Opioids Allergic reaction when IV worsening...

[Bomb319]

Depending on the opiate in question, I would often ocassionally get hives down the vein with varying severity. I've been on methadone (up to 110 mg now) for about a month and am therefore using much less frequenty, but I'm finding that when I do, I immediately itch and get a much worse hive reaction and redness than I used to, even if I'm just using a small amount (like 0.1 heroin). It seems to happen even with pills like Dilaudid, but not quite as severe. It lasts longer, too. Could this have something to do with the methadone, or else maybe since I use so much less, my body is less used to it? I know I shouldn't use at all with methadone, but I've just recently started and was on lower levels that needed some use on my part to feel better. I fully plan on stopping altogether once stabilized.

 

[sekio]

maybe since I use so much less, my body is less used to it?

That's probably it, because your body builds tolerance to the histamine release of opioids. Heroin and morphine are the worst culprits for the itch/redness. Synthetic opioids like methadone cause it a lot less.

Be careful if you decide to take antihistamines, 'cause many of them will make your methadone and any opioids ou decide to take stronger. Most antihistamines act as pretty good potentiators, esp. if you don't take them often.

 

[Bomb319]

That's probably it, because your body builds tolerance to the histamine release of opioids. Heroin and morphine are the worst culprits for the itch/redness. Synthetic opioids like methadone cause it a lot less.

Be careful if you decide to take antihistamines, 'cause many of them will make your methadone and any opioids ou decide to take stronger. Most antihistamines act as pretty good potentiators, esp. if you don't take them often.

That makes sense, thanks. Would that not cause a reaction all over though, not right at the injection site?

 

[sekio]

It can do both, depending on dose & personal susceptibility. When it's injected, localised reactions are more likely though, because the drug is considerably more concentrated in blood there.