What is the best way to get off the fentanyl patch

[scruffy1]

My son is on a patch for about a month starting at 25mcg now up to 100mcg.  Every three days worked at first then 2 days now down to one. Looking at surgery in the next month so do you stay on the patch till after the surgery or should he switch to pill form?  Any advice would be welcome from those that know.

[scruffy1]

His surgeon is quite involved but wants a pain management doctor to work with him after the surgery to detox him off of the opiates.  He has had an opiate dependency in the past due to a back injury.  With the hospitalization we are back on that roller coaster again.  It's been a rough year but I have to believe that with the right help we can find a way out. I find this forum very helpful and informative. I'm learning the most from the people who have been there and back.  It may not be pretty but without hope and faith I have nothing.....

[Jacqui805]

Ordinarily, I would offer more help when it comes to this, as I was on 200 mcg of Fentanyl...but in this case, surgery is coming up, and honestly, a doctor should be involved.....weaning I'd think, would not be a good idea right now, and I'm not sure why his doctor would not be involved anyway if he has decided to stop the medication.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I didnt catch this at first. But the way the patches are made, he should not have to use one per day ..... they are extended transdermal release and you will be throwing away two days worth of med. ---  he needs something else if he is using one patch per day. He isnt getting 3 days worth of med in one day from the patch unless he is altering it....

[ochooked]

If he stays at this dose for very long he will be addicted and will have a very hard time trying to get off of this most potent form of Opiate.    All the best.

[beachcomber4you]

Hi ! alot of people taper off by lowering the dose over a period of time . One month is long enough for some people to become dependent on their meds. Talk to your doctor and do the safe thing . Dont try to be a hero and just stop. I was on the same meds for about 2 month and had a tuff time coming off of them cold turkey is not the best way .
Good luck to you and MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN JESUS NAME A-MEN!!!