Cure for the Opiate itch

[PotatoMan]

I've recently started to really enjoy sipping codeine in the cough syrup form. I usually dose 300mg which is the entire 3.6oz bottle. This is an OTC codeine syrup w/o the promethazine. I've read that Benadryl should help reduce the itchyness you get from the codeine but how much benadryl should I take to suit this 300mg dose? Or is there any other anti-histamine that can work better?

 

[bukweat]

Start with the indicated dosage. Hydroxizine worked well for me,but it's scripted. The only opiate that ever made me itch was codeine.

 

[alovesupreme]

as above you really shouldn't have to take any more than the indicated dose of any antihistamine to counter opiate-induced histamine release. if benadryl doesn't do the job maybe try cetirizine (zyrtec) this is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine that does not cross the BBB though i imagine retains a similar strength of effects peripherally.

 

[NeighborhoodThreat]

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the benchmark for antihistamines. It works well with all opiates. As mentioned, hydroxyzine is also effective (probably better than diphenhydramine but it requires a prescription in most countries). Chlorpheniramine, promethazine, doxylamine, and many other 1st generation antihistamines are perfect for knocking down the opiate itch.

The 2nd generation "non-drowsy" antihistamines are also effective (i.e. Zyrtec, as mentioned above) but don't work as well for some people.