Cancer Research UK main site

Whole body itching

Skeates
Offline

I had chemotherapy that came to end in December 2023.  Since then I have had pretty severe perpheral neuropathy that is being treated with Pregabalin and Amitriptyline.

The side effects of these are insomnia which is no fun at all.  Alongside this I have develped overall body itching which is driving me to distraction especially at night when I am desperately trying to sleep

Can you advise is this likely to be a result of the drugs? 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to hear about your difficult symptom of itching. Sometimes having a degree of peripheral neuropathy can result in a 'neuropathic itch' sensation.

    Taking a daily oral antihistamine may help. it might be worth trying anti pruritic (itch) creams and body wash from your local pharmacy to see if it helps. There are many on the market and a pharmacist can advise. Any drug can cause itching as a side effect, if there is a slight allergy response to the drug. So do discuss your current medication. Sometimes, oddly, swapping Brands of the same medicine can help, if there is one ingredient causing an issue.

    I am sorry that I cannot be of more specific help on this occasion.

    Kind regards,

    Vanda

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.