graves and itching

I was diagnosed with graves a month ago...been on methimazole for three weeks and have had uncontrollable itching on my elbows and shins...sometimes hives develop...is there anything i can do to relieve this>? it is horrible at night and i havent been sleeping very much and the itching isnt helping...any suggestions>? is it just the methimazole or the graves or both? please help!!!

[acker]

i believe it's the methimazole - known side-effect.
doctor could switch you to 'ptu'.
the 'zole caused me to itch in random spots e.g. next to knee, but not as bad as what you're describing. i used a bit of moisturiser to ease it.
hope you have a good specialist. good luck with it

[McMillanNelson]

Hi guinessthepitbull, I too am on Methimazole. I had Itching for years and all the things that go along with thyroid disease.  I found that certain foods trigger the itching for me or at least make it worse.  How much Methimezole are you on ?

I drastically changed my diet and stopped eating all fast food, no processed foods, no carbonated drinks and most importantly I cut way back on caffeine.  If I drink a lot of caffeine, like 2 energy drinks within 2 hours or lots of coffee. I itch like crazy.

Methimizole does seem to amplify this problem. I take over the counter Zyrtec every day and that keeps the itching away.. as long as I am careful with the caffeine.

Hope that Helps!

McMillan

[stella5349]

It's been quite a while since I was on that drug - but I do remember my skin crawling and itching quite a bit. I can't say I had actual hives.. but I developed like little pin spots of red on my arms - legs - pretty much all over.

The diet thing suggested above is great information and really look into eliminating all those processed foods. Lactose or milk with this drug can cause hives too.- Along with very acidic foods. I was told to try Benedryl - but never did - since RAI was ordered pretty quick due to my levels not balancing out.

[skeeterknitwit]

I had random itching and hives in localized areas before my hyper diagnosis.  Mine was across my lower belly and the backs of my calves.  Cortaid cream was a big relief!

[TamraW]

A combination of beta blockers, Zyrtec and Zantac helped with my hives.

:) Tamra