Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that 5-HT receptor ligands are useful in treating experimental models of clinically encountered pruritus (itch). A 5-HT ligand as used in this specification is a compound capable of binding with some selectivity to one or more of the 5-HT receptor sites. Systemic administration of 5-HT agonists and antagonists causes a reduction in the number of itch-scratch responses to an ocular challenge by allergenic antigens. Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for treating pruritus by administering systemically a therapeutically effective amount of a 5-HT agonist or antagonist to a mammal afflicted with pruritus. The 5-HT ligands may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of 5-HT.sub.1, 5-HT.sub.2, 5-HT.sub.3, and 5-HT.sub.4 agonists, partial agonists and antagonists.