Itchy skin! Help!

**2summers** · 06-23-2009, 06:09 PM

I need help, please. After recently falling off the wagon, I resumed phentermine which my doctor had prescribed awhile back. I never had problems before, but now I've got this itchy skin that's driving me crazy! I haven't taken any phen for a week, but this sensation hasn't gone away. It feels like crawling insects - I looked it up on the Internet and it might be "formication". It could be anything and I'm trying to eliminate possible causes (allergies,etc.). I previously took Wellbutrin but d/c about 10 days ago. Nothing in my diet, hygiene, etc. has changed recently to cause this sensation. I'm having great trouble sleeping, waking up itching. Could it be the phentermine? When will it go away? Thanks for any help.

**susanpesek** · 06-24-2009, 04:53 PM

OUCH! I have severe allergies to 3/4 of the things one could ever imagine! It is miserable not knowing what you might be having a reaction to.

Have you started a new kind of coffee or drink? Food? Different vitamin tablet? I once was diagnosed allergic to Yellow Dye #3.

Are you taking any medicines that could be reactive to sunlight? How about to heat? Are you taking anti-biotics?

Is the itching a particular place? Have you tried an anti-histamine?

**2summers** · 06-24-2009, 06:24 PM

Thanks Susan. I haven't really changed anything in my diet or routine, although the heat may be affecting something that previously wasn't a problem. Last night I took an antihistimine which made me very sleepy but I couldn't get any sleep due to the itching. I finally put on long p.j.s and even socks and I think that may have helped. I don't think it's the sheets because it affects me all day and I use the same detergent I've used for years. I'm using a few different lotions, etc. on my face but I didn't think that could affect my entire body.

But do you think it could be the Phentermine?

Susan, you're the best! Thanks!

**susanpesek** · 06-24-2009, 06:51 PM

I am so sorry you are having trouble. One non-sedating antihistamine is Allegra-D and it does come in generic--only $4 at Walmart. If it is the medicine you are taking that is causing the problem, the allergic reaction could stay in your body for days after discontinuing.
Did you feel itchy after the 1st or 2nd dose?

**2summers** · 06-24-2009, 08:27 PM

I've never had a problem with Phentermine in the past. If the Phen is the problem, it must either be a cumulative effect in my body or a withdrawal from it because I've never seen a direct cause/effect between Phen and itching. I've made an appt with my dermatologist.

Thanks so much Susan for telling me about Allegra D - didn't know about it and I'm getting some today!