Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms (Page 74)

I'm trying to wean myself off the Fentanyl patch. I went from 75 micro-gms to 50 now I'm on 25. Having a problem and not sure it is related to the decrease in the med. It's been 20 days on the 25 micro-gm and I'm going crazy. I need to keep rocking, moving in any way b/c my body is very restless. Is this a symptom of withdrawal and what do I do? I cannot take it any more.

REPLY

REPORT

Now I am trying to withdraw from hydromoph contin and got down to 4 mg doses. Then tried lowering to 3 mg and wicked withdrawal painful agitation began after taking first pill of g strength. What painful agitation everywhere; I thought I'd have heart attack at suck exhaustion and pain. My doctor put me back on the 4mg dosage and as of today I think I am off to brighter days. When and if I try again to withdraw from the hydromorph, any suggestions ton how to handle it better? I used mirepex, dilaudid for breakthrough pain and clonazepam. It didn't help???? So what will or have I hit the wall? Maybe I have to be grateful I got this much out of my system...starting with 100 mg fentanyl to 15 mg then my body rebelled so Dr put me on hydromorph. I have the 3 mg hydromorph and cannot use it only twice a day as wicked agitation. I just want to give up and remain on this low dose until I die. Is this low dose of morphine detrimental to my liver or kidneys. How long do I want to live in pain anyway!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I actually took oxycodone hand in hand with my patches for break through pain so I used that to help me titrate down and cover any withdrawal symptoms. I also absolutely agree that the restless leg/body syndrome is a major withdrawal symptom. I had to go back on the patches and am on 50 micro grams at the moment. I was able to wean off them once and am thinking I will have to do it again in the future.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

K-9 mom, I have often worried about the effects my "hot flashes" had on the absorption rate of fentanyl 75mcg that I use for chronic pain. I also have trouble keeping patches from slipping off during the hot flashes. Would you share more details of your experience because I am very concerned that I am actually receiving higher doses of medication than I thought. I also put on every 48-60 hours to prevent break through pain rather than changing every 72 hours as prescribed by my physician when I started having break through pain sooner than 72 hours.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hop63. I know one of the hard things with fentanyl patches is that they don't stay in very well. Especially in the summer! I found that duragesic patches helped keep them on easily. They are like a big clear band aid that sticks in to you. They are expensive but it is the only way to keep them on.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hope, yes, you are having more medication than you should, simply because you are self medicating yourself. If your patch is a 72 hour patch then that means 72 or pretty close to it. Not 48 or 60 hours. If you are having break through pain then if analgesia or other oral pain med doesn't help, you need to have a higher dose of Fentanyl over 72 hours. You can half them by removing half the backing.
To attach patches so they won't come off you can purchase something called Opsite (maybe other names there) which is like a second skin, very thin and breathable. It is also not expensive, you buy it by the metre here from pharmacies. It worries me that big solid things like band aids and so on are used as wouldn't they be adding more pressure and thereby heating up the active ingredient in the patch. JMHO

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Sandi, do you know the manufacturer of the band that helps to keep the fentanyl patches in place. Have tried Tegaderm but can't find ones large enough to cover the 75 mcg patch. Sometimes I use 3-4 of them to keep the fentanyl duragesic in place. That's very expensive so 1 large one would be more comfortable and probably cheaper. Thanks for your response!!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Sandi, I am terrified reading these posts. I have been on fentanyl since 2008 for chronic pain. I fear getting off of it. I have 3 years until I can retire and I have been hoping to wait until then and get off all meds even if I need rehab. I would rather do it at home but that's expecting a lot from my husband. My kids are grown and out of the house so he would be the only one to deal with all the horrible things I am reading about withdrawal even when reducing dosage with medical supervision. Like everyone else, the medication just "snowballed". Dosage stopped working and it was increased or something new was added. I don't know who I am or how I would feel w/o my prescription medications. I do know I am still in pain so I wonder if they are doing anything except destroying my liver and kidneys while reducing my life expectancy. I want to detox at home but can I afford another 3 years of living like this or should I try before? Drs all say "keep with your current medication" but I wish I wasn't dependent.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hop63. I also used tegaderm but I used the largest one and it fit. I was on 150 mcg of Fentanyl. Just ask your pharmacy to order them for you. I am now 1 1/2 yrs off of Fentanyl! Best thing I ever did! I am now a new person! I have my brain back. It was not easy and I did it cold turkey. I also quit oxyneo, Percocet, and quit smoking! My family have me back. I now take dilaudid for pain as I still have that but no where near as much. Sometimes you just have to literally grin and bear it. You can do it. I am your age as well but I lost my husband so you do have his support. Trust me, he would rather support you to get off of it to have you back in the long run. I wish I could communicate with you better as I am alone. I really really suggest you don't go any higher in your dosage. This stuff is deadly and I am lucky to still be alive! There are many ways to help the withdrawals but remember it's just for a short amount of time. It's worth it to get your mind back! If I can help in any way please let me know. Good luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am getting off fentanyl from 50 every 72 hours I am now on 25 every 48 hour with vicodin at night. I have more energy and less napping but I feel terrible pain and rubber legs. I walk like I am drunk... WHY? After I get off fentanyl what will I do for the pain? Is there anything that is not addictive or do I just suffer so I can I get my brain back. Help... I am scared, I hate my life in this state.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Kathleen: good for you for trying to get off. Fentalyn is deadly. Please keep up the good work! It is a long road but will get better. You do have to find some way to deal with the pain. All narcotics are addicting so none of them are good. I now take dilaudid. It is not as good but like you said it's nice to have your brain back! It took me over a year off of 150mcgs of Fentanyl patches to finally feel all human. I am doing so well and I'm doing things I haven't done in ten years! Please please come off of this drug it's not worth it. Good luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I had a problem keeping the patches on when I went through menopause Hot-Flashes, and I still have problems in the summer when I try to do anything that causes a sweat. The worst is when they fall off and I am not aware of it, eventually I get the restless leg/body syndrome symptoms and then I know that I have more than likely lost my patch. I agree that you can find a way to either tape it to you with a Tegaderm patch or medical tape, but that too may lose it's adhesiveness and fall off as well. The only thing that worked for me was to try to avoid sweating and to check my patch on regular intervals, and wash well and replace lost patches ASAP. The worst situation for me was when I had abdominal surgery and the people who prepped and cleaned me for surgery removed my fresh patch and didn't replace it. I had such horrendous pain and they refused to replace my patch because my insurance wouldn't pay for another one, so I had to wait to go home and put one on. I now always carry an extra patch or two just in case I need it.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am here to tell you it is part of the withdrawal. I cannot tell you how long this will last. I went to hydrocodone. Then from 10/325 on down. Could kick myself because now I'm back on 100 mcg for severe pain. May I ask what caused you to get off the patches? I am very concerned about availability should something happen like a hurricane in my area etc that could cause me problems getting my patches or if it happened at a bad time, my ability to even get in to see my pm. All I can tell you is yes, it is a part of the withdrawal. Good luck! Do yourself a favor and do not go back on them if you can come off and tolerate the pain. I personally don't know which would be worse for me. Be strong, it can't last much longer. Be sure to stay well hydrated. It does help. You may even need to see your pm about something to help you. Be careful!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been on the 25mcg/hr patch for 9 months treating pain from a slow-growing stomach tumor, and have anemia as well. I get what's called Restless Leg Syndrome ( RLS) symptoms very like yours when my patch starts wearing off on the third day. My neurologist says opiates mask RLS symptoms and so when the fentanyl starts fading I get the symptoms.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi, I came off the patches because they were controlling my life! I was a zombie in bed all day every day for 10 years! I missed the best years of my kids because I couldn't function. Of course there is withdral when you come off but I'm telling you it's worth it! Yes I still have some pain but realized I didn't need the patch. I still take dilaudid but that's no where near as bad as those patches! I was up to 150 mcg plus oxyneo and Percocet! I'm off all of that! It's been 2 yrs and I'm doing great. I still have a bad day once in a while but I'm doing simple things I've not done for ten years! It truly is amazing! You don't see how they slowly change who you are. Good luck my friend! Stay strong!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Yes, it is definitely a symptom of withdrawal. It will ease off after several days. Rocking and drinking lots and lots of water, sports drinks and moving when you are able is about all you can do. Unless you see a doctor for help. I would imagine they could factor the 25mcg fentanyl into how many Norco or hydrocodone you would have to take to be equal to the patch and then wean you down slowly from there until you are down to a quarter of a 5/325 tab. I wish you all the luck in the world! Have you tried taking a couple of Tylenol extra strength? Don't know if it will help. Also try soaking in hot bath. Maybe adding magnesium supplements?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi there, I understand completely! I'm now down to 12mg from 50mg. The only way I'm doing this is...Rick Simpson Hemp Oil. I've been on it for 10 Months. It's getting easier. Almost off of this poison. If you need any information let me know, you're not alone, but it can be easier...Please look it up. Take care

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I dont know why people having so much trouble with fentanyl I been on it 3 yrs 150mch every 2 days and I just stoped taking it 8 days ago with no side effects r withdrawl symptoms ( had very slight and i mean slight could have been the flu ...stomach cramps first 2 days ) I want go in to detail why I stoped not important .. but I left the last patch on and when I was suppose to change it instead of changing left it own that evening and took a 25 mg benadryl ..next morning took another benadryl ( took 25 mg benadryl twice a day ) and never had any withdrawl symptoms .. if u want details msg me back

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am doing better, down to 12 patch Fentanyl every 48 hours, I forgot to change for more than 72 hours and really felt a lot of pain. I was taking oxy 2x day to help the pain but only because I was painting at an art studio tour for three days. I am so glad I am stopping this fentanyl patch... my friends say I am more of ME... I am not napping so much. Thanks for your support.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Kathleen .. good to hear ur doing better .. but really I dont know why ppl having so much trouble coming off fentanyl I quit it cold turkey no withdraw r side effects and was on it 3 yrs at 150 mch every 48 hrs .. I got off it because I felt my body kept wanting more of it so I just stopped changing tbe patches and too benadryl 25 mg every 12 hrs that was 9 days sgo and no withdraw just very slight and I mean slight stomach cramps first 2 days .. but anyway good deal and good luck

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

With respect Stephen, good for you and your amazing will power or whatever, but not everyone has the stamina, strong system, will or is just as damn staunch as you! Have some empathy for people trying to deal with not only their reason for going on this drug, but their will power to improve their quality of life by coming off it. It DOESNT help to be told by somebody 'oh, it wasn't hard for me, just do this and take that'. I used Fentanyl for over three years for prolapsed discs in back, and for a long time it did the job it was designed for. Taking away my pain. It's not the evil drug many proclaim it to be, drugs are not evil. Deciding to get out of my half life of lack of motivation and foggy thinking, not to mention all the sleeping, elimination, sweating etc etc problems took guts and hard work and over a year of cutting down dosage, giving up, doing it again more gradually, giving up again because of side effects, seeking help from the doctor, the pain clinic, doing it again and finally one month ago taking off my last patch which was a mere 3mcg, that's right, one quarter of the lowest dose patch you can get. I did it by keeping more and more backing on the patches very very gradually. (Thanks Yvonne!!) I had two night after of restless legs. But I feel for everyone trying to get off Fentanyl. It is truely hard for most of us!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

i have post surgical lower back pain. was in 50 mcg patch and had side effects and so decided to wean off. i finished wi...

311 REPLIES

I have been on the 100 mg patch and Percocet for my Crohns and Colitis for years. Last week I went cold turkey on my own...

36 REPLIES

Aloha from Hawaii- this is my 6th week off fentanyl patch 100mg and breakthrough oxy 40mg day for several years. Also wa...

27 REPLIES

My husband, age 77, developed severe acute pancreatitis and has been in the hospital for the past 8 months. He has been ...

18 REPLIES

Hi, About three years ago during treatment for rectal cancer, I was given Dilaudid and Fentanyl as part of a pain manage...

5 REPLIES

I was on 25mcg Fentanyl patches for about 2 months. I went down to 12mcgs to wean myself. After the 12s ran out, I was e...

9 REPLIES

Hi all. I have seen a lot of posts in the drugs forum about Fentanyl withdrawal. I too have been struggling with the wit...

17 REPLIES

i have post sirgical lower back pain. was in 50 mcg pat. ch and had side effects ans so decided to wean off. i finished ...

16 REPLIES

My question is that I have titrated down from 75mcg to 50 and had some times that were NOT fun, I must say, but I figure...

13 REPLIES

I have been on Fentanyl 100mcg/hr, In vivo delivery of 100mcg/hr for 72 hours and I change them every 2 days instead of ...

9 REPLIES