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MedHelp Member's Question

Duragesic Patch ??? Are you Familiar

by LostFree, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
Question in general.  I do suffer from legitimate pain, however the company I work for does not allow any type of opiates/opiod to show up in a drug screen.  Does Duragesic patch show up in a drug screen.  Is there anything you can take for pain that does not show up in a drug screen?  Sincerely, in Pain no b/s.
Member Comments (17)

by peaz, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
To: LostFree
Hi and welcome.  Duragesic patches contain a Schedule II narcotic,Fentanyl, which will readily be picked up in a screen.  In fact, any opiate or narcotic will be detected, depending on how sensitive the test is.  Most companies use  sensitive testing methods. The anti-inflammatory or n-saids (Ibuprofen or aleve) are over the counter and may or may not control your pain, and they aren't narcotics and of course don't require a script.  (so if they show up in the screen, it  would be okay).  I'm wondering how the hell your company can get away with banning a LEGITIMATE prescription???? I think you should pursue this further--something doesn't sound right., unless it would be a temporary requisite for safety issues?  Tell us more.

     Peaz

by Jeff31, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
I was on the patch for a couple of days, and yes it is opiate based and will show up on a drug screen. The active drug is Fentanyl. I used the 50's and they are very strong.

Jeff

by LostFree, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
The company I'm working for has no grounds, it's not a safety issue at all, I work behind a desk - it's just there policy along with benzo's, barbitruates etc.. I was recently on a couple med's that had this on a legit script and had to get off or loose my job.  Another things is I also suffer from Migraines and on occasion had to use Stadol NS for severe, can't use that anymore, now I don't know what to do if one hits.  However, I don't want to use Stadol, last time I had a bad reaction to it, so I'm looking for another "last resort" for a migraine.  When it comes to a bad migraine, screw the company, I'm going to knock it out, I just don't know what to ask for anymore without crossing the line.

by GiannaM, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
To: Lost Free
I certainly don't want to mislead you, but when I was on the methadone and asked my counselor how was I supposed to explain this when a drug screen was done, he informed me that companies don't usuallty test for methadone its actually a separate test. I hope someone else may have some more info, but it sounds like discrimination to me. Can you say L-A-W-S-U-I-T-E!!! LOL!

by Sean5110, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
To: Lost Free
I just had to have a drug test last month givent that I was changing companies. I work in the financial industry which is extremely strict in its insistance upone a drug-free workplace. I have also been abusing hydrocodone for 6 months, was also taking Dilaudid and percocets, and a small amount of diazepam (valium). Needless to say, I was a bit nervous as to how this issue. I was simply told that, as long as the drug is legal, I was to bring the bottles with me (showing they were prescribed) and these chemicals would be noted and their presence completely ignored. Well, I was able to bring the bottles (however, I had forged the prescriptions though, but the urine collector had no idea of course). I simple stated that I had had a recurrance of a kidney stone problem, resulting muscle spasms and was looking forward to being off all of that stuff in the next couple of weeks. There were no problems.

by Jeff31, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
Being the owner of a business myself, i would check, and have them explain to you why you can not take prescription medications. I dont know if there is a legal stand point that they can keep you from doing so. There may be, but not that i know of.

by koalabear, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
I wore the duragesic patch,and yes, it is an opioid, just like any other narcotic.  Much higher dose.  It is measured in mcg. vs. mg.  It would definitely show in a UA.



An EXCELLENT pain reliver.  The best I ever had during my experience.



I am currently on Buprenorphine to withdraw me.  It is working great.



Everyone out there that is having a tough time with the drawls, if you can find a doc out there to prescribe a taper with Bup, I've had great luck with it. (I couldn't take methadone).



Great job to all who are recovering!  Especially you, Bill (bmac) You are doing wonderful.  I think people need to hear your posts.



Leah

by bmac, Sep 16, 2002 12:00AM
To: koalabear
Thanks,I just finally figured out a way to stop my addiction.I really feel I am a lucky one.I went to a doctor and got the right help.Well,thanks for the pat on the back.I needed it.

27 days clean and lovin'it!

                      Bill

by dru123, Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
I am currently on the Duragesic Patch, 50mcg x 72 hrs. I agree!! It is the best pain med. I have ever been on. It does not have all the "highs and lows" that one would expierience using a short acting opiod like percocet, hydrocodone, codiene, etc. My doctor prescribed it for the chronic pain I have from several herniated cervical discs. I have been on alot of different pain meds since June, including Oxycontin. The Oxy worked well at first, however when my body's tolerance grew, and the pain got more severe, I wasn't able to handle the higher doses of Oxycontin without getting sick. I was initially taking 40 mgs a day, but after a month, when I needed 80 mgs to handle my pain, I always felt sick. I also noticed Oxycontin made me feel "wired", and I was up all night. So my doctor suggested trying this patch, and I'm clad he did. I started with the 25mcg x 72 hrs, however because I was already opioud tolerant, it gave me little to no relief. He moved me up to the 50 mcg x 72, and it works alot better. I do notice that it doesn't work as well for the last 24 hrs, so I might need to change the 50mcg patch every 48 hrs, or move up to the 75mcg dose. The patch releives my pain much better, and sleeping with the patch is better than any other pain med I have ever used

by A-Factor, Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
To: Drug Test
I am also quite shocked that your company doesn't allow the use of narcotics, EVEN IF THEY ARE LEGITIMATE by perscription?  So what happens when your co-worker John Doe needs to have surgery to repair his carpal tunnel syndrome that he acquired from daily on-the-job stressors?  



He can't take the Vicodin or Percocet that was prescribed to him by the surgeon?



I just find that completely ludacris, and this needs to be checked into further, like with a lawyer or something!

by koalabear, Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
To: dru123
I, too, had to have my patch changed every 48 hours.  Then I stayed on it for 3 months pain free!



Leah

by LostFree, Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone - VISTARIL ????
I know it really seems ludacris about my condition at work, and yes I have hired an attorney and yes I'm in the right to sue and I have plans, the judge has already told me it's an open closed case, I've won.  Now, on to another subject that deals with the same issue.  With the employer in mind I could no longer take my Xanax for panic attacks due to the employer not allowing benzo's so today I'm seeing my doctor about VISTARIL, has anyone had any success with Vistaril for panic attacks if so what strength?  25-50-100 ?  I don't want to go in blind.  Thanks for your help.

by peaz, Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
To: LostFree
So if the judge said your case is already won (?) does that mean you can be on the patch at work or not?

As far as the Vistaril,(hydroxyzine) the usual adult dose is 50 mg. four times a day.

               Peaz