Brachioradial pruritus. (severe itching on forearms and neck, no rash).

I don't think people believe antidepressants are a cure for everything; however for this neurogenic and and other brain related conditions, for some reason (?) the antidepressants calm down the nerves and minimize or reduce the symptoms.
CASE IN POINT: I went off Lexapro last spring, after being on it for years.......I didn't think I needed it and I seemed to be fine. However, in the fall, this itching came and was very intense, so much so, that I had to go to great lengths to trouble shoot it. After I tried many things and read that folks were being treated with antidepressants, my first thought was to go back on the Lexapro and BINGO....my symptoms were reduced significantly and only after 4 days. I am using the TKAL cream at night, because I feel the symptoms more so then than during the day.......but NO MORE ICE PACKS......My guess is when I am back on the full 20 mg. I won't need even the TKAL cream. Still seeing the neurosurgeon this week.

I do go to a Hopkins dermatologist - very good.

It's a lower dose than when you use anti depressants for other issues. They find they really help. I took inipramine for the fibro for a few yrs. I have never been depressed in my life, Dr's are amazed with all the diseases I have4 rare ones and 5 autoimmune etc. But they all agree I have no anxiety which I tell the new ones.and they tell me I am fine

I have been on hydroxyzine since 2000 when I begged a Dr for help really helps. It was originally 8 25 mg a day but Dr's. always get worried slowly cut back to 4 but newer Dr upped it to 5 a days. Have a stash of extras I take as needed.My Dr says they worry with Beers in elderly, keep telling them not falling from this but from the ms. I am frustrated with all the illnesses I have. Kidney Dr. Said she hopes in 10 yrs what is causing everything.

frustrating isn’t it they say i have couple auto immune diseases but which ones. no one knows no cures anyway. i’m trying food

I have read on an autoimmune site that fibro is not an auto immune. But have ms, sjogrens, chronic fatigue, lupus not active, something else cant remember, too many diseases & syndromes.

I have to many top dermatologists since 88 when started itching forearms mainly some upper arms. Scars all over forearms. Head of skin dept univ of Mich put me on something can't remember what now but was on it for 16 yrs because I was getting severe staf infections, since staf is everywhere. Those have calmed down. I have used triamcinolone cream for several yrs I go back and forth with the aspercream(not roll on causes itching), same as pain cream at rite aid that Dr suggested. Has lidocaine, anything with lidocain works numbs area. I am way past ice caused itching. Without anything I scratch so bad I bleed. So the hydroxyzine has saved my day. Whatever works for you is great. I have some burning without lyrica for right arm from severe tingling. Have tried to stop but arms get worse so cut in half. Was getting lyrica from manufacturer by moved and no longer with Dr. So co pay is $37 as the hydroxyzine. I have the best part D & the best supplement, only good part for Medicare

Hi. I am struggling. For the past 3 years I have suffered severe itching on both forearms.. the first 2-3 years it seemed seasonal and I thought it was allergies. This past year has been the worse, constant sores on my arms from scratching. I have tried all sorts of creams, steroids, oils, etc. Ice is the only thing that has helped. I have recently seen a dermotologist who gave no answers other than I am not allergic to anything... I have been struggling with my doctor (who I just fired) who hasn't been of help.. I was requesting to be referred to a neurologist but instead she prescribed me gabopentin which I have read works but I'd really prefer to know what is wrong over just taking piils? what is causing this? I am only 28 years old.. I am more of a "natural remedy" type.. trying to avoid most medicines unless necessary. I used to think my arms were beautiful and now they are scarred and rashy. It is hard to concentrate and sometimes hard to sleep. Any recommendations for how to seek further help? There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with my neck.. I tried chiropractics a few times but it seems expensive for the 10 minute process... I wonder about getting an MRI to see if there is something going on with my cervical spine? I feel defeated by my doctor who scolded me and chalked it up to me "not taking proper pre-cautions in the sun". I wear sun screen but you can't tell me to wear longsleeves for the rest of my life?! Right...? Thanks for hearing me. No one seems to understand and tries to tell me to do a juice cleanse or something.. I am very healthy and active, great health other than this disorder...

Have had this for about 10 yrs. Have tried everything (Ice & Gabapentin delivering the best relief). Currently I am being treated with a series of PIT Injections (Founded by Lyftogt). After the 2nd series of shots, I have now been itch free for a week and stopped taking the gabapentin. Scheduled to do a few more series of the shots, and will post updates

Thanks so much for posting this! I googled it and found two docs near me that do this.

I will be eager to follow your updates!

After four months of misery, I was ready to start the Gabapetin, but decided to try going back on Lexapro first- I had been on this for years but stopped in May, thinking that maybe it was similiar enough to these other anti-anxiety and anti-seizure meds that people have found effective for this condition - and now am experiencing about a 95% improvement. I am also using a compounded cream from the pharmacy at night- called TKAL- which means topical Ketamine, amitryptaline and lidocaine.