Easing Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms 2/23/2012

[Sazerac7]

I've been taking Fentanyl (Duragesic 100mcg) every 48 hrs for over 7 years. It was prescribed as a last ditch effort to help deal with long term chronic pain for advanced osteoporosis related injuries;  broken hip at age 49, broken spine, collapsed spine. I want to quit because I've gotten to the point where I'd rather deal with the pain then being chained to an opiate type drug for the rest of my life. I already know what the withdrawal symptoms are like since I went through them in the confusion of the aftermath of Katrina (New Orleans Native) when I didn't have access to the patches for over 3 weeks. I know that a lot of you will object to this, but personally I feel that "tapering off" with reduced dosages (100>75>50 etc) is just extending the horror of withdrawal for months and checking in to a private clinic is far beyond my means.

So my question is "Is there any medication that will help ease the withdrawal symptoms of something as powerful as Fentanyl 100 patch"?

[shinglesvictim]

Absolutely same fear.  Fortunately my doctor is sympathetic and increased the number of patches during the summer when i swim and they can fall off.  As such I built up a small surplus so I can travel and not worry about running out.  I also make sure I reorder exactly every 30 days otherwise the clock gets reset by the pharmacist in when you can reorder.  These drugs are so closely monitored.  My doctor said one patient an elderly lady was selling them to increase her income - she was on a low pension but had good benefit coverage.  I too want to try to reduce the dose to see if the pain actually changes in duration/level.  Been on them for many years and on 100mcg every 48 hours.  I also found different brands stick differently.  Only one works well for me. Good luck - hard to find anyone that has the same issues like you and i

[mrsrayharris]

Hi, its almost a year later - but I've been on the same patches for almost ten years. I'll be 35 next month (February). I have a LOT of back problems. And I can tell you I want to travel and I feel the patches are literally a ball and chain. I'm scared to death when my patches accidentally fall off early and I have trouble getting an early refill......the patch MOST DEFINITELY helps with my pain round the clock - so I am on the fence about trying to get off of them.....

[laurel453]

i just did it but it seems that she is not receiving notes at the present so i hope that she will see your post and answers you here ... anyway, stay at the forum and tell us how you are doing , we will try helping you, sazerac :)

[laurel453]

Hi, sazerac... did you check the inbox ? in that case, i will send a note to tomskat letting her knowing about it

[Sazerac7]

Thanks for responding Bama88 and I'm sorry I didn't write sooner, but after waiting a couple of days I didn't think anyone was going to answer so I stopped checking here. I understand now that my post got lost. Tapering off something like Duragesic 100 would take months and would be extending WD's way too long. In addition, the patches I use now cost $1260.00 a month. I'm about to lose my insurance coverage, so I have to get off it asap.

[Sazerac7]

I'm sorry tonskat, but I didn't receive anything from you. But I now have some options to discuss with my Dr.Thanks again for responding.

[Sazerac7]

Thanks for answering. This forum has given me a few options to try with my Dr. Like Clonodine, Neurotin, Suboxone and Buprenorphine. Thanks to all of you for your help.

[bama88]

im sorry your post got over looked. yikes..but welcome to the right place to be...were here to support you.

i don't have any knowledge on the fentanal path.  May i ask why your against tapering? from the little i know about the patch i think it is supposed to be tapered...is it possible for you to discuss this with your doctor? what's your thoughts on tapering? i get why you'd want to hurry up and get it over with. but that's a big detox...not saying you can't do it. but defiantly see a doctor if you can...how do you feel about that? what's your thoughts?  your new friend bama

[laurel453]

good, i was hoping that someone with experience will come and help her !

[tomskat]

Hi there...pretty sure I sent you a message so please check your inbox.