12mcg Fentanyl Patch

[mssuspect]

I have recently found out that I have a few things going wrong with my back. I have been going to a pain management/spinal doctor for the past 2 months and am on Oxycodone, Kadian, Neurotin(sp?), & have just started the 12mcg patch of Fentanyl today (5/8/09).  I am wondering what can I expect from this patch - the good, the bad & the ugly?  I am not a newbie to oral pain meds as I was in a pretty bad car accident 11 years ago where I crushed part of my knee & messed up my leg.  But, the pain patch thing is totally new to me.  If I could get your thoughts, that would be great.  Thank you.

[nick30]

Mollyrae is dead right about alcohol and fentanyl not mixing. I know that most CNS depressant meds inc painkillers usually have alcohol warnings but with fentanyl it is definately not just for show. even small to moderate drinking can lead to very serious problems when you are on the patch, including respiratory depression(which can lead to death - and DOES, search the net, you'll find out).
I mostly gave up drinking many years ago but still occasionally have a few drinks on family outings. the last time i did that i only had 3 drinks and that was enough to make me feel extremely ill. These meds need to be taken responsibly or not at all. just letting you know thats all.

Nick.

[Mollyrae]

Hello mssuspect and welcome to the Pain Forum.

The transition to the Patch can be difficult for some. You may experience sweats, nausea, nightmares and dizziness. I experienced all of these things. I do have a concern though.....
I see that you have a tendency to use Alcohol and Drugs. It is posted in your profile. I would highly recommend that you stop the use of both. Alcohol and Fentanyl DO NOT mix. I don't know your drug of choice but it can't be good.
I'm sure that your Doctor doesn't know that you are using either of them and if they find out, you will be cut off. I'm sure that you have signed a contract. Am I right? If a drug test comes back dirty, you will be dropped. Pain Doctors are hard to come by and if by chance they find out, your finished. Your Medical record will be flagged and getting any meds after that will be difficult.
Please take care and I hope that you can straighten things out.
Molly

[nick30]

It took me a month just to learn how best to apply the patch. it is far superior to pills now that i have sussed it out. consistent pain relief for 3 days at a time, something oxy could never do for me.
I wonder if you are taking kadian, fentanyl and oxy all at once?
seems unusual, especially seeing as ur on the weakest patch.

CP1: I think i remember mentioning that i thought the conversion from your morphine was underdone. have you tried to address this with your doc?
also, try to keep the patch as dry as possible and take great care when applying it. hold it on for twice the recommended time(i put my palm over it and lean against a wall and use my bodyweight to hold it on). the more carefully you put it on, the better it works, also matters where you put it.

Nick.

[ChronicPain1]

I'm currently on the 25mcg/hr Duragesic patch, and I'm not a fan. It could be that the dosage is too low, but it's far too inconsistent and it's been 3 weeks now. My pain is very apparent and keeping me from sleeping right now actually.

At this point it's almost like a 20-30% reduction in my pain, and when I was on the morphine ER, it was generally 80%.

I hope it works better for you, but I've found it to be very ineffective and up and down, although some said it took over a month for them.

[Gwenuveire]

I have been on Fentanyl for years now and as a single mom I can say it took my pain away and didnt make me high (which I loved because I was able to care for my children.I will tell you it helps you sleep alot better and I really didn't have any problems transferring I went off oxycontin and onto Fentanyl.For some it is a lease 0on a new life.I will advise you of several things make sure you like your Doctor because most Doctors do not like to perscribe it and will send you all over to get it.I also advise you to try not to up the dose as much as possible or weaning off will be a nightmare for you.