Suggest Treatment For Severe Itching On Face

Posted on Sat, 23 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 Answered on

Sat, 13 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Last night I had intense itching on my face primarily, I used cortisone for eczema and Benadryl but could not sleep until 1 - 2 in the morning. I went to my Neurologist yesterday, she suggested I stop taking gabapentin 600 because I don't remember why I was prescribed that in the first place.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the symptoms you have experienced.

I must say though that I am not really sure I understand what is your question. Is it whether you should continue Gabapentin, or whether its interruption was the cause for your symptoms?

If the first then I would agree with the neurologist that one shouldn't take Gabapentin (or any medication for that matter) without a reason. If taken for a long time then it is important to interrupt it gradually, by about 200 mg a week till interruption.

The symptoms you mentioned are not commonly due to Gabapentin withdrawal, but it cannot be excluded. For that reason it is important as I said to reduce it gradually. I do not know in how many divided doses you took it (usually two times 300 or three times 200), you should remove first the morning dosage.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar