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125mcg Fentanyl cold turkey. How long til DT's subside?
I originally posted this at the end of a different fentanyl topic started Jan. 2012. Hoping someone will see this new posting and offer some input.
I have been reading about this for a couple of weeks now. I was on 125mcg fentanyl, 30 - 10mg perc, 90 - 2mg klonopin, 90 - 4mg tizanidine, gabapentin, doxepin(all monthly doses), for the last five years. I am on disability, and am staying with family currently. I stopped taking all my meds on march 12, 2013. I moved from a different state and have not been able to get an appt with pain mgmt until next week. My GP said he can not write me any scripts to help me(he used to write my script for fent, but I guess he got in trouble. He would not even see me when I came to the office for my appt.) This has been the most horrible thing I have gone through. I tried going to the ER last tuesday, and the ER Doc said right off the bat he was not going to give me anything for the pain, and that the DT's will suck, but will not kill me. No empathy whatsoever. He did give me 60 -.1 mg clonidine, which has been helping with blood pressure and heart rate. My heart rate continuously climbs to 120bpm. Blood pressure goes up to about 180/120. The most I have slept was a couple of nights ago I slept for about 3 hrs straight. Otherwise 15-20min here and there. Total of about 20hrs in 10days. I feel like I am losing my mind. The only thing that keeps me sane is family, but they have no clue what I am going through. I just don't want to lose it in front of them, and don't want to go to a inpatient clinic, because I am not an addict, I am dependent though, and after seeing how the ER doctor reacted to me, I am self conscious about ALL doctors now. I just hope the new pain mgmt doctor is going to be understanding and empathetic of what I am going through. I just want to sleep. I Have been trying diphenhidrimine sleeping pills and Nyquil, but no sleep last night. My ears are ringing, grinding my teeth, shoulders are popping, legs are freezing and jerking, eyes feel so tired, but my mind is racing. Was naucious for a few days already, but have my appetite back a little. I have probably lost about 20lbs(about 15% of my body weight) When I do lay down, my heart seems to start racing and all my symptoms are intensified. I don't know how long I can put up with this. I just want to make sure there is no chance of any physical health problems when coming off fentanyl like the ER doc said, or was he just full of crap and thought I was drug seeking. 1 1/2 months before I went to him I was sent to the ER by my one of my Dr's when he found out I went w/o my patches for a few days(my blood pressure and pulse were up). A neurologist saw me and immediately diagnosed me as going through opioid withdrawal and wrote me new scripts, and told me to get in pain mgmt. I started calling and everyone had LONG waiting list, until I found one that could get me in next week. I asked what I should do if when I run out of my meds, and was told to go to closest ER(she said it didn't matter which one. The one I went to that gave me my scripts was about an hour away. There is a ER that is much closer. That is where I saw the Dr. that said DT's were not dangerous. They sure FEEL dangerous. I have been taking hot showers, using electric blanket, Have a little Tizanidine left, and Clonidine. I just need to know where the light at the end of the tunnel is. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have 5 days til new pain mgmt dr. I am going to make it, I have no choice. I just may not be able to see, speak, walk, or drive when it comes time for the appt. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Sorry for rambling, my mind feels scattered.
I also am about to move back to where I was, which is about 1000miles away. I will be by myself and my family is concerned with me taking such a long trip.
I have been reading about this for a couple of weeks now. I was on 125mcg fentanyl, 30 - 10mg perc, 90 - 2mg klonopin, 90 - 4mg tizanidine, gabapentin, doxepin(all monthly doses), for the last five years. I am on disability, and am staying with family currently. I stopped taking all my meds on march 12, 2013. I moved from a different state and have not been able to get an appt with pain mgmt until next week. My GP said he can not write me any scripts to help me(he used to write my script for fent, but I guess he got in trouble. He would not even see me when I came to the office for my appt.) This has been the most horrible thing I have gone through. I tried going to the ER last tuesday, and the ER Doc said right off the bat he was not going to give me anything for the pain, and that the DT's will suck, but will not kill me. No empathy whatsoever. He did give me 60 -.1 mg clonidine, which has been helping with blood pressure and heart rate. My heart rate continuously climbs to 120bpm. Blood pressure goes up to about 180/120. The most I have slept was a couple of nights ago I slept for about 3 hrs straight. Otherwise 15-20min here and there. Total of about 20hrs in 10days. I feel like I am losing my mind. The only thing that keeps me sane is family, but they have no clue what I am going through. I just don't want to lose it in front of them, and don't want to go to a inpatient clinic, because I am not an addict, I am dependent though, and after seeing how the ER doctor reacted to me, I am self conscious about ALL doctors now. I just hope the new pain mgmt doctor is going to be understanding and empathetic of what I am going through. I just want to sleep. I Have been trying diphenhidrimine sleeping pills and Nyquil, but no sleep last night. My ears are ringing, grinding my teeth, shoulders are popping, legs are freezing and jerking, eyes feel so tired, but my mind is racing. Was naucious for a few days already, but have my appetite back a little. I have probably lost about 20lbs(about 15% of my body weight) When I do lay down, my heart seems to start racing and all my symptoms are intensified. I don't know how long I can put up with this. I just want to make sure there is no chance of any physical health problems when coming off fentanyl like the ER doc said, or was he just full of crap and thought I was drug seeking. 1 1/2 months before I went to him I was sent to the ER by my one of my Dr's when he found out I went w/o my patches for a few days(my blood pressure and pulse were up). A neurologist saw me and immediately diagnosed me as going through opioid withdrawal and wrote me new scripts, and told me to get in pain mgmt. I started calling and everyone had LONG waiting list, until I found one that could get me in next week. I asked what I should do if when I run out of my meds, and was told to go to closest ER(she said it didn't matter which one. The one I went to that gave me my scripts was about an hour away. There is a ER that is much closer. That is where I saw the Dr. that said DT's were not dangerous. They sure FEEL dangerous. I have been taking hot showers, using electric blanket, Have a little Tizanidine left, and Clonidine. I just need to know where the light at the end of the tunnel is. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have 5 days til new pain mgmt dr. I am going to make it, I have no choice. I just may not be able to see, speak, walk, or drive when it comes time for the appt. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Sorry for rambling, my mind feels scattered.
I also am about to move back to where I was, which is about 1000miles away. I will be by myself and my family is concerned with me taking such a long trip.
Here is someone going through close to the same thing you are right now. I thought maybe you both could be a good support system for each other???
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/NEED-ADVICE-HOW-LONG-DOES-FENTANYL-WITHDRAWAL-LAST/show/1919951
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/NEED-ADVICE-HOW-LONG-DOES-FENTANYL-WITHDRAWAL-LAST/show/1919951
Have you tried explaining to your family what is going on? That may help them be more supportive and cut you some slack. What you don't need right now is stress from not getting along. Don't feel bad for moving back home at some point in everyone's life we all need help to get back on our feet. It's not like you just decided you were just going to do this for no reason. You are going thru a huge difficult situation right now and need all the support you can get. For right now try to only focus on getting better then you can focus on the other stuff once you have a clearer head. If it wasn't for the support of some people on this site I would be crazy and have given up by now. It's such a hard thing to deal with especially when no one around you understands. Hang in there.
Just an update..
Slept a few hours again last night. Sleep is getting better. Head still feels pretty foggy, though. Still have the chills and sneezing. I am sooo ready for this to be over. The natural herbs and vitamins definitely seem to be helping. Hopefully I have turned the corner.
Slept a few hours again last night. Sleep is getting better. Head still feels pretty foggy, though. Still have the chills and sneezing. I am sooo ready for this to be over. The natural herbs and vitamins definitely seem to be helping. Hopefully I have turned the corner.
Thanks again everyone. I will take the suggestion about taking some time before making a major decision some serious thought.
I am currently staying with my mom, and at 40 it is kind of uncomfortable. Just don't feel right at my age. She is kind of pushing me to make a decision about getting a place here of my own or go back to where I was. She really wants me to stay, as do my older brother, but there has been some strain on the relationships with a couple of older sisters and nieces-family stuff-so i feel pretty uncomfortable here right now because we are not speaking. I just hate the thought of staying here a year. I do know i want to go back, and I will end up there, one way or another, eventually.
It is about 1:30am here, and I am going to try and get some sleep. Took a nice hot shower, and took the natural sleep aids, and starting to yawn. LOL, my dog just came and looked at me as if to say"let's go to bed already" Have to love animals, he has kept me pretty grounded through the low points. And makes me laugh when I don't really feel like it.
Thanks for all the support. All of you are GREAT! I'll check back in the morning and let you know how tomorrow is. Night all and again, Thank You!
I am currently staying with my mom, and at 40 it is kind of uncomfortable. Just don't feel right at my age. She is kind of pushing me to make a decision about getting a place here of my own or go back to where I was. She really wants me to stay, as do my older brother, but there has been some strain on the relationships with a couple of older sisters and nieces-family stuff-so i feel pretty uncomfortable here right now because we are not speaking. I just hate the thought of staying here a year. I do know i want to go back, and I will end up there, one way or another, eventually.
It is about 1:30am here, and I am going to try and get some sleep. Took a nice hot shower, and took the natural sleep aids, and starting to yawn. LOL, my dog just came and looked at me as if to say"let's go to bed already" Have to love animals, he has kept me pretty grounded through the low points. And makes me laugh when I don't really feel like it.
Thanks for all the support. All of you are GREAT! I'll check back in the morning and let you know how tomorrow is. Night all and again, Thank You!
Boy, do I feel for you! You've been through it. Good job getting off the Fentanyl. It's a rough one and it'll take some time. It's always complicated when there are other meds involved. Your age, length of use, genetics and general health are also factors. Keep the faith, though. You've got some time in. Don't let it go! I know the sleeplessness is tough. I'm going through it myself. Bless you for coming here. I hope you keep us updated. You're on my prayer list.
From what I have read for the fentanyl it can be a few months. I'm sure that's not feeling as bad as your feeling now. I got on subs to take the w/d away from the fentanyl patch. Just going by the amount of subs I needed to keep the w/d away I would say around the 2 week mark you will start to feel better. Im just guessing though I was only taking Percs also 7.5 mg 3 times a day but none of the other stuff you were taking. I was also dependent on the medication.
This is just a suggestion but before moving back or making any other major decisions I would wait until your thru the w/d. Right now your just not thinking clear enough to do so. I also think a 1,000 mile drive would be challenging. I would be kind to yourself for awhile, relax and stay close to your family for support. That's just a suggestion though only you know what is best for you :)
I'm now only on .75mg of subs and tapering those so I'm having some w/d
Nothing like what your experiencing but I have noticed muscle relaxers have helped me a lot. I have robaxin and I take 1/4-1/2 of one if I need it. It really has been helping me get through the really uncomfortable parts.
This is just a suggestion but before moving back or making any other major decisions I would wait until your thru the w/d. Right now your just not thinking clear enough to do so. I also think a 1,000 mile drive would be challenging. I would be kind to yourself for awhile, relax and stay close to your family for support. That's just a suggestion though only you know what is best for you :)
I'm now only on .75mg of subs and tapering those so I'm having some w/d
Nothing like what your experiencing but I have noticed muscle relaxers have helped me a lot. I have robaxin and I take 1/4-1/2 of one if I need it. It really has been helping me get through the really uncomfortable parts.
I will be careful chasing the sleep. It has been tough, but am feeling better, it seems. I thought I was doing bettter thursday, but DT's came back with a vengence yesterday. Sneezing, sweats, shakes, etc... After reading in this forum, I decided to go to the pharmacist, and thankfully, she was helpful. This forum has been helpful. The pharmacist did try and talk me into going to the ER that gave me the scripts last time, but I was concerned they would think I was drug seeking, especially after what happened at the last ER. She said the ER's here get shopped for Fent all the time, and I guess I wanted to prove to myself that I could beat this. I was worried that I was not just dependent, but addicted. And my family was a little concerned about me being on the Fent also, so I felt I had to stick it out.
I also just came out of a long relationship that was difficult. She has a problem with addiction and I had to keep my meds locked up. She started using off the street and alcohol. Left me for a dealer, then called a few months later wanting me back. I was just starting my DT's and was supposed to leave a few days ago. She sent me a message the night before I was supposed to leave telling me she met someone she really like. Oh well, burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me.
Once that happened, I was starting to come out of the fog and decided I wanted to start fresh without anyone influencing my decision. I do have plans of moving back to the area, which is about a 1000 miles away. Not to get back with her, but I have lived there the last 4 years and really grew to like it. I have found a rental house that I can get, but am unsure if I will be rushing it to try and make that trip in a week or so.
Does anyone have an idea when I will start feeling and sleeping better?
I really hate the area my family lives in now, and I know if I stay here I will be very unhappy. But I am also unsure about going back where I was, because before I had my ex there to help if I had any procedures done. Living on my own after 10 yrs is kinda unsettling, especially being so far from my family and loved ones. The doctors have talked about doing an amputation of atleast one foot in the future, and/or putting me in a wheelchair. Scary for me to think about going through that on my own. So, you can see I am torn.
It really helps just sitting here typing on the keyboard, takes my mind off everything that is going on with my body right now. The ringing in my ears is coming back now, though. And my jaw has been popping alot also. I haven't had these problems since before I went on the pain meds.
I know i have a few questions in here, but the main is about finally getting through this to the point that I am able to move and make the trip. I appreciate your input and advice.
Again, I will be careful with chasing the sleep :)
I also just came out of a long relationship that was difficult. She has a problem with addiction and I had to keep my meds locked up. She started using off the street and alcohol. Left me for a dealer, then called a few months later wanting me back. I was just starting my DT's and was supposed to leave a few days ago. She sent me a message the night before I was supposed to leave telling me she met someone she really like. Oh well, burn me once shame on you, burn me twice shame on me.
Once that happened, I was starting to come out of the fog and decided I wanted to start fresh without anyone influencing my decision. I do have plans of moving back to the area, which is about a 1000 miles away. Not to get back with her, but I have lived there the last 4 years and really grew to like it. I have found a rental house that I can get, but am unsure if I will be rushing it to try and make that trip in a week or so.
Does anyone have an idea when I will start feeling and sleeping better?
I really hate the area my family lives in now, and I know if I stay here I will be very unhappy. But I am also unsure about going back where I was, because before I had my ex there to help if I had any procedures done. Living on my own after 10 yrs is kinda unsettling, especially being so far from my family and loved ones. The doctors have talked about doing an amputation of atleast one foot in the future, and/or putting me in a wheelchair. Scary for me to think about going through that on my own. So, you can see I am torn.
It really helps just sitting here typing on the keyboard, takes my mind off everything that is going on with my body right now. The ringing in my ears is coming back now, though. And my jaw has been popping alot also. I haven't had these problems since before I went on the pain meds.
I know i have a few questions in here, but the main is about finally getting through this to the point that I am able to move and make the trip. I appreciate your input and advice.
Again, I will be careful with chasing the sleep :)
I feel for you hun. Just reading your post broke my heart for you. I was on fentanyl also I stopped the end of feb my dose was 50 mcg. I got on suboxone but the 24 hours I had to be off it was pure hell. I can't even to begin to imagine the hell your going through since your dose was higher and your coming off other stuff as well. Message me if you need to talk it helped me talking to someone who understood. You will for sure be in my thought and prayers. I just feel terrible for what your going through. It's so sad the ER doctor treated you that way. Can you try a different ER, urgent care??? I would hope you could come across some doctor that had a heart. Sending you a big hug!!!
Hi I just wanted to say something from my experience..I came off of a many yrs of methedone, adderral and a benzo...During my time in my w/d state I had to stay away from all meds..Otc & or prescibed..When you have a lot of meds mixed in your body ( as it sounds like you do) there is alot of things, even natural, that will intense the withdraws...Your body is trying to rid the posions. There is alot of side effects that we have to be careful about..I know too from my experience I had to do my homework..The DR did not even know what I found out..and the Phams just over looked it..This happens all the time in the health field..Mostly to the elder..So Please do some homework or just do not add any more things in the body while it is trying to detox..I hope u will be fine..I have witness a lot of girls going c/t from patches, benzo and oxys..I do not recomment it because I went c/t and it was not fun....
Let us know how u are..Keep an update OK
Vickie
Let us know how u are..Keep an update OK
Vickie
Sounds like the pharmacist was very helpful, that's great. You know, despite coming off so many heavy hitting meds all at once, you're doing pretty well, considering. Not many people could do it, to be honest. In the time I have posted on this forum, fentanyl is definitely at the top of the list as far as rough w/ds per the people posting here (probably with Methadone being a near tie or very close second).
Keep doing what you're doing, just be VERY careful chasing that sleep that you don't overdo it mixing too much together. People have gotten into real trouble doing that. Sadly, we had a regular forum member a few years ago that OD'ed just trying to get some sleep, she took too much and mixed several things. She's no longer with us. Very sad.
Just be cautious. The sleep is one of the last things to regulate...so that can be tough.
Keep doing what you're doing, just be VERY careful chasing that sleep that you don't overdo it mixing too much together. People have gotten into real trouble doing that. Sadly, we had a regular forum member a few years ago that OD'ed just trying to get some sleep, she took too much and mixed several things. She's no longer with us. Very sad.
Just be cautious. The sleep is one of the last things to regulate...so that can be tough.
I appreciate your post nursegirl6572,
I did go to the pharmacy last night and talked to the pharmacist and asked for advice. She gave me multivitamin, velerian root, RestlessLeg natural remedy, Tylenol pm, and sent me to GNC for a natural sleep aid. My mother also chipped in a .25mg Xanax for sleep at night. I went to bed last night about 10 and slept for an hour after taking the stuff the pharmacist recommended. I then sat up for about an hour(i am a smoker, which has also been horrible. I swear I can taste all the chemicals they put in cigarettes now). I then took two 25mg benadryl sleep aid, and a shot of Nyquil, I slept for about 4 hrs, FINALLY :)
Today has been better, off and on. I go wednesday to PM doctor. I do not, I WILL NOT go back on Fentanyl again. I have club feet with multiple surgeries on both. Due to my gait, i developed Deg.disc disease. I have also been diagnosed with GAD.
I used to drink pretty heavy until I had a doctor diagnose me and said I was self medicating. As soon as I started taking pain meds, I quit drinking. Thought life was great. Thought Fentanyl was great. I was never warned about Fentanyl by any doctors. I would rather limit my mobility and take Perc or Vics or morphine as needed. I let my ex push me to use more fent so i could be more active, because she always wanted to be running around. Now that i am coming off the Fent, I am started to lose the fog. I am amazed at how much of a haze I have been in.
Thanks for your attention and input.
I did go to the pharmacy last night and talked to the pharmacist and asked for advice. She gave me multivitamin, velerian root, RestlessLeg natural remedy, Tylenol pm, and sent me to GNC for a natural sleep aid. My mother also chipped in a .25mg Xanax for sleep at night. I went to bed last night about 10 and slept for an hour after taking the stuff the pharmacist recommended. I then sat up for about an hour(i am a smoker, which has also been horrible. I swear I can taste all the chemicals they put in cigarettes now). I then took two 25mg benadryl sleep aid, and a shot of Nyquil, I slept for about 4 hrs, FINALLY :)
Today has been better, off and on. I go wednesday to PM doctor. I do not, I WILL NOT go back on Fentanyl again. I have club feet with multiple surgeries on both. Due to my gait, i developed Deg.disc disease. I have also been diagnosed with GAD.
I used to drink pretty heavy until I had a doctor diagnose me and said I was self medicating. As soon as I started taking pain meds, I quit drinking. Thought life was great. Thought Fentanyl was great. I was never warned about Fentanyl by any doctors. I would rather limit my mobility and take Perc or Vics or morphine as needed. I let my ex push me to use more fent so i could be more active, because she always wanted to be running around. Now that i am coming off the Fent, I am started to lose the fog. I am amazed at how much of a haze I have been in.
Thanks for your attention and input.
Oh my goodness hon. You stopped ALL of those meds abruptly at the same time? Yes, no wonder you feel HORRIBLE!!!
I honestly don't have too much advice for you other than to tough it out...it's going to take a while though. Fentanyl is one of the worst opiates to detox off of.
I still would keep looking for a doctor who has some sense. Especially regarding the Klonopin detox, that could have resulted in seizures! So, you're basically going on 12 days with nothing, is that right? And your plan is to resume some or all of these meds when you find a doctor? Or are you going to try to stay off of the meds now?
I'm just at a loss for words (which anyone here will tell you is RARE). I'm just so sorry you're going through this, what an awful awful situation. I really wish you could find a doctor who would help you...that's just NOT right.
Prayers coming your way...keep posting, people will have ideas and support. Check out the Thomas Recipe here in the health pages. That may help take the edge off the fentanyl w/ds a little anyway.
I honestly don't have too much advice for you other than to tough it out...it's going to take a while though. Fentanyl is one of the worst opiates to detox off of.
I still would keep looking for a doctor who has some sense. Especially regarding the Klonopin detox, that could have resulted in seizures! So, you're basically going on 12 days with nothing, is that right? And your plan is to resume some or all of these meds when you find a doctor? Or are you going to try to stay off of the meds now?
I'm just at a loss for words (which anyone here will tell you is RARE). I'm just so sorry you're going through this, what an awful awful situation. I really wish you could find a doctor who would help you...that's just NOT right.
Prayers coming your way...keep posting, people will have ideas and support. Check out the Thomas Recipe here in the health pages. That may help take the edge off the fentanyl w/ds a little anyway.
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