☼ Lucy1983: itching please help

[Lucy1983]

Hello.  I discontinued all of my medications over a 3 mo period April-June. Apparently was not a good move but I am 8 weeks out so it is too late to correct now. I had all of the usual withdrawal symptoms which seem to have subsided. My continued problem is scalp/face itching that is causing sores on both areas.  I have been taking Benadryl which seems to provide mild help with the constant itching.  The itching has intensified since June after my final dose of seroquel.  Can someone tell me if this is a withdrawal symptom and, if so, offer help? 

[ChessieCat]

Hi Lucy,

 

Welcome to SA.

 

We need some more information before we can offer any suggestions. 

 

Please create your drug signature.  We need details (drug name, dates of dose changes, and doses) for the last 2 years and anything older than 2 years just a summary (drug name, year, dose if known, how long on the drug, and how you got off it, eg fast taper, cold turkey).

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

If you are accessing the site from a phone you may need to use a computer to create your drug signature.

 

This is your own Introduction topic where you can ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

[Lucy1983]

Hi ChessieCat I already did that. It shows on my end. ??? Yeah I'm really confused. I don't know where to start my introduction. I've been reading this site for awhile now and feel like I already know you and some other long time members. I really wish I had found y'all months ago and had done a long withdrawal but too late for me to do that now. 

 

[ChessieCat]

I don't think it was showing when I was first reading your post.  But it is showing now.  Thank you.

 

We do need some more information about the tapers please.

 

Zoloft:  how did you get off that?  cold turkey.  If yes, please add that to your signature with the dates you took it.  If tapered please add dates and doses and include the last dose you took.

 

Seroquel:  please add dates and doses and include the last dose you took.

 

Lamictal:  please add dates and doses and include the last dose you took.

 

Alprazolam:  please add dates, beginning and end for when you took it continually

 

Ambien:  please add dates for the 10mg and 5mg

 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

19 minutes ago, Lucy1983 said:

I don't know where to start my introduction.

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  It is the place for you to ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

[ChessieCat]

52 minutes ago, Lucy1983 said:

My continued problem is scalp/face itching that is causing sores on both areas.  I have been taking Benadryl which seems to provide mild help with the constant itching.  The itching has intensified since June after my final dose of seroquel. 

 

Can you remember the approximate date that this started?

[ChessieCat]

What symptoms are you still experiencing (other than the itching)?

 

How is your sleep?

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

[Lucy1983]

Other than the itching I am doing quite well. The brain zaps and nausea have disappeared, I was very irritable with a headache for several weeks but am much improved.  Still get really hot inside at times. Chills have gone away. I still take ambien 5mg for my sleep and am starting to sleep through the night.

 

The scalp/face itching started about 2-3 weeks after my starting the taper of all meds. So at least 13 weeks now, It gets much worse in the evenings.

[ChessieCat]

Thank you for adding dates to your drug signature.

 

Please state what the last dose you took before you stopped each drug.

 

It is very important that we have accurate information so we can offer you suggestions.

[gardenlady]

Lucy, You might find this thread helpful.

 Rest assured that you are not alone with this awful itching problem as it is definitely a common psych drug withdrawal symptom.  I have the severe itching, too, and it is one of the worst physical symptoms for me.   I have it despite a proper, slow taper so don't think it's necessarily because you tapered too quickly.  It can happen regardless of how one tapers. 

[Lucy1983]

ChessieCat I completed my signature to the best of my ability.  I had years of extreme stress so sought psychiatric help in July/2013 and was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety.  The dr put me on several medications which she "tweaked" as the years ticked by.  I never questioned my dr. She said my condition would be even worse if not for the meds and that I would need them for the rest of my life. I was 59yo at the time.  However, my anxiety only worsened over the past 7 years to the point that I was taking Alprazolam (xanax) every day, throughout the day and still had problems coping. My last visit with her was on  March 20, 2020.  She added even more medication and told me she might want to lower the zoloft dosage as it could cause anxiety.  Over the next few days I couldn't get her comment out of my head.  So I researched all the medications she had me on. Zoloft, Seroquel, Lamictal, Propranolol, Alprazolam and Ambien.  I was shocked.  And I was on a high dose of each medication.  I decided to stop the meds so sought help from my MD and a therapist. Both were against my decision so I had to do it alone.  I started getting off of the meds (still take a lower Ambien dose) in April and have been completely off for over 9 weeks. I will say the withdrawal process of about 20 weeks was rough and I still have some withdrawal symptoms. But so far my anxiety level has dropped considerably. I am more aware of my mood and have been able to take steps to limit stress.  My main issue now is my scalp itching that started 7/6/20. 

[Shep]

 

19 hours ago, Lucy1983 said:

My main issue now is my scalp itching that started 7/6/20. 

 

Lucy, I'm wondering if this might be related to Seroquel. Seroquel affects histamine receptors and can causing itching upon withdrawal. Of course, other drugs can, too, but the timing of this symptom with stopping Seroquel after a very rapid taper in June may be the problem. You also stopped Lamictal and Ambien around that same time, but Seroquel is really notorious for its effect on histamine receptors. 

 

You may want to try a low-histamine diet. Please see:

 

Histamine food intolerance

 

Are you taking any prescription drugs or supplements now? If so, please list them. 

 

How bad is the scalp itching? Does it keep you awake at night? 

 

 

[Lucy1983]

Hello Shep and thank you for your post. I will check out the Histamine diet link. 

The scalp itch is very uncomfortable. I have read so many post on this site and on other blogs to assume my problem is seroquel wd related.  I had been taking benadryl but not often for fear of just ingesting yet another drug but upped my dose to every 4 hours a couple of days ago and gives some relief. The itching does not wake me during the night.

I do take supplements and prescription drugs listed below.

Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg/ prescription for high cholesterol Started June 2019

CoQ10 200mg- started June 2019

Ambien 5mg 

Zinc 25mg- I started taking April 2020

Vitamin D-3 2000IU  - Started April 2020

 

[Shep]

19 hours ago, Lucy1983 said:

I had been taking benadryl but not often for fear of just ingesting yet another drug but upped my dose to every 4 hours a couple of days ago and gives some relief. The itching does not wake me during the night.

 

Please see this post for information on Benadryl:

 

Antihistamines for withdrawal insomnia (diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydroxyzine)

 

 

 

19 hours ago, Lucy1983 said:

Ambien 5mg 

 

What time(s) of the day are you taking Benedryl and Ambien? 

 

Please place all of your drugs in this interaction checker and copy and paste the results here in your thread: 

 

Drug interactions checker

 

When did you start taking Benadryl? 

 

 

 

[Lucy1983]

Good morning Shep. I had stated earlier that my scalp/face itching started on 7/6/20 but looking back that is just when it got really bad. I have worn shoulder length hair for a few years. But it started driving me nuts sticking to my neck and face so I had it cut June 29,2020. Realizing now that it was the itching/skin sensitivity causing my hair to bother me. So I know now that it started in late April after I began to reduce my medications.  I started using a low dose benadryl around July 8,2020.   After a few days I tried dropping the dose to 1 or 1/2 pill every 2-4 hours and tried that for a couple weeks. Then reduced even more hoping my itching would eventually resolve itself.  But it only got worse and I was getting sores on my scalp/forehead from scratching . So on Monday 8/24/20 I started taking 2 pills every 4 hours during the day. Last dose of day is around 6-7pm. The past few days of taking the higher dose has help me tremendously. The itching almost subsides and the sores have healed.  Benadryl does not cause me to be drowsy like it does most people.  

I take ambien nightly around 10:30-11pm.  (I do plan to start tapering the ambien eventually but not ready now).

I have read so many posts on this site about different people's journey getting off psych meds. I truly realize that I (so far) have been extremely fortunate that most of my wd symptoms only lasted about 5 months. I am so hoping the symptoms do not return as I now know that they could. Mentally I am progressing also.  I realize I am in the early stage of recovery and could have a very long journey ahead. Reading other people's stories has been extremely insightful and helpful.   

Thank you Shep

[Lucy1983]

ChessieCat I had updated my signature on Tuesday with detailed info and just now saw that it didn't update. Darn! I will try to do it again. 

[Lucy1983]

I think my signature is finally finished. Please let me know if more detail is needed.

[Shep]

 

19 hours ago, Lucy1983 said:

The past few days of taking the higher dose has help me tremendously. The itching almost subsides and the sores have healed.  Benadryl does not cause me to be drowsy like it does most people.  

I take ambien nightly around 10:30-11pm.  (I do plan to start tapering the ambien eventually but not ready now).

 

The Benadryl may be helping the withdrawal off the other drugs. And since it's very hard to tell which drug withdrawal is causing this symptom (although I really suspect it's the Seroquel), if you're doing okay with the Benadryl, you may want to stick with it. And you're wise not to taper the Ambien right now. You've had too many drug changes the past few months so let your nervous system stabilize for a number of months before you come off the Ambien. The Ambien is likely helping with the the Xanax withdrawal. 

 

My advice would be to take the Benadryl consistently - same dose and same times of the day each day until you're feeling stable. Please note that Benadryl will need to be tapered at 10% or less a month, as it can also cause dependency. 

 

Please post your thoughts. 

 

18 hours ago, Lucy1983 said:

I think my signature is finally finished. Please let me know if more detail is needed.

 

Please add the Benadryl information with dates and doses. 

[Lucy1983]

Thank you Shep.  I also added to Zinc and D3 to my signature. I hadn't even thought they could be contributing to my scalp itching until I was reading the neuropathy section on SA yesterday. So I won't take them anymore to see if my condition improves. 

 

To gardenlady. Thank you so much for your earlier post. I had somehow missed it.

[Lucy1983]

@ChessieCat  asked me to post this here instead of where  I had posted on 8/27/20

I started taking Zinc and D3 in March to build my immune system against Covid19.  Started my wd in April with my final dose mid June.  My scalp began tingling/itching sometime in April and has continued to get worse. After further reading on SA I found that both Zinc and D3 may be contributing to this condition. So I didn't take them today and will stay off until I stabilize. I did update my signature to reflect.

 

 

[Lucy1983]

Update:

 Taking benadryl 3x day has given me a lot of relief from the scalp/face itching but it comes on strong if I am late on a dose. It is especially bad at night but doesn't keep me awake. I am wondering how long it will last but know only time will tell.  I eat mostly low histamine foods but am not on a specific diet.  The itching is currently my only physical withdrawal symptom.  Mentally I take one day at a time and am thankful for every peaceful moment my mind gives me.  I am so grateful to everyone that has posted their mental journey on SA.  Reading the personal stories gives me comfort in knowing that I am not alone and that there is hope. 

 

[ChessieCat]

I'm glad you are getting relief from the itching.  It can drive you nuts.

 

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned before but if you are taking it regularly and for an extended period of time you might need to taper it when you decide to stop taking it.  You probably can do it reasonably quickly but if you find as you lower your dose you get symptoms then you would stay at that dose or updose.

 

Be aware that taking Benedryl might cause constipation.  This is something that is better "nipped in the bud" than to allow it to get bad.

 

Lots of water, fibre and walking can help.

[Lucy1983]

@ChessieCat thank you for the reply. Yes Shep suggested I do a taper of the benadryl which is definitely my plan when the time comes. 

 I worry that the benadryl is going to have it's own ill effect on me but for now it is necessary.   Thanks for the nip it in the bud info!

[ChessieCat]

Just now, Lucy1983 said:

 I worry that the benadryl is going to have it's own ill effect on me but for now it is necessary. 

 

I would be more concerned about it stopping working.  If you notice that your itching starts earlier before your next dose, you might want to investigate what else might be available instead of relying on only one thing or having to keep taking more often.  As you say it is necessary now, and things might work out okay.

[Lucy1983]

83 days since my last drug reduction and it has been a mentally clear day. My first true window! Here's to hoping I have many more of them:) 

 

Still taking benadryl 3x daily which has continued to keep my scalp calm. I would like for my scalp symptoms to go away before I begin the ambien taper but have no clue as to when, or if , that will happen. 

 

For now I am planning to hold pat for at least another 30-90 days.

 

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChessieCat
removed white space

[Hanna72]

Hi @Lucy1983

7 hours ago, Lucy1983 said:

83 days since my last drug reduction and it has been a mentally clear day. My first true window! Here's to hoping I have many more of them:) 

Wow that’s great news. Aren’t those windows just wonderful.

You will have more of them, keep having faith and know that you will experience more of them.

Enjoy your windows 

All the best to you🙏

[Lucy1983]

Hi @Hanna72thank you for the encouragement:) All the best to you too!!!

[Lucy1983]

I updated my signature to include all of my past psych drug history.  I have been reading posts on SA that speak of intrusive thoughts. I had not related my thought content to my past drug WD/CT but so apparent now as I think back.  My intrusive thoughts didn't begin until after taking/stopping Paxil which was prescribed to me for mild depression/anxiety after my sister's death in 1997.   Well what a crazy road that has taken me on!  I am so incredibly thankful for everyone that has posted about the intrusive thoughts. Now I have a safe place to go to talk and be understood.  My mind goes through periods of picking apart every single thing I have ever said or did during my life.  I sometimes feel oppressive guilt and unforgiveness.   I have had days, weeks, months, years that I have woken filled with dread and spend the days feeling doomed, alone and scared. Now I know why.  Now I can heal.

 

[Lucy1983]

Note to self. So grateful for the past 6 weeks of feeling good. I know others have not been so fortunate.  Today I woke feeling exhausted and irritable and I am not improving. I am hoping this is just a bump in the road and not the beginning of a wave. But, I am focusing on the thought that, whatever the cause, I am in the process of healing. Looking toward a better day tomorrow. 

 

[Lucy1983]

Sugar was the culprit. Candy Corn to be exact. I need to remember, remember, remember to not over indulge. Seems the more I intake the more I crave. I plan to abstain completely for at least 3 days and then take only a little if any.  I am glad to have recognized the cause of my issue so quickly. Now be strong and block out the call coming from the pantry! 

[Shep]

A lot of people going through withdrawal report having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and eating sugar can makes us feel a lot worse. If this is what's happening, you may want to go on a low-sugar diet during withdrawal. Also, eating foods that are high glycemic carbs can cause the same problem. 

 

Sugar can stimulate the production of adrenaline, which can cause upticks in anxiety and insomnia. 

 

That's great you figured out what was causing the upticks in your symptoms.

 

[Lucy1983]

Anyone have any coping technique suggestions?

I get so easily overwhelmed. 

I try to foresee problems in order to have a coping plan. But, of course, that isn't always possible. Being questioned on things I don't readily have answers to causes me to have huge stress attacks.  Even simple every day conversations involving questions. What do you want for lunch? What time do you want to go? Do you want to do this/that? Ordering food when the wait person asks so many questions. If I get 2 or more questions back to back I get extremely nervous. My brain seems to stop functioning and all I can do is flee. I actually have to walk away from the situation in order to calm myself which can take several minutes to hours. 

I have been this way for many years, not just during my current withdrawal.  During the years between 2005-2013 I had many conversion disorder episodes of paralysis and nonepileptic seizures. In 2013 the condition ceased as suddenly as it had started. I do not want to go through that again.  

I need help as it appears my stress problem is escalating.

 

 

[Kingfisher86]

Hi @Lucy1983 💐

 

Sorry to hear that your stress problem is escalating. 

 

I am not sure that I have any wise suggestions.

My therapist teaches me self-breema exercises for better body-mind connection. Some exercise are simple & fun, and principles of self-breema can be applied right before and during a stressful event.

 

That is all I know at this moment.🐳

[Shep]

On 10/10/2020 at 2:07 PM, Lucy1983 said:

Anyone have any coping technique suggestions?

I get so easily overwhelmed. 

 

Please see:

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Kingfisher mentioned breathing exercises, which are great. Mindfulness, yoga, etc. are all great for coping during withdrawal. 

[Kingfisher86]

Hi @Lucy1983☀️

 

I was just wondering how are you doing🐳

On 10/10/2020 at 8:07 PM, Lucy1983 said:

Anyone have any coping technique suggestions?

I get so easily overwhelmed. 

[Lucy1983]

Hi @Kingfisher86 so sweet of you to check on me! I am doing mostly well.  Other than the occasional anxiety I really can't complain. I think I get scared thinking it won't go away then I tend to over react. 

I have been reading your posts and am very glad that you are continuing to improve.  Hopefully soon our troubles will just be a memory:)