Chronic Itching

  My mother-in-law is 63 yrs old. She has been suffering from Chronic Pruritus for about 15 months. She has a history of COPD, depression, and arthritis. She has been seen by numerous Drs without relief of the itching. Her medications are many and have been switched without relief. I am an RN and trying to help. Any advice?  She also has had shingles in the past 6 months.
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Thanks for your question.  Chronic pruritus could be a manifestation of
of peripehral polyneuropathy.  One class of medications that are often
helpful in such neurological symptoms are some of the anti-epileptic drugs,
such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin); another class of
medications would the tricyclic anti-depressives.  Please discuss these
possibilities with her physician.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.