I have been suffering with pain from shingles for the past two weeks. Even though I can tolerate the pain during the day, I cannot sleep at night without meds due to much pain awaking me. Prescribed Gabapentin makes me very drowsy and itchy. I have tried Tylenol for pain, but severe itching with it as well. Ibuprofen seems to take the edge off so I can sleep at night, but wanted to try something different as I have been on this for two weeks, and have mild asthma and some minor GI issues that I don want to worsen. I have read that sometimes opiates have less side effects, so thus may be safer for chronic pain. What do you think? And suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!