Norco reduction while on Fentanyl Patch

[Healiing2]

Hello

I am currently on 32 MCG of the Fentanyl patch for severe arthritis issues. I was also given 2 norco tabs per day for breakthrough pain. I would like to know if it is possible to stop taking the Norco without any major withdrawal symptoms?

Since I have the steady stream of the patch in my system-I am wondering if I would really feel any truly physical withdrawal symptoms-or if they may mainly be psychological need.

I would prefer not to have the tablets at all and stick with the patch.

Thanks for any information or advice you may have.

Healiing2

[Tuckamore]

Morning,
Yes this is a kind caring community. I found it in June when after struggling for years with a high level, high stress career and trying to deal with increasingly severe chronic CP I couldn't take the higher doses of pain meds I required and still think at the level my position demanded. I quit one day in utter despair. I knew there had to be others like me but I didn't know anyone dealing with CP. MH has been a God-sent for me. I am so glad I found this site and I am so glad you did too.

So again welcome. And I understand your concern with the medications you are one and the side effects that come with long term use. But it sounds as though your PMP is a good one. I'm sure he/she is monitoring you for the development of potentially serious side effects. If I didn't have to take these meds I could work but than if I didn't take them I couldn't walk so I couldn't work anyway....lol. So I gamble with the side effects because like most others here I have no other choice.

I guess that's what I'm trying to say to you, great if you can stop or cut down on your meds but will you still have pain control? Life is too short to live it miserably. Take it slow and good luck to you. Keep in touch. You can always PM me if you just want to chat. Take care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hi there. Well, I've been concerned about the effects of discontinuing the patch and have talked with my Dr. about it. He told me not to worry, that if there came a time that we both felt I did not need such a strong pain medication that he would make the transition as easy as possible. So I don't worry:) Thank's...........Take care

[Healiing2]

Hi Tuck!

Thanks very much for your welcome! I know you are right about the pain. It's funny-because you said exactly what my Pain Mgmt doctor said when I told him I really wanted to reduce the patches-etc etc. He said he wanted me to slow down a bit and work on dealing with the pain and we could revisit that idea as we get a better grip on things.

I guess it's scary being on these meds. I mean-they have  helped me SO very much-I can walk and move and it's wonderful. It's just scary to know there is that feeling that I "need" them. I guess there needs to be a middle-point and some acceptance that I need some pain management and just work it out day by day too.

Thanks so much!

This is really a great place. I wasn't expecting any input so quickly and everyone has been SO very kind. It gave me some real peace.

[Tuckamore]

Welcome Healing2. I see you are utilizing the substance abuse forum too. That is great and I'm glad you have joined us. You will find the members are supportive and offer good information and suggestions.

There is nothing I have to add but to reiterate what has been said here. I think you will be fine discontinuing the norco tabs.

I certainly understand and admire the fact that you would want to be free of the opiates but I am concerned that you will have pain without them. We that have severe CP don't have to be heroes. I wish you the best. Take care and please let us know how you are doing.  Tuck

[Healiing2]

Hi!

Thanks VERY much for your post. I feel lots better trying to get started-lots less stressed.

Again-thanks! :)

[extrmeski]

You are correct, fenanyl is over 80 times stronger than morophine and is very powerful.  The problem is getting off the patches is horrible!  It takes so long to get off the patches it's crazy.

[Mollyrae]

Hi Healing. I too am on the Fentanyl Patch 75mcg's and take Oxycodone for the breakthrough pain. I have not used the Oxycodone in about 3 wks and there were no withdrawl symptoms at all. The Fentanyl is such a strong opiate that it will take the place of any withdrawl symptoms you might have otherwise. Do not worry. You will be fine. I also would not worry about the Psychological aspects. Take care, Mollyrae