Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms (Page 80)

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

HOP,

I'd like an update, remember I just suggested to taper one patch change to see how quickly it hits if you try to go off for the weekend. I know you are dope sick and that is not what I want for you at all. Knowing your situation allows the empathy for I too believed in the physician (now deceased) who put me on Duragesic. I'd still be his patient if he did not evolve to renal carcinoma and a sudden death. On the other hand I like Stephen see the great faults with the drug.

One thing I do suggest; never stop pain management for family--if you have an adverse reaction to one drug then work closely with your physician and have a list of the bad effects with you so you have two legs to stand on when you ask for a change. If you stop medication for family when you are not even tolerant to medication and are still drowsy, or not yourself there is no opportunity for quality of life which YOU deserve.

HOP lets hear from you girl.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I detoxed exactly one year ago cold turkey from 100 mcg patches. Tell your 'mind' you tell it what to think! Change or rewire your brain (mindset) dr Caroline Leaf and Brad Yates (EFTs) helps. you can find their videos on YouTube. I am on Vicodin 10 mg four times a day and MS 15 mg at bedtime as needed! I hate chronic gut and bodily pain. My life changed so drastically!!! I am praying for you! Remember this too shall pass! You will be fine!!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Jackie,

Why are you on LA prn?

That is antagonistic to good pain management.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

So where is HOP and Stephen? Very interesting.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Just posting an update. I realize 25mcg/hour is not a very high dosage, but when my brother died I had a hard time with everything. I was given ambien to help me sleep. That stuff messed me up pretty badly! I couldn't even remember when to change my patches, and was going through nicotine withdrawal....whoa! It really got ugly for a few days. Finally was able to collect myself and and have quit smoking, beginning to sleep better, and I have cut my fentanyl dose down to half of the 25 mcg patch for 72 hours.

My problem with the fentanyl is that it scares me to think of being so dependent on a drug that can be yanked out from under me at any time. I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to a lifetime of dependency on this stuff. I know there are other meds, but with the same ultimate dependency. I'm in pain, yes. Hell, I've been in pain for years. But this dr seems only to care about how many people he can get into his office at a time without a riot breaking out. Refuses to help with any pain that the 25 mcg doesn't cover. I'm through with him and being treated like a common street addict.

Question is, will I have considerable withdrawals from this dosage level, or do I need to continue to taper?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

There seems to be a misunderstanding about Fentanyl patches and their morphine content. The Fentanyl 50 patches only contain 8.25 mg of active fentanyl. It sounds o me that on here you are believing Fentanyl 50 contains 50mg of the active ingredient. This is not true! Do READ THE PAMPHLET THAT COMES WITH FENTANYL so that you are more informed. Especially when comparing Fentanyl with other medicaments.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Same thing happened to me. My Maltese puppy somehow managed to find a small used patch (who knows where or how), and chewed on it. I didn't discover the patch until I did a thorough search after we rushed her to the vet, but I strongly suspected it was the cause based on her symptoms, so I wasn't surprised when I found it. She was treated with (I believe) charcoal to absorb the fentanyl, and IV fluids, and was fine within 12 hours, but she was in VERY bad shape when we took her to the vet. The used discarded patches can be very dangerous to small pets (this was roughly 25mcg), so please be extra careful when disposing of them, and DEFINITELY get your pet to a vet immediately if you suspect they've gotten ahold of discarded patch (some symptoms are extreme lethargy, inability to walk, can't focus their eyes, loss of bowel control). I would suggest storing your discarded patches in a Ziploc.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I've been absent from this thread for about 18 months because I couldn't find it, but I just wanted to say that I'm really happy for you Yvonne. I started weaning off 200mcg/48 hours just over 2 years ago, and I'll be posting my own update in a few minutes.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Well, I first posted in this thread in Jan 2014, after being on the patches for 11 years at that point in time. Like most everyone, I found this thread while looking for help and info to get off the patches. Everything I found indicated that short of an expensive rapid detox center, or dying, plus the best solution was just to taper down over time. My PCP also confirmed that if I wanted to get off of the patches, his solution would be to just start gradually reducing my level over time. Well, I could achieve the same thing on my own and at my own pace by simply cutting the patches to the desired size (I use the Mylan brand, do not attempt with any brand that has the gel filled pouch).

When I started in Jan 2014 I was at 200Mcg every 48 hours (though I had my own regimen of 100mcg every 24 hours instead, as the dose was more even, although I used the same number of patches as I was prescribed every month). I strongly felt that I didn't need anywhere near that much, so I opted to try cutting my dosage in half to start off with. I suffered no major withdrawals, just loss of appetite and general lack of energy. Obviously that was a major jump, so I remained at that dosage for months while my body completely adjusted.

Over the following two years I tapered down very slowly to avoid major withdrawals. The reason I took such a long time when I'm sure I could've done it much faster was two fold. First, I had accumulated about 150 of my 100mcg patches during the first 6 or so months that I was tapering, so I had plenty of patches. And second, I didn't want to suffer withdrawals, having been through them before upon release from the hospital, after being on a very strong Dilaudid regimen for over a month on two separate occasions.

As of last month I was cutting the last of my 100mcg patches into 15 roughly even pieces of around 6-7 mcg, and continuing to put on one of those patches every 24 hours like I have for the last several years, instead of twice that size every 48 hours. Throughout all of this time I continued to suffer a loss of appetite and general lethargy, but never much more than that, even when I would step down my dose. I did have some tingling in my feet the last month or two though.

About 8 or 9 days ago I decided I was going to try and not put on any more patches, even though I still had a month or two worth's left. Somewhat to my surprise, I had no significant withdrawals over the next few days other than a bit of restless leg syndrome, but nothing major. No nausea, major aches, abdominal pain etc.. I also am not using ANY other pain meds to replace the patches or stave off withdrawals. i did however take half of a Clonazepam for a couple nights, starting the first night that I skipped my patch. Probably didn't need it, but it was nice to sleep good those nights anyway.

So anyway, I took that last tiny patch off about 6 days ago, and I'm COMPLETELY patch and Opioid free (as well as ALL medication), for the first time in 13 years, since a near fatal skydiving accident. I now know that definitely do not need the patches to treat any of my accident related pain, but of course you have no way of knowing that when you're on the patches, and you can't simply hop off of them to see what your pain level is, since the withdrawals themselves cause incredible pain and suffering. I can't say that I feel great yet, and I'm sure it will take my body quite a while to completely adjust to not having Fentanyl in my system after well over a decade on a VERY strong dosage, but it feels great to be free after being enslaved for so long by these stupid things. Everyone who's been on them for a while knows what I'm talking about. Just having to stress every month about getting your prescription, getting it filled, and making sure you don't lose your insurance and that they'll continue to cover it, creates a huge amount of stress.

For those of you out there that are in the same boat myself and so many others were in, I hope this offers a little inspiration and motivation that you CAN get off of these things, even insanely large dosages like the 200mcg/48 hours that I was on for so many years, and you don't need help from anyone to do it. You just need time, patience, and willpower. I'm sure you can safely wean yourself off a similar or lower dosage within 3-6 months with minimal discomfort if you need to do it that fast. Of course I recommend consulting with your PCP or Pain Management doctor if you have one before you attempt to wean off of them, this is just how I chose to do it. As to what you may need to do to deal with your original symptoms once you're off the patches, you'll have to re-evaluate where you are physically once you're off of them, and truly see how much pain medication or other treatment you may actually need.

Good luck to everyone who's dealing with these horrible things!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I too was on 150 mcg every 72 hrs. I was on this for ten years! It totally screwed me up. I was a zombie the whole time and missed out on so much because I just wasn't there mentally. I have come off all patches too. This happened only because I was sick and went to hospital and they took me off everything cold turkey. I was lucky to be there for this to happen. You do find out that you didn't need them at all and will feel so much better off it. Also my drugstore requests the used patches back before you get your renewal.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I came down at 12 mcg at a time was completely off with no problems in 2
3 month easy done

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

That's interesting, I've never heard of anyone's drugstore requiring that you return the used patches before they give you your new prescription. Just another in a long list of reasons to get off the stupid things. It's hard enough to get your prescription every month and get it filled, even when you have insurance and a good relationship with your doctor.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

It's a great idea. They are trying to stop the overdoses. There are some that chew on the patch, take the gel out and inject it. Also when you are in chronic pain it's too easy to to use them before the script is up. Sometimes in the summer I would sweat and the patch would fall off. They don't care why you don't have enough.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I too have been on fentanyl 75mcg for 18 years, I have severe rheumatoid arthritis with severe joint damage
I lowered to 50, then 25 and finally 12.5. Last patch was left on for 7days. Which is now 13 days ago.
The fentanyl worked great for so long. Then I started to have very excessive sweating for no reason, it was debilitating. I would walk to kitchen or bathroom and be drenched in sweat. My pain mgmt dr said they don't know why it happens, but it does. I Cannot wait to be awful this horrendous drug withdrawl. Two weeks tomorrow without a patch on.
What have others done to get thru this withdrawal and debilitating exhaustion, etc? Taking Tinzidane and small dose Valium.
I Will see a dr tomorrow to see what my options are. Would never start this drug knowing what I do now. Any suggestions would be so welcome. And what to expect a month or two from now. I'm still on dilaudid for pain control

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Good for you Karen!! Great job. I know it's not easy but trust me in about 6 months you will start to feel like a different person. In a good way lol. Just stay positive. I've been off of it now or just over a year and feel great. Now don't get me wrong, you will still have pain but I think you will find that your pain is actual better without it. I did have to start dilaudid 2 mg as you might find you still need something. I didn't know how deadly it was either. Back then I don't think anyone knew much about it. Please please don't ever go back on it!! You are almost there!! If you can afford it swimming is good for you or physio therapy. Good luck on your journey! Stay in touch.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Thanks for ur honesty, yes a lot of dr.'s do not understand. I'm on fentanyl 50mcg. I have been out for 6 days now due to a mistake my dr office made while over riding my approval for the brand fentanyl for my insurance company. so while they take there sweet good ol time fixing there mistake, I sit here with a prescription in hand and no way to pay for it I can only use the brand name Duragesic expensive as hell. so no way I can pay that is what my insurance is for "RIGHT?" ANYWAYS because the brand is not covered by my insurance my dr. office has to send in over ride once a year to my insurance company and for some reason the nurse did not put brand name only, medically necessary like always they rejected it uggg. MY DR OFFICE FAULT!!! but I suffer for it and they know darn well I AM OUT OF MY MEDS HELLO !!! U CANT STOP MEDS LIKE THAT !!! AGAIN HELLO!!! THEN WHEN I SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT IN HOPES I MIGHT GET A REPLACEMENT TILL THEY FIX THE PROBLEM SOMETHING EVEN LIKE A FREAKING VICODON FOR GOODNESS SAKE TILL THEY FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY DID WRONG!!! what do you think they said wait until I blow ur mind with this "ur on a pretty low dose of fentanyl you really should be okay well get this all worked out for u as soon as we can.. we have just been really busy".

WOW I'm on 50 mcg of fentanyl I am no dr. but I am an expert when it comes to ME AND WHAT THE F*** I PUT IN MY BODY!!! WOW go freaking figure, SO IM GOING THREW WD W A FREAKING PRESCRIPTION IN MY HAND THATS CRAZY WITHDRAWAL BAD STARTED WITH WATERY EYES YAWING SNEEZING FOLLOWED EXTREME RESTLESSNESS COULD NOT STOP MOVING SIT DOWN STAND UP REPEAT CONSTANT WASNT COMFORTABLE ANYWHERE. SHAKING HANDS, FLU LIKE SYMPTOM, BODY ACHES, MUCLE PAIN, PAIN IN LEGS, FREEZING COLD GOOSE BUMPS, HEAD ACHE, RESTLESS LEGS AND ARMS AND ANXIETY. I DONT KNOW WHAT THIS IS BUT I FEEL LIKE I JUST WANT TO GET OUT OF MYSELF LIKE I JUST WANT TO GET OUT OF MY OWN BODY!! CANT EAT ANYTHING, CANT SLEEP.. AND THAT WITH ME USING A STRIP OF SUBOXONE I HAD LEFT OVER FROM WHEN I WAS ON IT.. BUT I ONLY HAVE ONE AND I HAVE TO NIBBLE ON IT WHEN IT GETS SO BAD I FEEL LIKE I JUST CANT DO IT.. AND IT TRULY HELPS EVEN THAT TINY BIT GIVES ME A MOMENT OF PEACE.. AND BELIEVE ME I NEED IT THIS IS THE WORST THING AND FOR MY DR. OFFICE TO JUST SIT BACK LIKE OH UR ON A LOW DOES ULL BE JUST FINE MAKES ME CRAZY, but they know I need them.

I cant change dr they don't make a bunch of money off of me its not a pm dr he is my regular dr and maybe that explains the whole darn thing...but omg I feel so bad for everyone who is going threw this its is bad... I have had fibro for 10 years and a curvature of my spine these two don't go together AT all, I did no choose to come off fentanyl so this is a lil different, I think.. if it was my choice id be looking at this a whole lot differently but mad I'm angry I'm hurt and I'm upset.. that the pharmacies look me like I'm a drug addict !! god for bid wonder whats going on so I have changed pharmacies so cvs you have lost buss not just my very expensive fentanyl but all the other medication in total 8 so say bye to them all ..and to the dr that really don't understand or hear n listen to the patient when they say I'm not going to be okay if don't get that over ride in bye Friday and then when you go in Monday and its still not done and our out of your medicine and say I'm really not doing good ..and nothing is done and last but not least the INSURANCE COMPANYS WHO SHOULD OVER RIDE ANYTHING A DR. SAYS IS MEDICALLY RIGHT THEN AND THERE OVONE OVER THE PHONE OR COMPUTER IT SHOULDNT TAKE UP TO 73 HRS FOR THEM TO MAKE A F***ING DECISION THEY ARE NOT DR. WTF DO THEY KNOW.. you know I'm 47 and I remember when things just worked u went to the dr for something and he gave u what ever u needed the insurance paid for it and any pharmacy gave it to u w a smile on there face no matter what it was they didn't give a s*** the government didn't give a s*** now its all f***ed up for people who really need it... I understand addition I just cant afford to over take my medication. it works for me.. and that's what I need it for I guess when u really need something for pain ur idea of using it for fun completely changes.. it did for me

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Wd- how did everything work out? Your last post was very scary for anyone that needs pain medication. The new regulations and e-scripts are making it difficult for those with chronic pain to get prescription medications we need to have any quality of life. Please update everyone.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Thank you!!! I'm now at 10 weeks. Hardest thing I have ever gone thru in my life!! I'm now off the dilaudid too. Was in 6-4mgs, then 3-4mgs. Today I'm on vicodan to see if I will feel better. Still so extremely weak!! I told my pain management dr that to do this I should have gone to a clinic that detoxes people. He said oh we have that here. Well why in the hell didn't someone inform me. It's pure hell, I sure hope it's not another 4 months til I'm feeling better. In on my last leg here. Thanks for your response, it makes me feel better that I'm not losing my mind.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Posters,

Due to the illegal use of Fentanyl by drug cartels and selling it in fake NORCO and XANAX pill forms Duragesic has no life out there left people. I was on it for over 16 years and am happy to be back with my top specialist and getting off it completely switching to the longest acting cheapest drug in the world Methadone created under Hitler during their poppy shortage and then the patent sold to the US due to the high and fast tolerance.

Insurers are now just cutting people off due to the Affordable Care Act loop holes and most of us cannot just chance this with the FDA and CDC creating scares and government demanding physicians not practice medicine properly. My medication bill retail due to my genetic defect and metabolizing ultra rapid was close to $30,000 per month. I hope our new interventions bring it down to under $2,000 per month.

METHADONE is dirt cheap regardless and the only long acting that comes in solution form. For someone with my defect either liquid or IV or injectable is all that works. I am blessed to be getting off Duragesic with a whole host of medications this go round. I recall doing a taper on much lower amount years ago pre surgery and the hell I went through.

You can die from going off this drug cold turkey do not do it without a physician who KNOWS in charge here.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Posters,

No pharmacy can require you to return used patches. That is INSANITY and illegal!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

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