5 Mg Butrans Patch
UpdatedHi there, I've been looking online for information on how to get off the butrans patch (5mg) I have been on now for about 3 years. I was placed on this due to a spinal infection and the lingering affects due to nerves thereof - a general diagnosis has been possible lyme/west nile - whatever it is/was - I am still (4 yrs. later numb from the knees down - numbness is intermittent and moves about from knees down to feet). Still on a walker as whatever this was took out my left leg in particular however my right leg is fine. It's been a trip - but I'll beat it - darn if I won't. All said, though and back to topic - has anyone any suggestions on how to "get off" this butran's patch - the lowest dose ? Can I just take the darn thing off and ride it out or is this dangerous? I'd rather not take another drug to forego the butran's as my doctor had previously advised revving up hydrocodone which I will not do - I take hydrocodone only when things are so unbearable sleeping wise and only at night if the need be. I hate drugs - they don't react well on me hence I will do anything to "not" take something if at all possible. I take an anti inflammatory (gabapentin) twice a day presently and am hopeful this will somehow suffice. So would really appreciate any thoughts on this subject matter and thanks in advance for your time.
2 Replies
Hello, Debbie! How are you? I am so very sorry about what happened to you, but your positive attitude is awesome!!!
The Gabapentin is not an anti-inflammatory, so it's not going to work like one. It is actually an anticonvulsant that has been shown to help with nerve pain due to the way it acts on brain chemicals. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, mood swings and weight changes.
As to the Butrans, it is a very potent narcotic, so suddenly stopping it is likely to cause both withdrawal symptoms and rebound effects. The rebound pain can be worse than the pain you started using it to treat to begin with, thus tapering as slowly as possible would be best.
Subutex is a pill or film form of the same medication, your doctor should be able to prescribe it for you. They aren't time released, so you can cut them up and gradually go lower and lower on it. That's something you may want to talk to your doctor about doing.
Is there anything else I can help with?
Honestly that is about the first straight answer I've gotten in about four years come this August 20th - thank you very much for the information. So it seems not to matter if one is on the lowest dose (as am I) and/or the 5mg vs the higher dose, I'm gathering it is all the same. I will indeed speak with my neurologist and internist. Thank you again, very much! If you wouldn't mind I may be back to you in the not so distant future and again my thanks - Debbie-
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