Titrating Up On Fentanyl

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I've been on a 25mcg and 12mcg Fentanyl patch now for about 6 mos. I change them every 48 hours. I get 15 of each per month. Lately I've not been getting the pain relief I did in the beginning. I would like to titrate up to the 50mcg patch. I think that would make a big difference, but I don't want my pain dr. to think I'm abusing it. Is is too soon to move to a higher dose? I mean is there a general time period for titrating up? Any help will be greatly appreciated thanks.

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1

I was started on the 25mcg change every 72hrs., my doc. took me up to the 50 mcg every 72 hrs in 2 months, said the 25 was just a starter. I am on the 75mcg every 72 hrs plus hydro's for break thru pain now. I will be going up again soon, my pain doc. says your body adjusts to it after time. I have used them for four years now and don't feel like I am going up too fast. I don't think your request is out of line. I think you just have to be honest about your pain level with your doc. to get proper treatment.

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Josie is correct, your body will adjust to anything you are taking, after a period of time and it will no longer work for you as well.

The time period of how long something helps someone depends on their bodies and metabolism. There is no hard or fast rule for how long you should expect any dosage to last.


You really do need to talk to your doctor about your pain and let them know that the current patch is not controlling it.


https:/­/­www.medschat.com/­wiki/­Fentanyl/­

Are there any other questions?

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Thank you Josie and Verwon! I know what I must do now and I'll talk to my pain doc. I think my body is just unusually tolerant to opiates. I was taking Percocet (4-5 7.5mg per day) post surgery for almost a year before starting on these patches, so I guess it not unusual for the 25mcg not to be effective for too long and that's what is now happening. I'm sure once I go up to the 50mcg it will help. Does the 50 last any longer than the 25, or is just stronger? Again, I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply. It's a BIG help.

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