At night I take pregabalin and co codamol now to relieve my RLS symptoms.
Could one of these be the cause of my infernal back scratching?
I know itching is a side effect of codeine but I've been taking co codamol for years without the itching. It is increased no though.
Has anyone experienced itching with gabapentin? The itching is painful; it's not a minor thing at all.
How long have you been on pregabalin - is it just a few weeks?
Is there anything visible on the skin? Gabapentin rash - an allergic reaction to gabapentinoids and similar medications - can appear as red, itchy bumps or hives on the skin. It may also cause blistering or peeling of the skin.
No visible marks whatsoever! Which is odd as it is a really painful itch.
As Sue suggests, try antihistamines (not the sedating ones that make RLS worse), but if these don't help go back to your doctor for further tests.
You might want to try an antihistamine. Safe ones are OTC Claritin (loratadine, Clarityn ), zyrtec (Cetirizine ), or allegra (Fexofenadine, Telfast ,Sinor). Desloratadine is a safe prescription one.
Do not take any sedating antihistamines as they can make RLS worse.
I also suffer from bad back itching and forearms. I take 100mg Pregabalin for my RLS.I also asked the forum, and they said that the itching is probably caused by my failing kidneys, which I suffer from.
The antihistamine doesn't work! Thanks
This may not apply to you but itching comes to many in old age. My dermatologist proscribed an OTC called Cera Ve. I moisturize my back and arms every night as far as my arms can reach. It's been a great help. Also use a soft fabric close to the skin to buffer you from harsh winter fabrics.
CereVe is great !!! I had really bad eczema all over my body after my prescription medicine I had used for years stopped working. My new dermatologist had me use the body lotion in the shower and the cream along with a different medicine. It's been a couple years now and I haven't had to use the medicine and my skin has remained clear.
Hi, I have a tip that may be useful but it's a bit 'out there'. When I had a bad rash on my back and needed to apply a cream to stop the itch, I couldn't reach with my arms as I have dreadful shoulder pain. I ended up putting a dab of the cream on the door of my fridge at exactly the right height and then turned round and rubbed my back against it! Weird I know but it worked a treat. You could try the same with a door or shower screen, anything that's smooth and you can lean up against and that wipes clean afterwards.
I could just picture my neighbours catching a glimpse of me through my kitchen window , naked, rubbing my back up against the fridge!!! Their minds would have boggled! 
It's a good idea and I do have kitchen curtains.
Co-codamol and RLS
Co-codamol any good for RLS or PLMD?
Increase in Pregabalin - RSL
Starting Ropinirole as a first med for RLS?
Itching with RLS
