Re: Buprenorphine patch

Hi

I have spoken to the pain nurse who works with my pain consultant. Explained to her about the symptoms I have been experiencing and she suggested to stop the patch and she will talk to my pain consultant. She will also see if my next appointment can be brought forward. Will continue reducing the Oxycontin very slowly and hope I will feel better still.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

Dr. Jeffrey has been answering you question very ably and now after talking to this "pain nurse", you seem to be on the right track.   I also feel that slowly reducing the dose of OxyContin is the way to go.   Just make sure you continue to reduce until you are off of it.  It is so easy to get stuck.   Please work closely with your doctor on this and keep him/her appraised of all your symptoms.  
And may I give you another suggestion: since you have had problems with depression in the past, talk with your primary physician about the possible benefits of taking an antidepressant while coming off of the narcotics.  Since some of them have anti-anxiety properties they might be ever more so helpful during this time.
Good luck to you