Detox Options from OpanaER

[GA_need_help]

Hi! I really need help. I am on 30 mg Opana ER 3 times a day. I have had major surgery, but think I am hyper analgesic, and being this dependent on pills is scaring me (after 1 1/2 years)!  I have been told I need to change to another short-acting medication prior to detoxing.  One doctor told me he would change me to the Fentanyl Patch, then I could go through his detox program.  Another administrator for a detox program told me that the Fentanyl patch would not be a good idea, since it is terrible to detox from.  I am very confused.  I need to be switched to a short-acting opiate prior to detox.  Should I trust the doctor that thinks I should be switched to Fentanyl?  

I have tapered from 40 mg Opana 3 times a day to 30mg Opana 3 times a day, but I have had to use PRN short acting Opana some days.  I would love to be able to just keep tapering, but I fear it may get too painful.  I am blessed to be able to afford a detox program.  Has anyone had experience with either tapering or doing a detox program from Opana ER or from Fentanyl?

Thanks so much! I need help!  Marie

[GA_need_help]

Hi.  That is the big question:  How will I cope with the pain once off?  I have a doctor that put me on Savella and Lyrica, to try to help with the pain.  I cannot tell any difference yet.  So what do I do?  I don't know of other options.  This doctor does put people on Suboxone and Methadone for pain.  I tried Suboxone previously--at a low does which may not have been therapeutic--and I couldn't tell a difference.  I don't want to be on Methadone!
  
So what am I to do?

And, I don't have a doctor that will just put me on a shorter acting medication UNLESS I am making a switch to go straight to a hospital detox program! So it is stay with the long-acting drug and taper -- or change and go to a detox program, and face the pain without any endorphins of my own--and with a hell of a lot of pain.  This is an awful place to be. I just have to try to keep my head on straight! The hardest thing I have ever done!

Thanks so much. Marie

[marycarmel]

Switching to Fentanyl makes no sense.  I was on Fentanyl for pain and I tapered off it myself without too much trouble, but it is for most people very hard to come off.  I had a harder time tapering off other meds.  Also, how will you treat your pain when you're done with all this?  You need to figure that out as well.

I think tapering from the Opana ER to a short-acting med and tapering from that would work.  (Maybe you could go to twice a day???)  And can you talk to your prescribing doctor?  They should work with you.  You may also want to post this on the pain management forum.

Tapering can be hard, especially if someone is addicted.  But if you are just dependent, then it wouldn't be too bad.  You do get some withdrawal but it's mild, as a rule.  But it does drag out, which some people don't like.

[GA_need_help]

With the Fentanyl patches, that is my concern.  The 1/2 life is only 2 hours, but as with the patch, it is delivered continuously! So it would work for a detox.  My sis and I have felt the same concerns, as the potency of the way it is delivered continuously on the patch.  It is hard to believe it is a good drug to switch to.  If you look at Opana ER 30 mg 3 X a day, you will be stunned at how strong it is....unfortunantly.  Thanks so much for your help.  I share your concerns!

[Bkitty]

We use Fentanyl duragesic patches in hospice and its a long acting pain medication,,you change the patch every 3 days. I would think you would only be trading a long acting pain med for another more potent one. Fentanyl also is stored in your fat cells. Please consult with your doctor...but I would be leary of the fentanyl. Consult with your doctor.

[GA_need_help]

Josh,
How much were you on, and for how long?  I am on ER, and they say that stays in fat cells for 3 weeks, and makes it hell.  I am on 30mg ER 3 times a day, which is a very, very high amount!

I am so glad it went so well for you!  The detox centers won't even detox me without me switching to another short-acting drug first!

The ERs you can't cut in half because they will be so potent, it's dangerous.  I believe if I could somehow switch to the regular Opana pills, and if I have enough of them--I could possibly taper in the way you did.

I really, really appreciate your post, and your encouragement. Marie

[Josh26]

I just detoxed off opana! Its easier than you think.  I waited it out...go as long as you can without anything and just when you start feeling crappy.  Just take a half.  Keep doing that just cut it in half....hold .....half hold....that worked for me...then see  a sub doc.  Get subutex NOT suboxone....and take a 1 pill at night half it hold half it hold....and maintain on a chip and break away! Worked for me hope it works for you!