I have not had any itching side affects. But, I have managed to wean myself from 600MG down to 150MG since my last post. I am finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. How much do you take? My recommendation is to cut down by 20-30% every two weeks. Maybe even less (whatever you feel comfortable with). Wean down until your down to 25mg and cut cold turkey. I live in Denver so the legal marijuana has also been helping. What has REALLY helped me which is kind of my own “made up practice/routine” is I will try my hardest to sleep my first four hours without taking it then take it in the middle of the night with an alarm set to remind you. That way when you take it you’ll be able to fall asleep instantly because you are already tired. & that got rid of my paranoia of having another “heart episode”. I am hoping to be completely off this crap in a month from now. I hope you can get off of it too! I know it’s tough but if it’s causing heart problems it must be done. I haven’t had any episodes since.. Some doctors are just sick in the head to be giving it out like candy. In my opinion this should be a scheduled drug for sure. Actually it shouldn’t even be used for sleep in people who don’t really need the med.