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What Causes Whole Body Itching While On Nortriptyline?

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Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017
Question: I have been taking nortriptyline since 1975. my doctor has prescribed sertraline 50 mg to replace nortriptyline.. I am having lots of itching and red spots on my body. once when I tried to stop nortriptyline about 25 years ago I had the same symtoms.. I am 76 years old. this itching is driving nuts..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Phenargan can be used

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I do not understand rationale for stopping nortryptiline for a person who is using it over 40 years.

In fact among the TCA group of medications nortryptiline is one of the safest medications for elderly population. I understand there are side effects like constipation or sedation but we need to see the risk benefit ratio and I think nortryptiline will score for benefits in your case rather than the risks associated with it.

In case there are compelling reasons such as cardiac problems I think Phenargan can be used during transition period. This is an antihistamine and can helpin itching as well as red spots.

I hope this answers you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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What Causes Whole Body Itching While On Nortriptyline?

Brief Answer: Phenargan can be used Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I do not understand rationale for stopping nortryptiline for a person who is using it over 40 years. In fact among the TCA group of medications nortryptiline is one of the safest medications for elderly population. I understand there are side effects like constipation or sedation but we need to see the risk benefit ratio and I think nortryptiline will score for benefits in your case rather than the risks associated with it. In case there are compelling reasons such as cardiac problems I think Phenargan can be used during transition period. This is an antihistamine and can helpin itching as well as red spots. I hope this answers you. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386 Thanks and regards.