Endless itching resulting in poor sleep

[Jim_in_Los_Angeles]

I tested positive for Graves Disease with most of the common symptoms of a 25 pound weight loss in two months, extremely high thyroid levels in my system, tremors of my hands and legs, trouble with focus and concentration, fatigue where I was dragging around the office. Worse of all unending/constant itching where I'm getting two hours or less sleep a night. I've been off work since Friday, November 2. My GP initally started me on Atenolol 50 mg QD and Methimazole 10 mg BID, and the specialist I saw recently double the medications. This increased with the start of the Methimazole, and increased when the dosage with doubled. It's extremely hard for me to go to sleep and by the time I finally do, I awake exhausted because of the lack of sleep. I'm also on Clarinex D which I take twice daily and also have Zyrtec D which I can use as a substitute. Though the MD originally wanted me to take Benadryl, when he learned of my regular usage of allergy meds, he said to still with those. Nevertheless, neither Clarinex D or Zyrtec D seem to have any impact on the itching and I'm getting very little sleep. I've also had some nasty encounters with Benadryl; I took two doses within an 8 hour period which resulted in my prostate growing in size to the point where urination was extremely difficult. Why this occurred with Benadryl but not with Clarinex or Zyrtec is a mystery to my doctor and myself.

My concern is that I will not be able to function at work because of the incessant itching and subsequent lack of sleep. The itching is on my legs, arms, chest, back and scalp. It always seems to get worse during the evening and night. Yes, my company offers short term disability and there is talk of putting me on it if my symptoms continue, but I much prefer to work rather than go on STD.

Is there anything out there that can significantly reduce itching caused by this disease so I can get back to a normal work schedule?

I do begin Radioactive Iodine treatment this coming Monday at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Any suggestions or recommendation your can make is extremely important to me, and I am very grateful to have this forum to discuss these matters.

Thank you and most sincerely,

Jim

[KoalaEm]

Not quite sure why yet... but I get REALLY itchy skin too.  Especially on my legs.  I feel like I have no choice but to scratch it is sooooo itchy.
It is far worse at night.
The best things I have tried:
- cold pack in a T-towel will sort of numb it for a while.
- I use an oatmeal based lotion- originally tried Sorbolene but that made me itch even more.  
- I have switched to 'sensitive' washing powders
- I never use soap in the shower- I use a PH balance body wash.
- The chemist does sell a lotion with anaesthetic in it if you have itchy patches.  
- I don't know if they sell it in the US, but in Australia (where I live) they have a medicine available over the counter called Phenergen- it is suited for allergy/itching but also sedates- so might help you sleep.
- I keep my nails cut short to reduce the damage to my skin.
- Overheating seems to make mine worse.
- a cool bath/shower just before bed

I agree it might also be the Methimazole you're reacting to- worth investigating.
Sending you itch free sweet dreams!
Em

[hellsbells]

I have recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, after going to my gp with a rash on my legs, which has now spread to my abdomen. Very itchy, I'm currently taking zyrtec..but the itching is driving me crazy, especially at night, when it seems to intensify. Do you know if the idoine treatment gets rid of the itching?

[GravesLady]

If your itching started after taking Methimazole, you might be allergic to it. Try another brand, they are not all equal in ingredients.