Side effects - Antihistamines that don't potentiate codeine?

[honourableone]

SWIM gets very itchy whilst using codeine (more so that any other opioid). He knows that antihistamines would help, but also know that some would potentiate the codeine, such as diphenhydramine. SWIM wants to avoid potentiation, as it brings in a factor of uncertainty that he isn't fond of - it prevents proper knowledge of how safe the dosage taken is, and makes effect to dosage comparisons difficult (which among other things makes tolerance harder to keep on top of). I have used the search engine, and most of the solutions given to the itching problem have involved diphenhydramine, which as I said earlier potentiates codeine.

SWIM can bear the itch, but would rather it wasn't present - he cannot resist scratching, and worries that he'll make himself bleed due to the analgesia (he has come close to this). SWIM would like to know of an easily accesible, effective, antihistamine that definitely won't interact with codeine. Actual brands/trade names may be useful too (SWIM lives in the UK).

Thankyou

Reputation Comments on this post:

Good question. SWIM has been wondering the same thing.

[Lightbulb-breaking]

Loratadine, is a non-drowsy anti-histamine used under the brand name Claritin, which can be bought over the counter. Loratadine does not readily enter the central nervous system and because is a tricyclic antihistamine which selectively antagonizes peripheral histamine reactors, it will not potentiate the effects of opiates/ opioids.

Lightbulb-breaking added 3 Minutes and 3 Seconds later...

SWIM forgot to mention that it's only sold under the name Claratin in the US, in the UK and many other places it can be found as Claratyne. Hope it helps

Reputation Comments on this post:

Thanks for that bit of info. This could be put to great use.

[honourableone]

That is useful, thankyou . SWIM found it sold as "Clarityn". SWIM may get some next time he has access to codeine, and will report as to it's effectiveness.

[nibble]

Any anthistamine that doesn't cross the BBB readily shouldn't serve to potentiate the codeine's effects, cetirizine is one such antihistamine. It's OTC in most countries so should be readily available.

[RoboCodeine7610]

SWIM wants to avoid potentiation, as it brings in a factor of uncertainty that he isn't fond of - it prevents proper knowledge of how safe the dosage taken is, and makes effect to dosage comparisons difficult (which among other things makes tolerance harder to keep on top of).

Well, if you're CWE from caffeine-containing pills then it's really useful to potentiate codeine since taking more always gets you all wired from the caffeine...

[honourableone]

Nah, SWIM avoids those. If he wants caffeine then there is no substitute for coffee. Potentiating would be cheaper, but SWIM is responsible enough not to do it so often it puts a dent in his wallet anyway (not that any extra dents would be that noticeable ).

[RoboCodeine7610]

Well, then I guess the best potentiator for you would be taking more!

[honourableone]

Originally Posted by RoboCodeine7610

Well, then I guess the best potentiator for you would be taking more!

You follow SWIM's line of thinking exactly

He would only bother potentiationg if he had a limited source of pure codeine (ie. if no cold water extraction was neccesary)