Fentanyl withdrawal

[leighlaw]

I have read what other people have been going through going cold turkey off of just 12.5 of fentanyl patches and I am so confused.  I quit cold at 100 and I know what you mean about jerking all over and the screaming part because I was so desperate I ended up in hospital because I took too many lorazapams and baclofen to try and stop it. I am clausterphopic and they 5 point strapped me down.  I was terrified but when I got home 5 days later I am taking 2 valium a day and clonadine but nothing is helping the extreme pain in my lower stomach and back.  I am wondering how long this is going to take.  I was also taking several other opiates but I always ran out early.

[goldenglaze]

I have taken Fentanyl for a month  2 weeks 12 mcg and 2 weeks 25 mcg.  This did not help the pain.  So, I talked to my doctor and she told me to go off cold turkey.  She said there was no need to wean off the medication because it was only a month. Two days later I have been experiencing too much anxiety, chest heaviness, lack of sleep and too much restlessness.  I went to the emergency and was told that I should have no got off the patch cold turkey and the symptoms were withdrawal symptoms.  

Is anyone experiencing these symptoms?  I am so afraid I am remembering things that I had not remembered for years.  Past memories coming to the forefront and I am panicking.  I am unable to eat anything and I am losing weight.

Can anyone help and let me know if they are experiencing the same symptoms.  The doctors are not much help.

[leighlaw]

I am withdrawing at home but I found a place in King City for Women, I live in the GTA area in Ontario. I do have an appointment today and they tell me I might be able to get in early but the course is a year long.  I can't believe that after 12 days that I am still having extreme pain in lower abdomen and bag and I can't stand after 10 min I am so so tired I feel like I am wearing 100 pds of boots of my feet.   I am taking clonadine but just ran out and valium which I have a half of one left.  How long will it take for it to settle down?
I went cold turkey from 100 of those patches to just what I would normally take, immovane a sleeping pill.
baclofen, rarely
seroquil
lomotil
mirapex for restless leg syndrome

[tomskat]

Hi there...Mary is right. Fentanyl is a dangerous drug to try to quit cold turkey,and even when tapering is hell to get off of. I agree-view the Thomas Recipe for some guidance perhaps? Congratulations on choosing in-patient for detox. A tough choice to be made,but sounds like the right one for you. Just be careful with the benzos,also. Those are an entirely differnet beast than opiates,and one that should not ever be quit cold turkey!! Tapering is the way with those,and preferably under a doctor's supervision if possible. Stay strong and hang in there!!Here to help...

[marycarmel]

It makes me so sad that it can be so hard for people to get into treatment.  I hope you can get into one soon.

I tapered from Fentanyl and didn't feel good through the whole taper.  I was told it gets into your fatty tissue and that's why it can take much longer than other opiates (though nowhere near as long as methadone.)

Some people seem to get relief from gabapentin (Neurontin.)  It didn't help me, though I had been on it along with everything else so maybe that's way.  All you can really do is treat your symptoms.

Also, check out the Pain Management Forum as well.  There are some people there who have come off Fentanyl, both tapering and CT, for one reason or another.  You may also find help in dealing with whatever pain issues you have.

Personally, Fentanyl was not a good fit for me.  It changed my whole body chemistry.  And for me, it didn't even really work for the pain, just made me not care and doze off here and there.

[leighlaw]

Thanks Mary.  I have been through many withdrawals for opiates but this is the first for Fentanyl it has been 11 days already when does it start to slow down.

[leighlaw]

I am waiting to go into a treatment center for a year this time.  

[leighlaw]

Thanks Mary.  I have been through many withdrawals for opiates but this is the first for Fentanyl it has been 11 days already when does it start to slow down.

[marycarmel]

Pain very often increases, often in places you never had it, when you come off narcotics.  It will go back to your regular baseline.  Fentanyl is very hard to come off even when tapering.  Look at the Thomas Recipe for supplements to help any residual withdrawal symptoms.