Phenobarbital as first pick against itching/chilling?

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Hi all once more. In a way, this is a continuation of my earlier post

" Itching = on fire? "

After two weeks (!!!) of phone calls to my hepatologist's office, in

which I have made it clear that my itching and chilling is becoming

unbearable, they have finally prescribed something: Phenobarbital. Other

than urso, I have never been on anything for the itching. Based on

reading this forum I had expected cholesteramine or rifampin, not this!

Does this sound normal?

By way of further explanation: The two week delay was partially to see

if Cipro would help (it did not) and to get my blood rechecked. Then

there was a glitch with getting the lab results. Bilirubin is up to 2.2,

where it was 3 1/2 years ago when I was first diagnosed with PSC. I got

scheduled for an ERCP next week to see if there is a stricture they can

do something about.

Also by way of further explanation: The worst part BY FAR of my

" itching " is the sensation that I am itching/chilling/burning/being

stuck with needles deep inside of my chest. It's this awful feeling that

radiates from deep inside of me, not just the skin.

But back to my main question: Should I go with the Phenobarb or request

cholesteramine or rifampin first?

Thanks for hearing me out.

D., age 49, married, father of 4 (PSC 12/04, UC 08/05)