fentanyl withdrawal misery.. HOW LONG?????

I am on my sixth day without any fentanyl at all.  I have been on it for almost 5 YEARS.  I had a terrible car accident in 2003 and have been on as much as 75 mcg. every 48 hours.  I have been tapering down since about March of this year, and did the "cut the patch" thing (with MYLAN only) on the 25's for about a month and got it down to about a third of a patch for about 2 weeks and then nothing.  I am miserable.  My doctor has been very cooperative, she gave me clonapin, neurontin, but I still cannot sleep due to the restless legs.  I have absolutely no energy, am extremely depressed, feel like every bone in my body is broken and I don't feel like I am getting better.  From reading in this forum and other places on the internet, it sounds pretty bleak, like it could go on for weeks and weeks!  Is there anything else that I can do???  THIS *****!  My pain is back (I had 2 disc fusions, a shoulder surgery and a broken leg) but I will never go back on opiods so help me God.

[Tuckamore]

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum at MedHelp. I am so very sorry you are experiencing such pain and withdrawal symptoms. We have a great substance abuse community can that help you with the withdrawal questions. My understanding it is this is a long miserable process. Fentanyl can be a monster, withdrawal nightmare and take months of recovery.

Being a Pain Mgt Forum Member I am concerned about your pain and how you will deal with it. There are other pain medications but all that are really effective in general are the opiates.  If you aren't already I would get into a good Pain Managment Clinic. They do offer alternatives to opiates.

Also you may want to try different meds if the neurotin and clonapin are not effective. However I havce heard that the withdrawal from Fentayl is just a long tough one with not a lot of effective meds to ease to discomforts to any great degree. Again I would chat on the substance abuse forum.

Best of luck to you. You are certainly brave to go this route. Please keep in touch we are here for you. Others will post with more information and suggestions.

Take Care, Tuck
  

[sandee1818]

Tuckamore has given you some good advice. I am sorry your going through such pain but there will be a time when it will get better, just look forward and remember that.
The SA community can help with your withdrawal symptoms and we are here for you concerning your pain control and will help and support you any way we can:)

[mmartabq]

You're in a very similar place to mine. My pain began in '94, and I have been on the patches since early '04, but my pain doc was forced out of prescribing by the state board which is still too opiophobic. Anyway, I was at 1400 mcg/hr (that's not a typo - I had 14 patches on), and had three months to get down to zero (nobody was going to keep me at that dose, especially after the board's action).

I actually did far better than I ever thought possible. By the first week of September (about three months later), I was down to about 75 mcg/hr, and having less pain in general than I had for some time (largely on account of a rigorous new exercise program). However, I was suddenly in the throes of withdrawal, at first masked by the effects of a tetanus vaccine I'd just had.

I backed up to where I had not had withdrawal and slowed my remaining taper, but continued to get withdrawal, just not so severe. I was fortunate that I still had enough extra patches to allow this, but I found I could not function without adding in some short-acting meds to curb the withdrawal. This only delays the process, I know, but I didn't see a need to suffer while I figured out a longer-term plan.

(continued)

[mmartabq]

Continued from previous post:

Finally got to my PCP, who already knew I was tapering, and he is quite willing to help me taper more slowly. He was quite impressed by my progress and very happy for me. After discussing the few alternatives, I chose to try continuing my taper with patches, since changes in dose have such a slow response, and he wrote a script for more of them. I now plan to go from 50 mcg/hr to 6.25 mcg/hr (by cutting the Mylan patches) in smaller and smaller steps over the next 36 days, with six days between each change.

I don't expect to escape withdrawal completely, but I want to at least not deal with it before I am even done tapering. I also hope that this very slow progression will allow my body to at least partially adjust to the absence of fentanyl, making the final ordeal less intense and shorter. I also have time to plan for this better, preparing my family and workplace for it.

What remains to be seen is how my very high dose levels before and long time taking opioids affects the ultimate withdrawal. I went through this before, when I had been taking methadone for my pain, and that was true hell. Coming from a much lower dose and tapering down for a month still left me with six weeks of withdrawal before I could even work part-time and much longer than that to feel normal. However, I understand that methadone is one of the worst in this regard, on account of it's naturally long elimination half-life.

I could offer advice on managing some of the symptoms (e.g., hot baths, lots of fluids, distraction, etc.), but as for how long it will take, I wish I could tell you. Maybe it's essentially over for you already - I hope so. I have heard anything from a few days to several weeks (or months in one case, which I take with a grain of salt). The only thing I can say for sure is that the first days or even week are the worst and things gradually get better after and will continue to do so.

[Mollyrae]

Hello. I am wondering, I have never heard of such a high dose of Fentanyl. My Doctor and I have discussed the amount allowed by a Doctor and that is way out of the ball park. It sounds to me like the board shut him down for over prescribing. Also, how did you afford it. Insurance Companys will not pay for that much. There limit is 28 Patches per month via the Federal Governmenrt. I know they are very expensive. Mine cost me $244.00 per 14 for a month supply. Just wondering..............
Mollyrae

[Mollyrae]

The last comment was to: mmartabq.....Sorry forgot to address it.

[extrmeski]

Fentanyl is horrible stuff to get off of!  Personally I did it but it is he11.  The flu like symptoms last 10-12 days, then after that the depression, lack of energy etc.. can last anywhere between 6 to 12 months.  

[Tuckamore]

Hello J1959,

I admire your conviction to never use opiates again. I am sure you have your reasons but again I worry about the return of your CP. I do not want to sound negative but I can't help but wonder why you would chose to live with severe disabling CP?

You have not posted since your initial question. Please let us know how you are doing. I've been wondering how you are coming along. Tuck

[Tuckamore]

I am very concerned about your post. Do I understand you to say that you are going to CUT the Fentanyl patch? Please tell me I misunderstood your post.

You should not cut the patch or puncture it because of the way it works. There is a gel inside the patch which contains the medication. The patch works using your body heat to give you the sustained dose per hour for 3 days. If you cut it or puncture it, the gel gets out and you get a huge dose all at once. It could easily end your life. It doesn't matter what brand, they work essentially the same way. The difference is that some have a little pocket in the middle where the gel is (you can see the gel in these), some have a layer of it in the middle of the patch that you can't see. No physician would ever tell you to cut a patch; they would give you a lower dosage.

Please no one should ever cut a sustained release patch, just as you would never chew or crush a slow released medication. This can be VERY dangerous.

Tuck

[extrmeski]

it depends on what kind of patch it is.  The Mylan mfg has one that is just coated and can be cut.  Some of the other mfgs use the gell filled ones which cannot be cut.  When  I was detoxing from fentanyl patches I had the Mylan ones and cut them all the time.

[jollyman069]

i am by no means know anything about the patch.. i do know of two ppl in my area that cut the patch and for some reason they OD ed.. like i said i know nothing about the patch except seems like it is dangerous

[Tuckamore]

Bless you Brian. I stand corrected...I am learning so much tonight. The Mylan is the only fentanyl patch that you may cut...I am sorry for this misinformation. Now as far as I can research the other fentanyl patches may not be cut. The ppl in your area that cut the patch most likely did not have the Mylan. I still say don't cut them unless you are directed to do so by your physician...They can mean a quick death,

Living and Learning Every Day, Tuck

[mmartabq]

There are no legal limits to prescribing much of anything, at least at the federal level. States can and sometimes do put strict, arbitrary limits on quantity for CII scripts, but that usually means filling them more often, they don't say anything about how high a dose you can take at a time. For example, in much of New England, there is a cap of 100 "units" for any CII script filled, so the most you could fill at one time was 100 tablets, capsules, patches, etc., but no restriction on how long that had to last - you could fill one every day if the situation required it.

The question of upper dose is nearly always up to the judgement of the prescriber. There are often administrative limits by insurance or whoever is paying (e.g., Medicare), though those most often are aimed at controlling costs more than they are concerned with therapeutic value. My insurance did indeed cover that, and being generic version, my co-pay was only $12. I work for a large enough company that they self-insure, so they make their own rules about coverage and hire an insurance company to simply handle all the claims and payments.

Coverage for stuff like this varies greatly from one company to another, and some of the most restrictive seem to be those that are government funded, such as Medicare. My current coverage has been changing, though.

A year ago, there was no limit of any kind on patches, Actiq or other things. I had no trouble filling scripts for hundreds of Actiq at a time, despite the incredible cost of the stuff. They were paying more than $20k a month for these meds, and never complained. This year, my company switched pharmacy benefit administration to another company and while they didn't restrict my patch use, they put an absolute limit of 4 Actiq a day, at one point claiming this was an FDA requirement. I knew this was not true, and they ultimately admitted that, but did not change their stance. All that is moot now that I am getting of the meds, but it goes to show how variable things can be.

Did that answer your question?

[mmartabq]

Sounds like you understand the patch cutting thing now. I would never cut the reservoir type, though I have seen research studies where they accomplished the same thing with that type by simply covering a portion of the patch's sticky side with Tegaderm tape to reduce the effective size. That way you don't have to cut them, but you can adjust the dose delivery - at least that's what they claimed.

As far as the Mylan style, the fentanyl is in a solid gel matrix, and the patches are manufactured by simply cutting them out of a sheet, so cutting them further should not be a problem. That said, nobody should be changing their meds or how they take them without consulting with the prescriber first

[mmartabq]

I forgot one part of what you said. The charge against my doc was "injudicious prescribing" which is a vague term without any official guidance behind it. I can say for certain that my case was not one of those used against her. I can also say that this really had little to do with what she did and a lot to do with a personality clash with a particular board member. She had been accused of similar things eight years ago when an ambitious asst. attorney general driving the case wouldn't let go of things he didn't understand, even after a great public uproar in her favor. That case was settled with the board and she had honored all aspects of the agreement including incredible levels of documentation and testing to assure compliance, effects of meds and need for them. I've never heard of any pain doc who was even close to her level of thoroughness (e.g., dose changes nearly always required a concurring second opinion).

Despite her diligence, the change in personnel on the state board was the problem. She honored all aspects of what they required, and the board had promised they would not interfere as long as she did. The new guy would not sit for this, though and made it his personal crusade to put her out of business. Since my doc nearly went bankrupt defending herself last time and had only just finished paying those expenses, she didn't think she could afford another battle and was coerced in to agreeing to no longer prescribe pain meds. She was not convicted of anything, and none of her patients had been harmed by her practices. In fact, she had a success rate of more than 70%, which most pain docs could never dream of achieving. This board was so callous that they at first wanted her to cut off her patients with no notice, and she had to fight to get a few months to help them taper off if they could not find another doc, as most could not on such short notice.

In short, she was not guilty of over-prescribing, and never got to defend herself against any such charge. Instead, she was railroaded into an agreement out of fear that not doing so would ruin her financially. She was the most understanding, compassionate doc I have known when it comes to pain, and pain patients in this entire region of the country will suffer for what has been done to her.

[Mollyrae]

I take into heart what you have said except for the Doctor in question. Socitey does not look kindly on Docs that prescribe in that amount, in retrospect...She was over prescribing with the Fentanyl and the Actiq. Remember, this is one of the strongest pain killers on the market. I don't know of even a Cancer Patient that would recieve that amount of Narcotic. Generally the Doctor will admit a person to the Hospital if Drugs of that magnitude are required.

May I ask...What kind of condition do you have to take that amount of Fentanyl?

Thank's, Molly

[mmartabq]

I must respectfully disagree with your position. While I acknowledge that this IS the way our society reacts right now, I do not agree that is necessarily the ethically and morally right way to treat such doctors. There is no magic number for doses of these medications, each patient needs to be evaluated and treated as an individual because there is such a wide range of responses to these medications.

I have multiple conditions, the oldest being cervical spondylosis, which became painful in '94 and manifests itself as constant, severe muscle spasms all over my upper back and shoulders, leaving those muscles in rock-hard knots that won't release. The other main problem is lower back and sciatic pain resulting from being rear-ended by a loaded semi on an icy highway in '07(were it not for the ice, I would certainly be dead).

The reason for my doses was not the specifc conditions, but the way my body responds to these meds. I have a naturally high tolerance (i.e., the first time I ever took pain meds the highest allowable dose barely worked), and my body, probably mostly my liver, is more efficient than most is adjusting to these meds, so I build tolerance VERY rapidly. I wish it were different, for it would mean a lot less explaining, suspicion and all-around hassle in treating my pain.

I didn't get to those doses overnight, and I tried all other applicable treatments, most of them multiple times, before even starting such meds. I ruined my stomach with all the NSAIDs I tried, and the only thing that ever worked well enough to allow me back to work was the opioids.

As for hospitalization, that is not at all true. Considering that I was able to function normally at these doses, there was no reason for me to be in a hospital. I am an engineer doing research in a high-security government facility, they know all about meds, tested me specifically for any impairment that might affect safety or judgement, and had no issue with me continuing to work and hold my security clearances. What would have been the point of being in the hospital, where it would be more likely they would simply take away my meds out of bias and ignorance than to help me (I know too many people to whom this happened).

(Continued - it won't let me post the whole thing)

[mmartabq]

(Continued from previous post)
There certainly are cases requiring a hospital setting to manage pain, but that is based on the complexity of the needs rather than the magnitude of dose. The rationale for hospitalization ought to be that a condition is so unstable, the source of the pain not understood and/or side effects so severe that the patient needs constant care and observation. If they are stable (go at least week without needing a dose change), the source of pain identified with no further interventions possible, their pain controlled well enough to minimally function and side effects not endangering them or interfering with basic functioning, then what would be accomplished by going to a hospital?

I don't expect you will change your mind about this, any more than I am likely to change mine. I know that yours is also the more common mindset, though I don't believe that makes it correct, in and of itself. These medications are no more dangerous when used properly than most medications, and far less dangerous than many that are handed out like so much candy or simply available OTC (Tylenol being an obvious one that has killed many, many unsuspecting people). Certainly they can be dangerous when misused, as can all prescription meds, which is why they require prescriptions to get them, so there is some assurance that they are being used for the right things adn in safe amounts (also, IMO, to help keep physicians in business, but that's a whole other topic).

[mmartabq]

(Still Continued)
I don't expect you will change your mind about this, any more than I am likely to change mine. I know that yours is also the more common mindset, though I don't believe that makes it correct, in and of itself. These medications are no more dangerous when used properly than most medications, and far less dangerous than many that are handed out like so much candy or simply available OTC (Tylenol being an obvious one that has killed many, many unsuspecting people). Certainly they can be dangerous when misused, as can all prescription meds, which is why they require prescriptions to get them, so there is some assurance that they are being used for the right things adn in safe amounts (also, IMO, to help keep physicians in business, but that's a whole other topic).

I will also not agree that my doctor was over-prescribing in my case. Over-prescribing means more than is necessary or safe to use (though doctors are not helped by state boards refusing to set any clear standards for this vague terms). That board knew every detail about her practice, and the results she got with her patients and had not issue with it, either, until a new person decided he knew better.

My dose was titrated up slowly and carefully over a period of years, and never using more than it took to bring my pain down, so it was never excessive in that sense. We tried every kind of alternative and adjunct treatment to keep that dose down, but there were simply no other choices, so this approach was necessary as the only means to get my functioning. My only major side effect was constipation, not a surprise, since tolerance is well known to apply to all the other side effects even faster than to pain relief.

I am glad to be off of the high doses, and even more glad to not have a huge spike in pain. At the time I saw this doc however, I could not reduce or eliminate my meds without having my pain go up so much that I could not function much (this had been tried a number of times), so there was no reason to believe that going down would have any benefit. Given those choices, her willingness to prescribe allowed me to have a mostly normal life that I was otherwise unable to have. That is why I don't believe it was over-prescribing.

Anyway, I'm nuking the dead horse here, by now, and I don't expect to change anyone's view. I think we will just have to agree that we disagree on this and move on.

[Mollyrae]

Thank you for your dedicated response. I just want to tell you that I hope your pain situation improves in the future. It is no fun to have to live that way.

Take care and good luck with everything :-)
Sincerely, Mollyrae

[mmartabq]

Thank you for your kind wishes. I am about to start yet another round of RF nerve ablation attempts to control at least some of the pain. That's always been a scary and sometimes very painful procedure, but it also remains my best hope. After all of that which can be done is done, I'll likely be getting a pump implanted, but that's a ways off, as the whole nerve block, RF procedure routine goes slowly, and I have to finish getting off these meds first, anyhow.

I wish you well, also, with your pain.

John

[SHELLBELL79]

If you need any additional help with Fentanyl w/d just Private Message me! I detoxed off 150mcg of the Fentanyl patch a little over 2 months ago! Its was hell. Thank god I had some people here that had detoxed off of it too. Fentanyl has its own psycho side effects. Its 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine and stronger than herion. I did not find out any of these things ti'll after I was detoxing.I had a really hard time! I know its rough! This place and these people helped me stay sane!
Your doing great, especially on day 6. I wrote my first post on my 7th day...its called my 7th day of hell. I have been in a tremendous amount of pain lately and am finally getting my second readio frequency procedure which helps with my pain but is a very painful procedure. There are so many crazy symptoms with fentanyl w/d. Just let me know if you need me!
Jacqui805 and emtrmeski both detoxed of fentanyl too and they were there for me.

[mmartabq]

I don't believe the potency of fentanyl has anything to do with how bad withdrawal is. This is partly because the doses of fentanyl are typically scaled down to account for how potent it is. This is the whole reason fentayl is measured in micrograms rather than milligrams. I can also say from firsthand experience that withdrawal from other opioids is just as bad, sometimes worse. I think methadone is one of the worst on account of how long it lasts - it took me six weeks after a slow taper from only a moderate dose to even begin feeling human again. All opioid withdrawals are horrible experiences.

OTOH, I have noticed some differences with fentanyl withdrawal, too. In particular, the restlessness and sneezing were things I don't recall from past experience, though all the rest of the symptoms have been all too familiar.

I sure know what you mean about the RF procedures. I haven't had the courage to try again since an excruciating experience in '03, but I will soon be trying again. Best of luck with yours.

John

[kjerstine]

I have been on fentanyl 3 years 100 patch changed every48 hrs after my last surgery i felt I didn't need it anymore my dr thought it was a good idea to wean myself I am now down to 25 every 3 days but the only thing that took the edge off was vailium next will be 12.5 and I am done I never had withdrawals like that. The vailium really works better the methadone,,,.........Best whishes Kjeristine

[mmartabq]

Maybe it's just that I am tapering from much higher doses than yours, but Valium has not had any benefit for me. I had hoped it would at least let me sleep, but I took 10 mg and could tell no difference. Before this, 5 mg would have put me out easily, and lasted for far too long than was convenient if I expected to get out of bed the next day. Glad to hear it works for somebody, though.

The thing that gets me concerned is what even the most mild withdrawal does to my BP and pulse. Even at rest, my pulse is at least 90 bpm, and my BP is in the 150/85 range, which is quite high for me. No doubt this plays a big part in my fatigue. This wouldn't surprise me if I were in full-blown withdrawal, but it is happening even now, while I am skirting the margins of outright withdrawal as I get close to the end.

I am now down to 37.5 mcg/hr, and will step down to 25 mcg/hr in two days. At that point, I'll take smaller, slower steps down, with my target for going to zero on Nov. 1, so I can have a decent Halloween with my boys before I descend into my personal hell. It bothers me that even with very careful, slow tapering, I still need some supplemental oxycodone to prevent definite withdrawal. My body does not want to adjust much without being in full withdrawal, it seems, but we'll see.

John

[kate886]

I don't think it has been a year yet, I have been on 50mg fentanyl patch. You guys are scaring the hell out of me. I am 55 and have suffered with back pain for a number of years. I also have fibromyalga (fibromyalgia).  
My son is 22 and gas has been a user and abuser of Oxcotin 30mg soma and valium to what extent who knows. For years first becaususe of friends and then because he has a 3 hurniated disks bad, and this has just come to light. We have been trying to get him to get clean and I have gotten him to go to detox where they have perscribed him Saboxone. While looking for a site to help him I have come across this helpful site. When i saw how bad of a time he was having kicking his habit I strted thinking do i really need to be taking what I'm taking? I do not have a adictive personality and am very strong willed.  Since I haven't been taking tha patch for that long a period of time what do you think. I use one 50 patch every other day and I have noticed it doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to. A metter of fact when i mentioned to my doctor that I would have him wean me off the stuff before I increased the dosage his coment to me was " you won't like me very much" I wasn't sure what he mean. Aftyer reading all these post I now understand all to clearly. My husband is not a very understanding person either. Will the suboxone work for me or not with the  fentanyl patch. Does anyone know. One thing I do know is that you have to be in W/D before you can use the suboxone I read here somehwere that with fentanyl  Subutex is a better choice. Does anyone know for sure. Isn't their any way for mylan to help with this problem? It is horrible that just because you try a drug to see if indead it will help you with the pain you are a user forever. This reall creeps me out. I have insurance and I'm sure it will be a covered expense but I have no idea about withdraw. I don't want to feel as bad as I felt before the fentanyl. At least I can put in a productive day on it. What price do you put on freedom from drug use. I want to be free I rather be with the pain I had then be a addict the rest of my life. I have  3 sons and 4 grandchildren that I want to see graduate get married and all the sweet thing in life. I don't see that happeneng if I don't get off these. I never thought much about it until I started reading the posts on this site.

[Babs1469]

THANK YOU ALL That was one of the most open and honest back and forth's I've read here in a while and it is GREAT that we can dissagree but not get petty about it but stay open to the posibility to other types of thought. I learned a lot about not only withdrawl (withdrawal) from medication but also about the enormous respect I have for each and every one of you who had been able to succsessfully get off certain medications. You guys are my hero!! I would love to one day be narcotic free but fear that the pain is too much for that to be a posibility. However, I do hope to never have to increase my dosage ( doubtful but who knows!)

Thank you all again for the wonderful, informative, passionate read. I love that everyone believes so much in what they say, and are so selfless as to share it with strangers to maybe benefit them. Awsome!!!!!

[Jarileigh]

Firstly I must say that I am sorry for your pain and the insane situation with your physician. I must say I was infuriated when I read what you and your physician have been through. PM is the ONLY branch of medicine that is not ruled by science, but by government! People who have no scientific background and know nothing of PM or medicine making decisions that affect patients and the doctors who treat who treat them!!!!!!! This is SO WRONG! I agree with everything you said 100% and I just wanted to let you know (if you don't already) that there is a non-profit organization with attorneys at work at this moment to change some of these nonsense laws and rules that allow people into a branch of medicine who would never be allowed in any other branch of medicine.....WHY? You tell me? Public perception of the situation is no better and adds to the problem! Again, I am deeply sorry for the disgraceful way in which you and your physician were treated. PRN,  Pain Relief Network, is comprised of physicians, lawyers, PP's, etc and I hope that they will be making significant changes soon. Check out their website for additional info. Best of luck to you!

[Mollyrae]

This is an old post... Kate...Please start a new thread, you will get better response.

Please take care,
Molly

[michcul]

Hi, I was looking for information on how long it would take for withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl to disappear, and I came across this blog.
I began taking the patch approximately 1 month ago, and had to stop suddenly due to a bad reaction to a dosage increase. The things I was experiencing were awful, and being a new inductee into pain management, fentanyl was my first experience.
I am a Christian, and have a strong faith in Jesus Christ, and as I was going through these symptoms, I called on the Lord alot during this time. I wanted to share this with you all to give you hope; the Bible says,Psalm 18:3
"I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;So shall I be saved from my enemies." Also, John 8:36 (New King James Version)
36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.Call on Jesus and He will set you free. I will be praying for you. Jesus set me free from these symptoms and He will do the same for all who call on Him.What He does for one, He will do for all.  God Bless you all!

[Blackhawk93]

I am a new member who is about to start withdrawing from 125 mcg's of fentanyl and 30 mg's x5 daily of oxycodone IR. These posts have got me very concerned as I have been through withdrawal before with hydro, but never the fentanyl. I am becoming a little worried that being alone at home while my wife is at work is going to challenge my belief's and inner strength. My wife is a Critical Care Nurse and I am a war vet and was a Corpsman when injured in 93. I hope once I start down this path in a few weeks I will be able to reach out to you all. Also my best wishes and prayers are with you all and especially those of you in this post, which I literally found by googling fentanyl withdrawal help. God Bless

[TrayCee]

you should check the substance abuse forum regarding withdrawal

[Mollyrae]

Hi Blackhawk:

I would strongly urge you to have someone there with you when detoxing off of Fentanyl. It is a powerful drug...80x that of Morphine as you must know. Your body might not handle the change very well so with that I hope that you will enlist the help of your wife.

The Substance Abuse forum may give you advise but they are not the ones detoxing...you are. Please either have someone with you or talk with a Doctor first.

I use the Patch myself and know that it's nothing to fool with especially detixing off of it. Please listen to me.

Take care and be safe,
Mollyrae

[drewg350]

I was on the duragesic patch, everything from 25 up to 150 mcg, and in my opinion, there is no worse withdrawal than from this narcotic. My doctor had me on this for over 3 years, and I felt this medication worked very well. I was originally on all the "pills", including oxy's, however I was so afraid of getting hooked so I asked my doctor to put me on the Duragesic patch. I never "cut" them, but I did sometimes put a patch on early. I found that the recommended 72 hour dosing did not work for me. I had to go with 48 hour dosing. Anyway, after my operation, my doctor tapered me down to 25 mcg which I was able to do rather quickly. But my doctor told me 25 mcg was the lowest dose, so when I got down to this, he made me stop completely. My doctor was a general practitioner, NOT a pain specialist, and he told me "I just have to deal with the withdrawal's, it will go away within a few weeks". I'm telling you, I was on the verge of suicide!!!! I went to the emergency room as I was so sick--no help. My wife was so afraid (and rightfully so) I would kill myself, she called and got me in to a "subutex" program. This was a life saver for me!!! I don't know what the right way of tapering off of Fentanyl is, but I don't recommend going cold turkey. If you can do it, I'm absolutely in awe. The withdrawal for me was like nothing I ever experienced. I would advise trying a "subutex/suboxone" program if you really need to come off the patch.

[Blackhawk93]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and advice. I am in a position where I really have no choice to come off the meds. being in the field of medicine for most of my life has allowed me to understand what it is I will be going through, but again that is so different when viewed from the other side versus dealing with it yourself. I am worried about what will happen to me. I have been out of work for a year, and my wife is working 3 jobs as a nurse right now to keep our heads above water. I am afraid of what I might do when this hits me full blown. I am due to run out in a week from today and I am extremely frightened. I have no family to keep tabs on me while my wife is gone. I have gotten the guns out of my house, but Im very creative. I would NEVER harm myself for anything, but I also know how terrible you feel when detoxing off this stuff and when your in that psychological state you dont really know WHAT you will do or are capable of. Im just as frightened of the wd as I am of wondering what desperate effects this might put me through when it hits me. My Dr. has retired, and no one will pick up what he was doing for me, despite his authoring of 4 books on Pain Management. I resent him for basically abandoning me, as I see it, and I dont have the money to go through a detox program or one of the fast detox procedures. I was wrongfully terminated from my civilian job, not due to the medicine at all, and my hearing to get my job back is in 2 months, when I will be in the throes of wd. There will be no way i will be able to be there, and my back pay alone will be 75,000.00, plus being reinstated. I feel I am at a loss of what to do and coming to the end of my rope. All I can do is pray and try to get through this the best  can. I will be needing all the support I can get so if you guys see me on here at least say a prayer for me. I doubt I will be feeling like even picking up the computer much less myself, but its something  I have to do. I wish everyone on here who's going through this all the best and believe me, I understand where you all are coming from. Withdrawal from opiates is the most horrible feeling in the world. Mat God bless all of you.

[kisha0925]

I've been on 50 mcgs of fentanyl for five months, starting at 72 hour change outs, then every 48 hours. For some reason, my body ***** this awful drug quickly thru my body! Withdrawals started occuring after 36 hours. I'm now in the process of getting off of this terrible drug! But only with the help of a psychologist and clonidine. I'm on my fourth day of 37mcgs and taking three to four clonidine's a day. Tomorrow I'll go to 25 mcgs for four days then to 12 mcgs. I tried going cold turkey from the fentanyl and just using the clonidine......no f-----g way!!! For all of you who have experienced the withdrawals from fentanyl, you know what I'm talking about.

For me, the only way to get off of this drug is to step down slowly, in my case, it'll take almost two weeks, and use clonidine.....it stops the "tweeking" - the constant need for movement - inability to sleep.....you all know what I'm talking about.

Also......DO NOT CUT THE PATCHES IN HALF!!!! You could be making your intake worse. Insist on proper prescriptions. If possible, find a Doc who specializes in helping folks get off of drugs like fentanyl.

If I was told about the withdrawals associated with fentanyl, I would NEVER have agreed to use it. These pain management people should be held accountable for providing information about getting off of it. But I would bet they would rather keep us addicted and rake in the dollars! I'm sure it's a great drug for those who have no hopes of "fixing" their pain issues. In my case, there are alternatives such as surgery.

Take it slow...the withdrawals won't kill you...it takes four days for this med to get out of your system. I anticipate the last step of stopping the 12 mcgs will be the worst, so I've scheduled those days for a weekend.....and keeping my clonidine close at hand!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Kisha,

Thank you for taking your time to post on our forum. This is an old thread that began in 9/08. If you would like to begin a new post that would make more sense and it is always the best. These issues have hopefully been resolved by now.

The substance abuse forum has more knowledge regarding withdrawal and treatment. You may also want to post there.

Thank You,
Tuck

[sandee1818]

I wanted to add that anytime you start a new medication it is always best to talk to your pharmacist and do some research on it and if you have any questions or concerns then talk to your doctor and pharmacist about it. The pharmacist is the best person to talk to about your medications and side effects and any problems you may have when getting off the medicine. There is just so much information available to us today that we did not have years ago. The Internet is a great place to research new medications and the side effects experienced by others taking the drug.
I always research every new medicine my family takes before they start it and then talk to my pharmacist if I have any concerns or questions:)

[MegE246]

someone help me.. ive been on the fentanyl patch for 15 days and it was abruptly stopped.. as well as already kicking 60 mg of methadone cold turkey and oxycodones.  its getting worse and worse and my dad called a methadone clinic an hour away and they said to get that girl on some form of opiate asap.. so i got oxycodone 10s and im STILL sick nonstop... nothing is helping the spasms and chills and fevers and i dont want to eat ive not been out of bed in three days.. i literaly started getting sick while i was still ON the last two days of the patch.  i dont know what to do, i feel like im dying...

meg

[flower12345]

Hi Meg. This is an old thread, so you will probably get more responses if you start your own. You just click on "Post a Question" at the top of the screen.

I'm so sorry that you're going through this. I can't really help much because I have never taken Fentanyl, but others will have some advice I think.

Can you call the prescribing doctor (the one who prescribed the patch) and ask him to taper you?. Do you know why he took you off of the patch cold turkey? It seems cruel to me.

Did you have surgery? If you don't mind me asking, what was the patch prescribed for? I hope that you feel better soon. I really think you should call your doctor.


Flower

[Sarajmt]

Hi Meg:  The first thing you should do is copy your post and paste it in a new one.  

I went cold turkey off fentanyl.  Not recommended.  But the worst was over in about 5 to 7 days.  I wasn't nearly as sick as you sound.  I could still function and didn't have the chills.  Lots of pain though.  You need to get hold of the doctor who prescribed your meds.  Going off everything at once can be dangerous.  If possible go see that doctor tomorrow.  You should be tapered off.  Don't do this any longer than you have to.

[bleueyescu2]

I am a recovering drug addict. I was addicted to marijuana and crack cocaine for years. I made the decision and quit cold turkey and I have been clean for 2 years now. I have all kinds of back problems and have been on a variety of pain medications and  surgeries. I was recently put on Fentanyl patch and became very concerned about my addiction problems and decided to stop using the patch cold turkey. I am just looking for some sort of a direct answer here, how long are withdrawals? Before i started the patch I was on Opana 20mg. I only used the patch once for 3 days and it was 25mcg. I am taking 1 10 mg  IR of Opana once a day trying to help myself but soon will be out of those. I do have a pain management doctor but when i called to inform them that I wasn't using the patch anymore because of my concerns she had her nurse call me back and stated i violated my contract by making this decision upon my self and she would not treat me. So i am on my own with this. Any help or support is so welcomed.

[Jaybay]

Since you were only using the patch for 3 days, you shouldn't have any particular withdrawal symptoms from that.  All you can do is taper off the Opana with whatever remaining supply you have left.  There is no way that anyone can completely avoid withdrawal, particularly if opiate therapy has been long-term.  It's an unfortunate necessary evil.

If you haven't done so already, check out the Addiction: Substance Abuse forum here at Med Help.  The folks over there know what they're talking about when it comes to withdrawal and can offer you not only mental support but some concrete methods to help lessen the misery of withdrawal.  Try to keep your eye on the golden ring: sobriety!

[rayray511]

i tried cold turkey off of 50mcg of fentanyl...ive been on them for about 2mths for a painful knee.i had to go bac 2 my doc to ease me off and he reduced me 25mcg.im very dissaqpointed cause i thought i could come off of them myself but the sore body feeling the anxiety and the nigthmares were 2 much.my question is how long would i have had 2 wait before i would have been clean if i stayed cold turkey?and does weaning off a better option

[Jaybay]

Don't beat yourself up about not being able to cold turkey.  Nobody in their right mind would attempt that unless they were forced into it by circumstances beyond their control.  Matter of fact, nobody should just quit taking ANY narcotic without a doctor's involvement.  Withdrawal causes anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, generalized pain throughout the body, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, muscle cramps, high blood pressure (sometimes very dangerously high) and probably some other things I can't think of right now.  Depending on any other medical issues and medications on board, seizures are another distinct possibility, particularly if you're dehydrated from nausea and diarrhea.

Withdrawal is a physical response to suddenly stopping narcotic medications.  It does not mean you are an addict, or that you don't have enough willpower or that you are somehow weak or of poor character.  It is a physical, medical side effect.  End of story.  That's why you need a doctor to help you set a realistic and slow taper schedule.  Even with that, most people experience a certain amount of temporary withdrawal symptoms with each decrease in dose.  There are other non-narcotic meds that can help with those symptoms.  The idea is to taper slowly and give your body time to stabilize in between dose decreases.  Some people get impatient and try to speed up a taper or go cold turkey.  Sometimes they can tough it out, but it can take weeks to get over the worst of the withdrawal.  Meanwhile, it's not easy to keep working or stay involved in life while you're that sick in body and spirit.  Most people simply can't do it, nor should they.  Again, why would you want to torture your body like that if you don't have to?

There is no way to know how long your symptoms would have continued or at what level of severity.  My understanding is that fentanyl is one of the more difficult opiates to stop quickly, and some symptoms like anxiety and overall lethargy can hang around for quite some time.  A short course of valium and/or an antidepressant can help with that, and you should definitely discuss your symptoms with your doctor.  If he doesn't know about them, he can't help, right?  So let him be your ally.  Try to be patient.  Take your time and you'll reach your goal.  :-)

[Boxrgirl2012]

You can cut the mylan patches because there is no fentanyl that can be extracted. The fentanyl is in the adhesive and you cannot break down the matrix....well ...I'm sure someone will figure it out. Lol.

[crazycajun705]

All I have to say is Wow for having to use that many patches. I was on the 75mcg, then the 50mcg, and I was still not able to concentrate enough to even remember what I had read minutes before so my PM dr said we should go to 25mcg, which we did for about a month. I had to go to the Er with leg spasms I get now and then but since they lowered my dose, I have been having them more often. I am also taking Lyrica, Baclofen and Mobic. I hate being on pain meds and I have known at least 7 people I grew up with, die from either over dosing or complications to having taken drugs for so long. My 24 year old daughter is a recovering drug addict also. My dr just switched me to Morphine pills, 15mg, every 8 hours and I hurt worse now. I really want to get off of everything but I am scared the pain I feel now will be so much worse. How long does it take for your body to start making it's own endorphins?  Does anyone know so that I can decide if I should stay on the meds or get off. Also, I am still on Worker's Comp so I know that won't go well with them and they will think I am not really hurt but I just hate not being me anymore.  I have had 2 back surgeries, the 2nd because my dr left a bone in. I hurt so much worse after my surgeries and now regret having them but I can't change that but I would either like to find a new dr to see if he can help in any way or see if I can do without the pain meds because I have often heard that pain meds can make you hurt worse. I also heard that it is good to give your body a break from the pain meds. I have never detoxed yet and I am so scared of what I will go through and I really don't want to suffer since I didn't do this to myself on purpose.(starting the pain meds) Any advice anyone on what to do next?

[Maengho]

Major props to everyone; very informative site, extremely honest men and women here.

Now, to the Fentanyl patch and please barer with me. I have had the same pain management surgeon since 1995 when I was rear-ended and the energy-absorbing qualities of my SAAB saved my life. That exacerbated a back injury incurred during a hot CA in Vietnam. Four years later, I had three vertebrae fused. Before my accident, I was heavily involved in taekwondo -- training, competing on the national level, and participating in demonstrations that involved heavy breaking of boards, bricks and concrete slabs and  teaching the art and sport for more than 35 years. Within four years of my back surgery, I had both hips replaced. A year later, my right shoulder was completely replaced (yes, I play "Jingle Bells" when I go through metal detectors). Major athritis in my core, shoulder and my knuckles look like large stones, bad pain there too.

Since 1995, I have been on ascending levels of opiates and because of tolerance I am alternately on large doses of MS CONT and MS IE, same with Oxy combos. A month ago, my doctor suggested I try Fentanyl patches, 25mmg, every two days..went to two on his advice w/30 mg MCIE. I am quitting them! Scary stuff.

Peace everybody.  

[lizzie1954]

I have been reading these posts and I wanted to share something with all of you. I went through a detox last year from Fentayl patches. I was at 100 mcg/3day and was having personality and mental problems. The doctor who was weaning me gave me a perscription to Bentylol which is a anti-spasm medication. It helped with the restless leg and muscle spasms. I know drugs have different names in Canada but I looked up its generic name for the US dicyclomine HCl Antispasmodic
It was a great help. It is used for your gut but can also be used for withdrawl (withdrawal). It did make me a little groggy so I just used it at night. I hope this helps some of you who are going though withdrawl (withdrawal). I went down 12 mcg at a time, but I had to feel normal for at least 3 days before I went down another dosage. Looking back it was not very hard at all. I was also taking trazadone to sleep.If I ever have to do it again, I think I will ask the doctor to go down 6 mcg at a time because you can cut the 12 mcg. Mylar only. It took 3 months to wean me off. I hope this helps you.

[texaspharmacist]

Just a comment about the gel patches...   Mylan brand uses a matrix delivery system instead of a gel inside the patch.  Recently the name brand Duragesic and the Sandoz brand have stopped making a gel patch and changed to this type of delivery system as well.  When the matrix patch is cut it will not release immediately as did the gel patches.
texasfarmacist

[28055]

                          Hello! I am new to this forum and I am trying to get off the fent/patch - YOW!. I live in PA near Philadelphia and have researched an institute that advertises its ability to detox alcoholics and others who are addicted to drugs. They put you to sleep and while you are unconcious they inject you with chemical/s that take away the addictive chemistry from your nerve receptors. This process is called ANR (accelerated neuro response). The idea is that you go through withdrawl (withdrawal) while you are unconcious - you don't feel the immediate withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms. I read that this can take three days and two nights at their location. HAS ANYONE HEARD OR THIS PROCEEDURE OR EXPERIENCED IT?
                           When I read about ANR I called my insurance company who in turn directed me to a branch of theirs that handles addiction. They only treated drug addicts of which I am not one - I am dependent due to a medical decision by my doctor to take fent/patch. My doctor originally prescribed Oxycontin but the insurance company shot that down suggesting I take Morphine, Fentanyl, and some other choice. I tried Morphine and it made me sick so my next choice was Fentanyl. After a verbal ping-pong between both agencies my insurance company advised that my Doctor would have to fax them a letter of Medical Necessity explaining what the proceedure was and why I needed it and so on. The insurance company would consider the request and could possibly deny it. I then could appeal and so on so forth. As it stands now my Dr. has been in possession of a faxed letter from the detox institute describing the proceedure, for about a week now. When I saw him last he was still about to read it again but continued with his plan to get me off the patch by lowerinf the dosage untill I was comfortable and then lowereing it again until I was comfortable. I think the lowest doseage is 12.5 mcg. I am now still on 25mcg and a little uncomfortable. What happens when I am comfortable with 12.5mcg? I guess I go into  withdrawl (withdrawal). Once I missed a 25mcg patch and almost went out of my mind. At 12.5mcg - half of 25mcg - will I just go half way out f my mind?

[Jaybay]

The detox process you mention isn't widely available, and as you've already discovered, it's pretty expensive. Sure, after three days you'll be drug three and been knocked out for the worst of the withdrawals.  But you will NOT be even close to normal for several weeks.  The problem is that your brain chemistry will still be whacked out and it takes time for the brain to start manufacturing its own endorphins again.  There are a few posts about this procedure on the Addiction forum here at Med Help.  Those people felt it was a waste of time and money because they still had residual withdrawal symptoms like restless legs, psychological problems (anxiety and depression), etc., for just as long and just as badly as if they had detoxed on their own.  Getting through physical withdrawal is only the first step.  

Your current fentanyl dose is getting low enough that I'm not surprised you're beginning to feel uncomfortable.  Tapering will get more difficult with each drop in dose and not all doctors use the same techniques to deal with it.  At some point, you're going to have to endure withdrawal.  Tapering just spreads out the misery over time and somewhat lessens it.  

I've been tapering the patch for about a year and now down to 12 mcg.  The technique my doctor uses is to temporarily bump up immediate release meds when I drop to the next level of the patch, and then taper the pills.  Since they're pills it's easier to taper from them.  I also use the Mylan patch and slowly cut slivers off it until I get down to the next lower dose - with my doctor's approval.  Yes, my pain is noticeably worse now but I'd rather have the pain than the problems associated with opiates.  It's just a personal decision for me.  There are pros and cons to any medical treatment or drug therapy and for me, there are more cons than pros to opiate therapy.

Life would be a whole lot easier for a whole lot of people if someone could find a way to make detox easier, but nothing effective really exists now.  Even with comfort meds like clonidine (old hypertension medication that helps the withdrawal-induced high blood pressure and RLS) withdrawal is a daunting experience.  You just have to constantly remind yourself that it's OK not to be OK for a while.

[feenjr]

I have been on the 100mcg fentanyl patch for about 4 years now, and unfortunately, I am also addicted to it. I run through my prescription on 15 patches & 120 norco in 10 days, typically wearing a patch for about 12 hours, and then removing, & chewing the patch for immediate release of the medication (not advised, as I have OD'd twice, needing to be brought back to life via Narcan by responsive EMT's). Unfortunately, I go through withdrawal every month, and I have it down to a 2-3 day process whereby I anticipate this period, & chew my final patch on a Friday, and stay in bed on Saturday, and most of Sunday. It takes about 1 full week before I'm myself again, but at least I can work, & get things done without missing much. The worst part is the insomnia. Without anything to help, I will go about 4-5 days without sleep, and the RLS that comes with it, but my neurologist prescribes 300mgs of Seroquel which helps me to sleep after the first night of no sleep. My suggestion is to pair the Clonapin with Seroquel, if your dr. will allow, as it has kept me sane for years. Best of luck to you, & remember- time heals all!

[Cozynana]

My husband was on the fentanyl patch for extreme pain following a lengthy surgery.  He got a severe pinched nerve and the patch was the only thing that touched the pain.  After a few weeks he was much better so he quit wearing it.  NO ONE had told him he should step down he dosage!  He has been suffering with withdrawal ever since.  That was TWO years ago.   He is usually OK until the late afternoon and then the symptoms start.  He becomes anxious, can't be still, sometimes grunts.  He has been taking hydrocodone for the symptoms.  We just don't know when this is going to end.  It is extremely difficult to deal with.  Any clues how much longer he will suffer with this?

[Jaybay]

Was there ever a time after he quit the patch that he did not take the hydrocodone?  I'm not a doctor, but I'm wondering if he's feeling withdrawal between hydrocodone doses since it's a very short-acting opiate.  Until he completely stops taking all opiates, there is no way to say that his withdrawal is abnormally long-lived.  What does his doctor think about it?

[SharonMSNRN]

Fentanyl patches should never ever be cut. The best way to get off of the patch is with 10 mg of Methaone 3 times a day for a month. This covers your withdrawal. Your body is physically addicted to this drug and it wants it thus the feeling of withdrawal. I've been on and off of fentanyl patch for 11 years. I've been off 3 times and every time has been miserable unless I used the Methadone. Sadly many doctors won't order Methadone and they let their patients suffer. It will pass it just isn't easy. Hang in there. Stay hydrated and eat. Best wishes   Again do not cut these patches. They are transdermally absorbed and if you alter the patch in any way you are not controlling consistent dosing. Always read the packages and call the manufacturer if you have questions
Sharon MSN RN

[el_em_en_oh]

Take it from someone who knows (a recovering addict), replacing one narcotic and tapering with another (especially Methadone), isn't the answer. It may SEEM like the correct way to go, but the wd symptoms from Methadone are far worse than that of Fent.

It's best to go CT, whether an addict or simply med-dependent (which most CP patients will readily admit they are), and just suck it up for the 3-4 days of misery wd symptoms.

My 2 cents... strictly from the perspective of a layman and recovering addict and CP sufferer.

[Kwattro]

My wife is having a really hard time dealing with the Fentanyl withdrawl (withdrawal). She shakes, rocks, and always has to keep moving. Plus she has not much appetite and seems depressed and frusterated. She was using it for severe long term migraine which she still has. Over the course of 3 months she used the patch starting at 25, then 50, then 25. She's been off the patch for about a week now. Is there anything I can do to help her along? We're going to the doctor tomorrow but since her original condition started I don't have much faith in this doctor. What about methadone or similar? Thanks for the advice.

[lizzie1954]

Why did she decide to stop cold turkey? Does her doctor know she has done this? Most doctors who are perscribing narcotics will wean a patient off the medication usually with additional medication that helps with the withdrawl (withdrawal). I know when I finally stopped after being weaned off I went to bed for about 4 days. You say she can't stop moving, this could be resless leg syndrom (syndrome), I remember having it through my whole body. The doctor gave me Bentylol, which stopped all the twitching and constant moving. This is the Canadian name for it, you can google it and find out if it is the same for the US.

[Kwattro]

Hi, the drop from 50 to 25 was her wean period I guess. Just following what the doctor said to do. Another tough day for her, but we have a doctor visit tomorrow and I'll express my concerns about her withdrawl (withdrawal) issues. She's never had RLS or the constant need to move since coming off the fentanyl. I'll bring up Bentylol tomorrow and post what comes of the visit. Thanks for commenting.

[Jaybay]

Jumping from 25 mcg is HUGE!  It's no wonder she's suffering so severely - that's a big drop. All her symptoms are normal for someone in withdrawal - if you can call being that sick "normal."  

Her doctor may not be aware that there is a 12 mcg patch on the market so if she wants to continue to taper that may be an option.  Another option would be to switch her to a less potent, short acting medication like hydrocodone (vicodin) to finish her taper.  He's probably not aware of other meds that can help reduce a bit of the misery of withdrawal like clonidine.  It's an old alpha-blocker hypertension medication that helps withdrawal symptoms. Blood pressure and anxiety skyrocket in withdrawal which is one reason this medication helps. Hot baths with epsom salts also help - temporarily, but better than nothing.

It's up to your wife whether or not she wants to white-knuckle her way through withdrawal and just be done with it all or go back to tapering.  Nothing wrong with either decision.  Her symptoms will slowly improve but it's going to take a few weeks before she feels normal again.  Expect her pain to be really bad as well.  The pain increase isn't only from not taking the meds anymore.  Detox brings on what's called rebound pain along with all-over body pain.  Like all the other symptoms, it's temporary and will get better.  All these symptoms are caused by the brain having to manufacture the chemicals that the meds suppressed.  That process takes time.

You both should also know there is an emotional component to withdrawal that can be just as awful as the physical symptoms.  Tears, anxiety and depression are normal, and just like the physical symptoms, they're temporary and will improve with time.  Best of luck with the doctor and I hope your wife finds something to help her pain.

[Milodevenus]

I have just read your post and found it deeply inappropriate. Fentanyl withdrawal is absolutely horrific and it wasn't your 'invisible friend' that helped you because you'd only been on the patch for a month and your body had not become as physically dependant on the drug as those who have been taking fentanyl for years, coming off the patches is not something which can be accomplished by praying. It is a  very serious problem and for someone who does not share your beliefs to be told to worship a fictional deity is actually quite offensive...it won't help and is a pointless and frankly annoying suggestion - especially to those who are atheists like me. If having a faith helps some people to focus their determination and resolve to come off the drug then fine but I regard it as a placebo effect which may help psychologically but in real physical terms will be pretty useless. People here are seeking practical advice and support from others who are experiencing the same problems and the last thing they need is to have someone preaching to them and imposing their religious beliefs as forcefully as you have done.
Withdrawal from fentanyl after years of use is incredibly unpleasant and although it is essential to be mentally strong and committed to the weaning process, 'advice' such as yours is completely useless and unhelpful. Please do not abuse this forum in order to peddle your religious agenda, this is not the place for it.

[Lexxi0]

The cutting isn't on the gel patches. It's the ones in the silicone matrix. It's perfectly fine to cut those particular ones to taper the dose.

[Lumpi3]

I withdrew from Fentanyl during the worst 2 weeks of my life. It's difficult because your body slips into a downward spiral. You can barely sleep and after a few days of this and not eating, your body is severely weakened. Twice I took a dose of oxycontin, if anything to help me sleep, and the sleep I got as a result allowed my body to recover enough energy to bear this loathsome process. The extra food I was able to eat gave me just that much more strength to endure. It gets better; but, you have to go through a dark place first.

[Jenncm81]

Hello everyone, I was put on fentanyl patch 25 mcg, due to a horrible accident that affected my lower back and pelvis and hips. I stayed on 25 mcg for two months and then the dr raised me to 50 mcg. I stayed on 50 mcg for a month and a week. I am also dealing with hypothyroidism, my body heat raises all the time, so about three different times I almost OD'd on the patch, on accidentally, I also eat a lot of grape fruit and was not aware that grape fruit makes the patch seep more medication into your system. 4 days ago I passed out due to my body overheating, my mother removed the patch and I swore to never use it again, because i was having such problems with it. After 12 hours without the patch I was in so much pain, and I had such anxiety I pulled my eyelashes out and scratched my arms. Plus i could not sleep at all, I also felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. My mother finally came to check on me after trying to reach me. I was on the floor having a seizure. She rushed me to the hospital, by then I was off the patch for 16 hrs. I spent 5 hours in the ER. I was given Valium in my IV and phenagren for nausea. I was able to sleep that night. The next day was hell, dizzy, anxiety over the roof, i could not eat a thing, my mother forced me to eat some ice cream. I am also a diabetic. After taking a valium that the ER dr prescribed later that night I felt okay, but I also had horrible pains in my legs, I had every hot pad in my house to try to help the pain. 3rd day a little anxiety but I thought, "okay I am over the worse".....not! That night I could not sleep, the anxiety came on again full strength. I am on the 4th day off the patch now and I am having the worse cold sweats. I have to force my self to eat. My husband has to help me shower because I am so weak.  I also force myself to sit outside for some fresh air and sun, which seems to help a little, i have been taking a lot of vitamins and drinking lots of water to try to rid the poision out of my system. Today I have been crying all the time, I feel so helpless, when will this end? I should of read the effects of fentanyl before I went on it, if I read all the warning signs I would have never ever been on the patch, thankfully I was only on the patch for 3 months and a week. I feel sorry for those who where on it for years. I too now have to try to deal with pain differently than pain medication. I have searched everywhere online to find some kind of "cure" to help me with the withdrawals, but I have found nothing.  Any advice out there for me? I do have wonderull family support.

[Jenncm81]

I just read you post from jan 16 th Thank you for the information. My story of withdrwals is above this post, I am now on day 7 of withdrwals, getting better was finally able to eat 2 real small meals, a big step from barely, or not eating at all. Slept last night for a whole 5 hours, after not sleeping at all for 4 days. The depression has hit bad, I cried yesterday over stupid things, I mean bawling. I still feel so helpless, and uncertain of the future.

[Lannmb]

I don't know if anyone will even see this but like so many others unfortunately I have found myself heavily addicted to fentanyl, I had been managing my chronic pain from a botched surgery and four attempts to correct the nerve damage with pethadine, I only took it as I needed it and as I built up a resistance to it I was able to continue on with life ok, I am a solo mum and running my own business to support my family so this has been devastating. A local doctor prescribed me fentanyl at first it was a god send I had no pain and not realizing just how much I had been struggling felt like I was back to my old  self, before long the dosage needed to be increased and then again a few months later, I was still taking pethadine for break through pain. One night the patch fell off I woke up in a complete panic and had no idea what was wrong with me I couldn't manage my children I was sweating my skin was crawling and I was shaking uncontrollably, finally I realized the patch was gone which sent me into s panic wondering where it was and if it had fallen off somewhere that it may stick to one of my children. I found it and put another on. I went online and read some horror stories about this drug, I was so angry as I had asked my doctor if it was addictive and he said when used for the right reason no, at that stage he said it was illegal unless the patient was terminally ill but soon it was going to be available for all chronic pain patients. I feel like an idiot for not looking into it further I was just relieved to be out of pain. Alarm bells went off when he suggested stronger and stronger doses, I'm 40 and have a lot of responsibilities I started wondering at what point would I be on the strongest dose, so I went to doctor said one fell off and told him how I had felt, he said yes that will be withdrawal symptoms, I said I don't want to be on these any more only to be told you need it but if you really want to get off them just cut them a little each time, thank god I had the sense to go online and research this drug, rule number one don't cut them! I was so concerned I went back to doc and said it says not to cut them as I could overdose?!!! He said I've got others that i have told to do that and it's fine! I was so angry
and scared for 'the others'  I live in small town I went to pharmacist and burst into tears she took me out the back and I told her what had happened, she said she would advise all the clients who get it not to cut them under any circumstances, she also offered her support in helping me get rid of them, I changed doctors and she had the same cut it attitude I'm shocked that these gps have so much control over people's lives and ultimately in some cases our deaths because they think they know it all, a drug they are new to they can just dish it out as they like and this is wrong. I have had a really hard time weaning down it's not an easy road but unless you are elderly or terminal my advise is don't touch it or believe it is helpful because it was the start of a downhill slide in my life, my children have suffered seeing me like this my business has suffered and still my doctors couldn't care a less. These posts on line have been my motivation everytime I feel weak I read them. To wean I dropped to a lower dose every 2 months, just before dropping ie about 2 weeks prior I would put a band aid on my skin first and then lay a certain amount of the patch on the band aid more at each time until dropping that one all together. I have none on at all at the moment I took last one off Monday night today's Wednesday, I use 10mg  diazepam to help sleep at night and the first day I took one 5mg three times that day, I'm hoping tonight I will need only one then none, I'm not myself by any means but I look at the shelf with all the patches I'm not using and they make me sick! Yes at times it would be easy to put one on but at this stage I am strong. I will throw what's left at my doc once I'm strong. My best advice don't suffer alone, I am a very private person it took a lot of courage to tell my teenage daughters what was happening but they have been wonderful in supporting and heling with my little ones, my boyfriend who I thought would run a mile has been so supportive and came to stay on my hard days and the pharmacist and another friend even offered to pick up my children for school,  when I was suffering withdrawal. Be strong people and please don't cut the patch no matter what anyone says, I know sometimes u think u would be better off dead well you won't you need to survive and get better so you can help others like I hope I have xo Eli

[Lannmb]

I don't know if anyone will even see this but like so many others unfortunately I have found myself heavily addicted to fentanyl, I had been managing my chronic pain from a botched surgery and four attempts to correct the nerve damage with pethadine, I only took it as I needed it and as I built up a resistance to it I was able to continue on with life ok, I am a solo mum and running my own business to support my family so this has been devastating. A local doctor prescribed me fentanyl at first it was a god send I had no pain and not realizing just how much I had been struggling felt like I was back to my old  self, before long the dosage needed to be increased and then again a few months later, I was still taking pethadine for break through pain. One night the patch fell off I woke up in a complete panic and had no idea what was wrong with me I couldn't manage my children I was sweating my skin was crawling and I was shaking uncontrollably, finally I realized the patch was gone which sent me into s panic wondering where it was and if it had fallen off somewhere that it may stick to one of my children. I found it and put another on. I went online and read some horror stories about this drug, I was so angry as I had asked my doctor if it was addictive and he said when used for the right reason no, at that stage he said it was illegal unless the patient was terminally ill but soon it was going to be available for all chronic pain patients. I feel like an idiot for not looking into it further I was just relieved to be out of pain. Alarm bells went off when he suggested stronger and stronger doses, I'm 40 and have a lot of responsibilities I started wondering at what point would I be on the strongest dose, so I went to doctor said one fell off and told him how I had felt, he said yes that will be withdrawal symptoms, I said I don't want to be on these any more only to be told you need it but if you really want to get off them just cut them a little each time, thank god I had the sense to go online and research this drug, rule number one don't cut them! I was so concerned I went back to doc and said it says not to cut them as I could overdose?!!! He said I've got others that i have told to do that and it's fine! I was so angry
and scared for 'the others'  I live in small town I went to pharmacist and burst into tears she took me out the back and I told her what had happened, she said she would advise all the clients who get it not to cut them under any circumstances, she also offered her support in helping me get rid of them, I changed doctors and she had the same cut it attitude I'm shocked that these gps have so much control over people's lives and ultimately in some cases our deaths because they think they know it all, a drug they are new to they can just dish it out as they like and this is wrong. I have had a really hard time weaning down it's not an easy road but unless you are elderly or terminal my advise is don't touch it or believe it is helpful because it was the start of a downhill slide in my life, my children have suffered seeing me like this my business has suffered and still my doctors couldn't care a less. These posts on line have been my motivation everytime I feel weak I read them. To wean I dropped to a lower dose every 2 months, just before dropping ie about 2 weeks prior I would put a band aid on my skin first and then lay a certain amount of the patch on the band aid more at each time until dropping that one all together. I have none on at all at the moment I took last one off Monday night today's Wednesday, I use 10mg  diazepam to help sleep at night and the first day I took one 5mg three times that day, I'm hoping tonight I will need only one then none, I'm not myself by any means but I look at the shelf with all the patches I'm not using and they make me sick! Yes at times it would be easy to put one on but at this stage I am strong. I will throw what's left at my doc once I'm strong. My best advice don't suffer alone, I am a very private person it took a lot of courage to tell my teenage daughters what was happening but they have been wonderful in supporting and heling with my little ones, my boyfriend who I thought would run a mile has been so supportive and came to stay on my hard days and the pharmacist and another friend even offered to pick up my children for school,  when I was suffering withdrawal. Be strong people and please don't cut the patch no matter what anyone says, I know sometimes u think u would be better off dead well you won't you need to survive and get better so you can help others like I hope I have xo Lannmb

[bbyphat]

there are 3 brands you can cut as they milliner use the gel they are the name brandduragesic their generic they is identical called sandoz and the mylan.

[Jentiva]

I was on fentanyl for 5 years and have been free of it for 2 months now.  What you need to do is go to a Wellness Clinic in your area and get on Suboxone.  I had to go through withdrawals for 3 days from fentanyl and then immediately the withdrawal went away.  It has not taken my pain away but there is some relief.  It take 3 days clean from fentanyl, 24 hours from Perks, 3 days for Methadone.  I stopped the fentanyl and took opiates for 2 days to relieve the withdrawals, then went through one night of pure hell....then it was over!  Well, so much better than I could have imagined after that hell.  Hope it helps!

[Jentiva]

I was on fentanyl for 5 years and have been free of it for 2 months now.  What you need to do is go to a Wellness Clinic in your area and get on Suboxone.  I had to go through withdrawals for 3 days from fentanyl and then immediately the withdrawal went away.  It has not taken my pain away but there is some relief.  It take 3 days clean from fentanyl, 24 hours from Perks, 5 days for Methadone.  I stopped the fentanyl and took opiates for 2 days to relieve the withdrawals, then went through one night of pure hell....then it was over!  Well, so much better than I could have imagined after that hell.  Hope it helps!

[CSDpainmgtpatient]

You should never cut a patch, ever. what I do is only pull off part of the plastic backing, and then tape it own, if i need more, the I just cut off a little more of the plastic backing. You can die from cutting your patches by getting to much all at once. I think you should try cutting the plastic backing.

[Jmmee]

I would like to know how everyone is doing with their withdrawls and looking back how long did the withdrawl (withdrawal) last? How are you all feeling now? Hoping life has blessed you.

[RJW1969]

I have been lurking here for a while just reading what others have written. I feel I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now and hopefuly my story can inspire one other person.

I have been on opiate pain killers for over two years for bad discs in the lumbar region. Started fentanyl about 6 months ago, 100s to begin with. I immediately noticed respiratory issues, difficulty getting breath so I had my doc lower me to 75s. This worked well for several months regarding the pain but I am also bi-polar and have a lot of issues with depression. about 6 weeks ago I ended up in the ER suicidal. I decided then that I needed off the patch as I believed it was aggravating an already difficult issue to deal with. I had my doc drop me to 50s for a month. After the first day of wearing the 50 I was vomiting and shaking uncontrollably and chilled to the bone. After about 4-5 days I began to feel better. I decided I didn't want to get feeling OK then go through it all again going to the 25s then stopping so I took matters into my own hands. After 2 weeks of wearing the 50 I folded one in half and taped it on effectively making it a 25. I wore the patch for 4 days and removed it. I was a bit anxious while wearing 25 but could still function. Once removed is when the hell started. A whole week on the couch curled up shaking......freezing........anxiety beyond description but I had made up my mind that I needed off this **** or it would kill me so I watched the hours creep by. Beginning week two I began to be functional again but had plenty of anxiety. I got 20 tabs of Valium from my psych and those helped. I had this odd sensation inside my head, like it was full of fizzy soda bubbles and an overall pressure, not a headache, but a feeling of outward pressure. I didn't do much week two but was eating again and would get in the car and just drive nowhere. Did a whole audio book in 2 days. I am now on day 4 of week three without fentanyl and the fizzy staticy sensation in my head is decreasing. Beginning with week three I had a new found sense of clarity, kind of like putting on sunglasses when driving in the fog. It is still foggy but you can see things a bit more defined with the glasses on. I am starting to be able to concentrate on tasks. I have great hope that by the end of week 4 I should be rid of most all symptoms.

Now some may ask how I deal with the pain being off the patch........I cheated the pain and had a spinal stimulator implanted in my back in December and between the inactivity of withdrawals and the stim, I have very little pain right now. I have read in other forums that several people actually have less pain once clean of the opiates, don't know why or how but there are enough people claiming it that I believe.

Things I did during the worst of it was try and stay warm, you may very well get a fever and chills, I did. Lots of hot baths help. Week two I started to exorcize trying to relieve the anxious energy and it definitely helps. Be sure to stay hydrated as vomiting and diarrhea are likely for the first week. I dug out a bunch of old CDs and listened to all the stuff I liked in the years before becoming hooked on opiates. The music was still good to me and it helped remind me of a time when I was in control of my life. It may sound hokey but I believe it helped me. My anthem during this ordeal is by a band called Skillet, the song is Awake and Alive. Take a listen on you tube and listen to the words, you may even like the music. I am getting back the feeling of being awake and alive and have great hope for the future. Don't let anyone fool you, withdrawal ***** bad but it is worth it! I am so uplifted at the thought of having my mind clear again and just being me, able to rejoin society after 2 years of living in my own little emotionless world. Prepare yourself mentally for the idea that you will loose at least 2 weeks of your life but the reward is the rest of your life. I hope this helps somebody through the misery.

R

[TheMadMan]

Wow, words of encouragement, nice to see.
I know withdrawal was rough for me also but after seeing what fentanyl did to me, I went cold turkey. I had to! I was down to 108lbs and doped up enough not to care. I was not going to let this drug kill me.
Lots of vitamins, hydration and any type of mental stimulation you can create along with exercise releases more endorphins to help the body react. The body will heal itself over time but this regime helps the body heal and the rest is up to the determination and mental health of the person who wants to get off this drug.
Now I understand why this drug is given to terminal people. It almost put me terminal but I refused to give it so don't!!!!

[ajthornton]

I have been on fentynl 100mg every 72 hours nearly 8 years. My Dr retired in December 2012, so in turn i must find a new doc. Well i did but this doc would not refill my fentyl or anxiety meds so im bening double wammed....the withdraw is awfull because my anxiiety is getting out of control and the pain is horrific. Any suggestions please speak up.

[Frankled]

I've been on Fentanyl about 18 months, first 50mcg/72 hrs, then 25mcg/48 hrs and 12mcg/daily. I fixed my back pain after surgery on my own by using T'ai chi and a better physical therapist. Now, I'm working to get off the drugs. Reduced doses of Fentanyl for four wks. and just into my 2nd week cold turkey on Freddie Fentanyl. I still have shakes and no energy. I have been on Tramadol for 3 years for breakthrough pain, and Dr. now has me taking it to deal with Fentanyl w/d. Im taking one pill every 6 hrs. Taking Clonidine and Clonzaipan at night to sleep.I no idea how long this would take until reading this post. Is anyone else taking Tramadol for the Fenantyl w/d? and how long will it take to get off Tommy Tramadol? Starting accupuncture tonight to help with nausea. Has anyone found accupuncture a relief? Frankled

[wen123468]

Hi there,
I've been on a Fentanyl patch for almost 2 years.  I was up to 150 mcg Mylan Brand. After many procedures, I am now able to wean myself off the Fentanyl. My pain doctor told me to go down 12 mcg per week.  I was experiencing a lot of sweating, anxiety and chills.  She told me I was very sensitive and to wean off more slowly to 6mcg per week.This was still too fast, so I slowed it down to 3mcg per week.  I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms since I slowed down the weaning process. It has taken me several months but last week was my last Fentanyl patch. It can be done.  The Mylan patch can be cut. I know you stated it was very dangerous, but I was doing it with my doctors advice and it worked very well. Mylan brand is the only brand you can cut, according to my doctor, who I feel is fabulous. She cured me and I will always be grateful to her for her patience and wisdom.

[ribernan]

I just went through fentanyl 25mcg withdrawal with clonidin and suboxone on an inpatient basis. I had one very bad night that my skin was crawling and I couldn' stop moving my legs and shoulders. The clonidin 0.1 helped a lot. It has been a week and I feel weak, have had a headache and muscle pains. Using aleve clonidin and ativan. appetite is poor. I am doing yoga and taking walks to keep moving and exercising and then warm baths. Just gotta keep going and the symptoms will lessen.

[marycarmel]

This is an old post. You should post a new question so you will get better responses.