I had some of the same, and it finally went away. I used topical itch lotion (gel-style) and lots of body lotion, Curel. Never thought to take a drug for it, just tough it out.

I did the same as sushipup, lots of lotion and tried to just leave it alone.

My extremely mild case (upper right forehead) cleared in six weeks, but I would occasionally feel a light itch -- which eventually stopped.

Double check your information source, jewell, I don't think you have the right story for gabapentin. It's not a diabetic drug but rather one used to treat nerve pain of many kinds, certain seizures, and anxiety. It has many other off-label uses too, including the one I use it for, restless leg syndrome. I've been taking it for over 15 years with no side effects at all. I once asked a pharmacist what risks taking it might present, and he said "the most likely risk you could encounter is that if you put a handful of them in your mouth at one time, you might choke". Asked to clarify, he laughed and said that it was a drug most people find effective and non-problematic.

Everyone is different, but perhaps your distress suggests you should see a physician.

I take gabapentin, no side effects at all. Hope u get better soon!

I, too, had shingles last spring, on my eye and left side of head. I had the vaccine, so it wasn't too horrible, and I never got a rash. I still have an itching eyebrow and eyelid, and "picky" feeling on my scalp. I've just been taking an OTC allergy med, on advice of doctor. I gradually quit taking the gabapentim after I read the side effects possible. I've just learned to live with this post-shingles stuff.

Which OTC Med are you taking, Phyllis? I've been doing Benadryl at night but can't during the day as I'd get too drowsy.

Jewel, I would try fresh aloe vera gel, straight from the plant. (Break off a piece of a fat spear, split it open, and rub the interior where you itch.) Shingles is a herpes virus, and I've used this remedy with great success on the itching and pain from herpes simplex cold sores. Good luck!

Gabapentin is used to control seizures and to treat neuropathic pain. I encourage you to discuss your symptoms with your health care provider to determine the most appropriate treatment. Following are the common side effects of gabapentin.

Alisande's suggestion of aloe vera gel is a great one. Also, dabbing a cotton ball soaked with Apple Cider Vinegar on the itchy spot. Works for me. ☺

I haven't had shingles, but when I'm itchy (happens a lot) I apply any kind of non-cortisone moisturizing cream. i get free samples of hand cream at my manicurist's shop.

Jewel here's the best options. I'd suggest you try one a day, wash it off with cool-filtered water, then try the next one. And see which works best for you.

1. Aveeno anti-itch lotion (beige bottle & navy cap)
2. Coconut oil
3. Smear flax oil on itchy spots. Then smear-in some licorice-extract into the already-smeared flax oil. Alcohol-free of course.
4. Wound honey (btw, the latter contains aloe too.
5. Perhaps Eucerin-cream or else Calmoseptine? I've even heard of people's itches getting better using VapoRub.

Thanks, everyone. I'm seeing my dermatologist Monday and will report back his suggestions.