FENTANYL (PAIN) PATCHES

Is anyone on Fentanyl patches for pain?  I have had to be on them since last fall and I am not sure what all it might be doing to me.  I don't feel all dopey like I do with other pain meds, but I have to wonder what it might be doing to me in the long run.  This is a patch that is 80x stronger than morphine so it has to be doing something.  I wonder if it has added to my memory problems?  I would love to get off of them, but until I get to a point where I forget to change it, I guess I still need it.  Usually, the night before I change it, I so ready for a new one.  Anyway, I would like to know what your experiences were while you were on them and if you felt it had any lasting impact on you.  Thanks
Jan  

[vegas2cr]

I was on the fentanyl patches for a while..I needed to take it with compazine to prevent me from throwing up..I cut the patch in half and then in 1/4s to get off of it.. I did notice memory problems as I am an avid New York times crossword buff and couldn't do them anymore... my memory is returning and  I don't think I have had any lasting problems.. But I would try to get off of them if you can.... Hugs to you Jan.. Ronni

[Jan214]

Thanks Ronni.  I don't like being on them and I will get off of them as soon as I start forgetting to change them.  Now I still have such bone crunching pain that the day before i am supposed to change my patch I am already ready for a new one.  I was taking so many hydros they were worried about my liver so they put me on this.  I know what you mean about the crossword puzzle thing.  I can't do any of that anymore.  Funny thing is, I can still read and concentrate on a book, but not much else. If it gets to a point where I can't read anymore than that will be that.  I am also having some eyesight problems, but that just could be from reading 5 or 6 books a week.  Hey, it is all I can do!!  Thanks Ronni, good to hear from you.
Hugs back at ya,
Jan

[alanpvegas]

it's going to effect everyone differently....pain control is specific to each person.  for instance, fentanyl patches did nothing for my mom but until she got the PCA machine for dilaudid we had to try and use them along with the dilaudid pills (which she couldn't absorb orally that well).

if they are working for you, by all means use them.  try to not get too scared about how 'much' or 'powerful' any pain medication is...if you need it, use it.  you are not going to get addicted, etc.  

memory problems may be possible, but its only related to how the drug works.  if it does effect you, discuss it with your doctor and maybe they can try something different or maybe a lower dosage...

[Teresa222]

I had them for a while and decided I wanted to be rid of them so that I could feel what might be going on in my body.  I used them for about 2 mos. after my initial surgery.  You will have to gradually get off them for it to be safe.  Your doctor can give you smaller and smaller doses on the patch so you won't suffer any withdrawal.  You can also be prescribed pain pills that do not contain Tylenol. (liver damage)  If you are wanting to control your own intake, this is the way to go.  
Teresa