with this class of drug. I am a pharmacy dude, and we see it all the time, heck I even experience it and it also gives me insomnia. Your md may change you to darvocet, it isn't nearly as strong at pair relief.

 

[ZoeBird]

I am having terrible back spasms when I am laying in bed at night. I was so itchy and felt so yucky from those pills that I didn't sleep at all last night. It wasn't my back keeping me up so much, just the pain pills that were keeping me up. I think the anti-inflammitory patches will be sufficiant. I'm afraid if I try another pain pill I will have another sleepless night and I really feel like shit today...

 

[SweetErika]

I am having terrible back spasms when I am laying in bed at night. I was so itchy and felt so yucky from those pills that I didn't sleep at all last night. It wasn't my back keeping me up so much, just the pain pills that were keeping me up. I think the anti-inflammitory patches will be sufficiant. I'm afraid if I try another pain pill I will have another sleepless night and I really feel like shit today...

Yeah, taking too much and/or having a bad reaction will do that. If I take painkillers too close to bedtime, I'm left in this weird vivid dreaming state that's like being awake all night.

Your doc didn't put you on a muscle relaxant, like Flexeril or Soma?

On the natural side, make sure you're getting plenty of Vitamin D (many times the FDA guidelines), and check out MSM. They're both inexpensive and have helped me with muscle spasms and inflammation (I have spasms in my neck nearly 24/7). Heat and massage help my pain a lot, too, although some people find cold more helpful.