I too have just been diagnosed with Lupus but have been taking atarax for hives/allergies for a couple of years, and it has been the BEST thing I have found. It seems to work about the same way as benedryl only FOR ME at least the atarax does not make me sleepy or have any obnoxious side effects. I hate benedryl because it makes me feel even worse.
It is prescription, but it is available in generic which seems to work fine. My RX is 25 mg. but can take up to 4 if needed (100 mg) Depends on how it works on you, and how bad you are itching.
