Connect
treatment for neuropathic itch from chemo
After my 1st infusions, (carboplatin, taxol, keytruda), I experienced itching in my hands and feet, it worsened after the 2nd infusion. Antihistamines / steroid creams do not work. The oncologist does not want to reduce my dose until I complete a round of gabapentin to see if that masks the itching.
The itch is so severe it is debilitating. Showering is out for me as water activates the itch which lasts around 4 hrs.
The oncology nurse said the neuropathy usually goes away within 3 months once the infusion series is completed. I think she is talking about peripheral neuropathy where you get numbness and tingling.
I am stage 4B so really need the chemo drugs to knock the cancer back but am wondering if I am left with this side effect the whole process was probably not worth it.
Anyone found an effective treatment for this condition?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms Support Group.
Connect
Gabapentin helped my neuropathy. I insisted on a lower dosage so that. Could stay awake.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDenzie, I realize everyone is different, but what dose worked for you. After my 2nd dose of 100mg I have the shakes pretty bad this morning, it dose not feel good at all, darn!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy doctor started me out at 3x300mg three times a day. With doctor supervision we reduced it to a 100 mg twice a day.
If you've been on it any length of time, ask the doctor to manage dose reduction. Going shown too fast or quitting can cause seizures.
Denzie, thanks so much for your input. If I increase my dose to 200mg I think I will ask about doing 100mg 2x/day instead of once at night.
When you take gabapentin during the day do you have a period of wooziness or dizziness, shakes?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYes. That's why I wanted to reduce it. I still experienced some.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy itch is almost gone at the 100mg dose of Gaba. The big test will be a shower tonight, my last shower caused my feet to itch for 4 hrs non-stop. It was torture! This time I will shower earlier in the day so the itch does not keep me awake if it occurs.
Are you still taking Gaba for your neuropathy?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsNo, I stopped taking it about a decade ago. I still have some neuropathy in my feet (just the bottom like I'm standing on ice).
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsDenzie, thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. Hopefully I will get off of the Gaba sooner than later!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@beebe and @denzie, you might also find the tips in this related discussion helpful:
- Neuropathic Itch https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathic-itch/
Beebe, how are you doing?
Colleen, I am doing better with the Gabapentin. Taking 100mg/2x/day. The severe itch is gone but if I stand for 40minutes it comes back and I have to elevate my feet. This will be my 5th day at 200mg and I am hoping I get more relief so I do not have to increase the dose again. Beta-alanine supplementation, which is mentioned in the link you provided, sounds interesting but I would have to check with my oncologist on switching over to it from the Gaba. Thanks for the link, I hate to think I may be on the Gaba forever as it makes me a little tired.