Opiates cause me to itch all over.

[litnut]

Will taking Benadryl before an opiate like Vicoden (sp) stop the itching all over my body?  Scheduled for kidney cancer surgery in 2 weeks and I am so frightened that I will suffer from the pain.  Since I have a ton of allergies my surgeon says there are few choices for the pain.  He said a drug that is 40 to 50 years old might have to be used.  I can't recall the name.  I am almost 80 and this is all I think about.  I believe the surgery will go well but the pain afterwards scares me.  

[Tuckamore]

Thanks Madman. It's so good to see you active again.

Litnut, Here's some information on Hydroxyzine Pamoate from the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference). Hydroxyzine Pamoate is better known as by it's brand name, Vistaril.

BEGIN QUOTE: " Vistaril (Hydroxyzine Pamoate) is used to treat anxiety, tension, and agitation caused by emotional stress. It is also prescribed as a sedative to alleviate anxiety and tension before or after certain medical procedures (e.g., dental procedures or surgery). In addition, Vistaril is also used to relieve symptoms of itching associated with allergic conditions".

"What is the most important information I should know about Hydroxyzine Pamoate? Vistaril should not be combined with other central nervous system depressants such as narcotics, barbiturates, or alcohol."  End Quote

Madman, I am glad that this medication help with your itching. Thanks for sharing.

~Tuck

[TheMadMan]

I take a lot of morphine and pain medications. I had the itching also.
My family doctor who I have known for over 30 years knows his stuff.
He prescribed a medication called Hydroxyzine Pamoate 50mg 1 tab as needed. I don't often use this medication but when I need to, I take one pill or sometimes even more depending. Catch the itching as soon as possible. The reason why I may have to take more is because I waited too long. Usually when I am sleeping.
Ask about this medication. It helps me.

[namnam46]

Hi litnut.  :)

I'm so sad to hear all of the challenges that you are facing now!  :(   I think as Tuck said, the only thing you can do now is to trust your Doctor that he/she will do what they say and that he/she will keep you out of pain and comfortable after your surgery.  Some of the BEST medicines are the one's that are 50 to 60 years old.  They've been doing a great job for a very long time.  :)  

You hang in there and know that we are here for you and will try our best to help you in any way that we can.  One of the best things we do for each other is to give each other our support no matter what we are going thru.  :)  We're here for YOU TOO, litnut!   Welcome to our MH Family!  :) We'll be looking for your updates both before and after your surgery.  Best wishes and KNOW we are thinking of you!
                            ...........         Sherry    :)
                          

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome,

I'm sorry to hear that you are facing surgery. It's always frightening - but especially so when you have issues with allergies.

As Phil suggested pharmacogenetic testing sounds like it may be on order. However I cannot find where it is used to test for drug allergies and it's expensive. I've searched several trusted sites, including pharmacogenetic testing sites. I know they can scratch test for some antibiotics, like penicillin - but the list for drug scratch testing is not extensive.

The sites I normally use and am most familiar with and trust say this:

BEGIN QUOTE: "There is no way to test for most drug allergies.  Many tests for drug allergies are still experimental. Experts don't know how well they really work. There is the possibility of doing drug desensitization in select patients for certain drugs." End Quote

Do you "itch" with all opiates or just a few that you've been prescribed?

I have the same reaction with dilaudid - itching accompanied by horrid hives. I can however take Demerol or Morphine. Those are both "old" drugs and may be the ones your surgeon/physician is discussing. They are effective when given in the right dosage.

No, it's not a good idea to take Benadryl on a long term bases to ward off an allergic reaction. Why? Our bodies can build an allergy greater than the Benadryl would counter-act over an extended period of time. One time is okay but that's about it.

When we're allergic to a substance (antigen) our bodies often build more antibodies the longer we are exposed - so the reaction gradually becomes worse. Indeed this can include an anaphylactic reaction - which is often life threatening.

I'd trust your medical providers to do just what they promised, provide you with good pain management. That said I would discuss how they will do that and what opiates they are planning to utilize. You'll also wan to know what opiates you will be sent home with post-op.  Ask! Ask! Ask!

I hope we've been able to help you. Please let us know how everything goes. I wish you the best in your up-coming surgery.

Regards,
~Tuck

[philnoir]

This situation begs for pharmacogenetic testing, which would might discover the proper opioid analgesic for your genetics, and anesthesia.

By the way, most of our opioid analgesics were developed 50 or more years ago.

Best wishes with your surgery. I'm sure it will go fine. Knowledge beforehand will help increase the odds of a positive outcome.

[marycarmel]

I'm sorry you're facing this and I can understand your fears.  I had nine hand surgery and brain surgery and I was always afraid of the pain.  But don't worry!  They will figure out how to cover your pain.

Have you tried the Benadryl?  It may help but can also make you drowsy.  I had a terrible itching with Vicodin.  It was in my nose and ears.  But I switched to a different pain medicine.

Others will give other ideas.  I'll keep you in my prayers and I hope you let us know how things go.