Dependency and switching issues.

My doctor has asked me if I have a preference between DuraGesic patches and Hydromorph Contin. I expressed interest in the patch but since then I've heard that the DuraGesic binds with a different receptor site than most other opioids; as such, if I ever need to change to a new pain medication, I run the risk of going through withdrawal from the patch even though my pain is being controlled by the new medication. Has anyone had experience with this issue, or was I given incorrect information?

[Mollyrae]

Hi:

I think that you have some prety good information. Although the Patch works very good for me, the breakthrough meds do not. I cannot find one other than a very high dose of breakthrough that will work anymore.

I just recently was upgraded to 15mg. Oxycodone IR, 2 tabs every 4-6 hrs. for breakthrough and that has a hard time comtroling it at times.

I did not have this problem before I started using the Patch but now am finding that Somehow they rarely work.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have insisted on something entirely different.

I will tell you though, the Hydromorph Contin acts much in the same way. It's a "Big Dog" med that acts much in the same way.  

I hope this helped. Please take care.
Mollyrae