What Causes Itching In Hands And Legs After Taking A Meth Shot?

Posted on Fri, 21 Feb 2014

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

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I did a shot of meth into the crook of my arm. drew back blood and it hurt/stung at the end. Right after my hands started itching, then my lower arms, it comes and goes. Legs are itching a little too, but it's only where i can see veins. I've never had this happen before, i'm worried.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Possible allergic reaction to meth,go to ER... Detailed Answer: Hi, The itching hands, and lower arms and legs are indicating for a possible allergic reaction to the shot you had. If the shot you did was within today, I highly suggest to go to ER for further evaluation to prevent severe complications. You need to take oral anti-histamines to reduce itchiness. You can ask for an otc anti-histamines at your local drug-store if available. Otherwise, should go to ER immediately. Meanwhile, I advise to apply cold water to the place where you had the shot and to the itching hands and legs. Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 minutes later)

Ok, thank you so much!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Glad to know I've been of help.... Detailed Answer: Hi back, You're most welcomed! Happy to be assisting you! Do not forget to go to ER! Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (44 minutes later)

Also, in general, how would I know if I hit an artery instead of a vein, and what are the risks and side-effects of accidently hiting an artery? Thank you for your time!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Intense pain when injected artery instead of vein. Detailed Answer: Hi back XXXXXXX Thank you for following up. Usually, when injection was done into an artery, it starts hurting since the beginning. The pain is so intense that can make you stop. If you did not experience such pain while injecting, it means, you were not into an artery. Next, when meth is injected into an artery, apart allergic reaction, it carries the risk of having blood clots and septicemia (generalized blood infection). The most serious and severe sign of blood clotting is difficulty in breathing. If you notice it, you should run to ER as it is life-threatening side effect. Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana

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