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Fentanyl narcotic patches
Who else out there has or is using Fentanyl narcotic patches? My withdrawals have been horrible. I was using them for about 18 months @ 50 mg. Changing them every three days. I stopped using them 11 days ago and switched to just Percocet and I then put myself on a three week tapering off plan. I plan to be narcotic free my September 15th!
I will never touch Fentanyl again either. I finally tapered (a bit too fast) and then went to oxycodone and tapered off that. Some people feel CT is best. I couldn't do that. Even tapering I was in and out of mild to moderate withdrawals. If you taper super slow, you can avoid most withdrawals but most people don't want to taper that slowly.
having just detoxed off the 50 mcg patch, i am going to have to disagree with those that suggest stopping the percocets right now. it takes 21 days or so to get fentanyl completely out of your system.
80 mg is equal to the patch. i just kept stepping down the percs until i reached the 30 day mark and then i stepped off the percs.
even then the withdrawals were HORRIBLE. i still get rls, still have zero energy.
50 is a big drop. i wish i would have stepped down to 37.5, 25, 12.5 etc before jumping. i will NEVER touch fentanyl again
80 mg is equal to the patch. i just kept stepping down the percs until i reached the 30 day mark and then i stepped off the percs.
even then the withdrawals were HORRIBLE. i still get rls, still have zero energy.
50 is a big drop. i wish i would have stepped down to 37.5, 25, 12.5 etc before jumping. i will NEVER touch fentanyl again
Hi Jifmoc,
Thanks for your good advice. My Percocet tabs are 325 mg. 13 days ago I went CT from my 50 mg.Fentanyl patches and switched over to only taking 2 Percocet no more than every 6 hours. It was a big jump! Horrible withdrawals for 6 days! I have been aggressively tapering since then. I am now down to no more than 2 percocets ( actually 4 half tabs) for each 24 hour period. It is starting to get a bit better although I will be glad when these dam drugs are out of my system altogether! I still plan to be done my September 15th or maybe sooner! ;-)
Thanks for your good advice. My Percocet tabs are 325 mg. 13 days ago I went CT from my 50 mg.Fentanyl patches and switched over to only taking 2 Percocet no more than every 6 hours. It was a big jump! Horrible withdrawals for 6 days! I have been aggressively tapering since then. I am now down to no more than 2 percocets ( actually 4 half tabs) for each 24 hour period. It is starting to get a bit better although I will be glad when these dam drugs are out of my system altogether! I still plan to be done my September 15th or maybe sooner! ;-)
I understood him to be off the Fentanyl but still having withdrawals from it, and that he planned to be off the Percocet by September 15th.
Hi, everyone- the OP is DONE w/ the fentanyl. I was suggesting she just do ct off the percocet. I have no experience w/ fentanyl and was not commenting on that part.
In any case, Marcie, hope you are still with us:)
In any case, Marcie, hope you are still with us:)
When I started typing my response, there were no replies. Mine was so long, I fell asleep for a bit, woke up, finished typing, and posted. Then I saw all the other comments!
I just want to chime in on cutting patches. Even thoough there is one type of patch that can be sagely cut, most cannot. I'm sorry if PurrfectlyKrazy got offended about Vicki's comment, but it was really important it be commented on. Cutting the wrong type of patch could result in overdose or death. It just needed clarification. If someome read the post in a hurry or was having terrible withdrawals and was not paying close atyention, they could easily miss the part where only a certain type could be cut. People rread these posts for years and it's better to be safe.
I just want to chime in on cutting patches. Even thoough there is one type of patch that can be sagely cut, most cannot. I'm sorry if PurrfectlyKrazy got offended about Vicki's comment, but it was really important it be commented on. Cutting the wrong type of patch could result in overdose or death. It just needed clarification. If someome read the post in a hurry or was having terrible withdrawals and was not paying close atyention, they could easily miss the part where only a certain type could be cut. People rread these posts for years and it's better to be safe.
Fentanyl is one of more difficult drugs to come off. What type of pain were you put on the Fentanyl for? Were you taking anything for breakthrough pain while on the Fentanyl? Why are you comimg off the Fentanyl and is your doctor on board with it? Did you ever abuse your meds? Are you planning on comimg off all your meds or just the Fentanyl? How do you plan to treat your pain in the future? Lastly, do you have any underlying health issues like hihh blood pressure or cardiac issues?
Sorry for all tje questions but knowing thayt information will help us help you. I was on 75 mcg Fentanyl every 48 hours along with oxycodone 45-60 mg every 4 hours, 10 mg Ambien every night, 1 mg Ativan 2-3 times a'day, Clonidine. 01 mg twice a day, 800 mg ibuprofen 4 times a day, Voltaren gel, lidocaine patches and lots of procedures as well as high blood pressure meds, etc.
I first tried to CT off everything at once and it was brutal. I wound up in the hospital on IV fluids. I realized CT wasn't a'good idea for me due to how many meds I was on and due to my other health issues. People do CT off Fentanyl but it is really hard and it lasts longer than other pain meds. It's not as hard or as long as methadone or suboxone but it's tough.
I generally wouldn't suggest anyone CT from Fentanyl but people have done it. Tapering isn't a cake walk either. Regardless of whether you go CT or taper, there are some things that will help a little. You may have nausea, vomiting and or diarrhea and it's very easy to get dehydrated, which makes everything worse. Drink as much as you can. Water, clear juices, ginger ale, etc. Are all good. Gatorade is also good, especially if you're having a hard time keeping things down. Gatorade help replace the electrolytes. You may also want to try a calcium/magnesium/potassium supplement. One of the lomg-time members, Gnarly, recommends it to those coming of methadone and you can get it at Walmart for $12 or $15 and he says it really helps with the withdrawals. When I tapered, I wound up hospitalized because I couldn't keep anything down. My system got really messed up, beyond dehydration, and my magnesium and potassium levels were way out of whack and I needed prescription potassium for a while. 'Better to prevent it if you can.
If the diarrhea is bad, Imodium helps and it also helps with other withdrawal symptoms as well. Imodium apparently has an opiate base that doesn't cross the blood brain base. You can google Imodium and withdrawal for the details.
If your doctor is helping you, ask him for Clonidine. It's an old blood pressure med and people say it really helps the withdrawals. If you get restless legs, soaking in a hot-as-you-can-stand it tub with Epson salts helps a lot. There's also a product by Hylands called Restful Legs. Bananas, potatoes, orange juice and tonic water with quinine also help with restleness.
If you are able to eat, try to eat somewhat healthy so you can build up your stremgth. If not able to eat much, try to eat small meals with protein.' Scrambled eggs, soup, etc. Are good. Boost or Ensure help replace nutrition lost.
Sleep can take what seems to take forever to return. Melatonine, Alteril, Valerian root may help
Sorry for all tje questions but knowing thayt information will help us help you. I was on 75 mcg Fentanyl every 48 hours along with oxycodone 45-60 mg every 4 hours, 10 mg Ambien every night, 1 mg Ativan 2-3 times a'day, Clonidine. 01 mg twice a day, 800 mg ibuprofen 4 times a day, Voltaren gel, lidocaine patches and lots of procedures as well as high blood pressure meds, etc.
I first tried to CT off everything at once and it was brutal. I wound up in the hospital on IV fluids. I realized CT wasn't a'good idea for me due to how many meds I was on and due to my other health issues. People do CT off Fentanyl but it is really hard and it lasts longer than other pain meds. It's not as hard or as long as methadone or suboxone but it's tough.
I generally wouldn't suggest anyone CT from Fentanyl but people have done it. Tapering isn't a cake walk either. Regardless of whether you go CT or taper, there are some things that will help a little. You may have nausea, vomiting and or diarrhea and it's very easy to get dehydrated, which makes everything worse. Drink as much as you can. Water, clear juices, ginger ale, etc. Are all good. Gatorade is also good, especially if you're having a hard time keeping things down. Gatorade help replace the electrolytes. You may also want to try a calcium/magnesium/potassium supplement. One of the lomg-time members, Gnarly, recommends it to those coming of methadone and you can get it at Walmart for $12 or $15 and he says it really helps with the withdrawals. When I tapered, I wound up hospitalized because I couldn't keep anything down. My system got really messed up, beyond dehydration, and my magnesium and potassium levels were way out of whack and I needed prescription potassium for a while. 'Better to prevent it if you can.
If the diarrhea is bad, Imodium helps and it also helps with other withdrawal symptoms as well. Imodium apparently has an opiate base that doesn't cross the blood brain base. You can google Imodium and withdrawal for the details.
If your doctor is helping you, ask him for Clonidine. It's an old blood pressure med and people say it really helps the withdrawals. If you get restless legs, soaking in a hot-as-you-can-stand it tub with Epson salts helps a lot. There's also a product by Hylands called Restful Legs. Bananas, potatoes, orange juice and tonic water with quinine also help with restleness.
If you are able to eat, try to eat somewhat healthy so you can build up your stremgth. If not able to eat much, try to eat small meals with protein.' Scrambled eggs, soup, etc. Are good. Boost or Ensure help replace nutrition lost.
Sleep can take what seems to take forever to return. Melatonine, Alteril, Valerian root may help
Hey Marcie, I'm doing great, thanks. Does your doctor prescribe the Percs as well? It's still a good idea to talk to him and get his support. He also may be able to prescribe some comfort meds to help you with the withdrawal symptoms. I tend to agree that at this point it may be better to simply jump off all pain meds. It may be easier to just get it all over with? I don't know, it depends on how you feel. I know it take a lot of guts and strength to taper. Congrats on your decision to quit. I hope you feel better soon!
Oh dear...I'm sorry. I didn't consider it a criticism but more a piece of information to share, not just with you but with the OP and others who may be reading...I'm sorry you took such offense; perhaps it's the late hour.
I don't mind constructive criticism...truly I don't...but I prefer to get my "set downs" in private!
That's good. But we don't know what kind of patches Marcie uses, or anyone else posting about their patches, so it's probably best not to suggest cutting them to folks.
Our doctor was pretty firm that the particular brand and type of patch we have could be cut in half with no problem. We haven't had to do that though.
Some patches should never be cut in half. Has your husband ever done that? Some will deliver the drug all at once if they're split so...be careful with them...a person can OD easily.
Marcie- Are you planning to continue taking the Percocet for pain management? If not, I'm inclined to agree with jifmoc and just end this now by going cold turkey. Keep in touch-
Marcie- Are you planning to continue taking the Percocet for pain management? If not, I'm inclined to agree with jifmoc and just end this now by going cold turkey. Keep in touch-
That under certain situations it may be best to just jump from Fentanyl taper (depending on how low of a dose and how long the taper has been going on). I'm sure once I get some decent sleep I'll get even more out of it. Thank you!
Thanks! I know that comment was not for me...but you've taught me something new tonight :-)
Hey, Marcie52, ALL the symptoms are very typical withdrawl symptoms! Look up the Thomas recipe on here, and it will tell you all the stuff you should get for wds. Yeah, they suck but they don't last forever. Then the real work comes...yippee! (ha ha.)
How many and what strength percs are you taking? Guess what? Since you've been off that patch for 11 days and have been taking percs but still have horrid wd's, in that situation many of us would forget the taper and just jump! You know why? Because you will still have wd's even w/ a taper but you prolong the misery. Most of us have gone ct and though it was hard, we made it through. We can walk you thru the days and you can post as much as you like. I would seriously consider it:)
How many and what strength percs are you taking? Guess what? Since you've been off that patch for 11 days and have been taking percs but still have horrid wd's, in that situation many of us would forget the taper and just jump! You know why? Because you will still have wd's even w/ a taper but you prolong the misery. Most of us have gone ct and though it was hard, we made it through. We can walk you thru the days and you can post as much as you like. I would seriously consider it:)
Brain not working...how about cutting the patches in 1/2 and dropping to 25 mgs and then do the withdrawal in a month. Perhaps that will ease up the symptoms a bit. Just another suggestion
My hubby has been on Fentanyl Patches for over 10 years. His high point was 100 mgs...he's down to 25 now. The doctor is going to switch him over to oral Opana in a month...then they will taper down over a 2 month period.
We had a friend who went CT on the patches and he went thru hell for 2 weeks. Since your doctor will be pleased with you getting off of them maybe you can think about doing the same thing....if you feel you can do the taper. It could work especially if you have someone trustworthy who will hold the drug for you and only give them to you when they are due!
I kind of agree with your hubby...I would never have gone CT if something else would have worked for you. Perhaps you are like me...lousy at tapering :-D
I wish the very best of luck to you and will pray that the good Lord will give you some moments of clarity, calm and rest.
We had a friend who went CT on the patches and he went thru hell for 2 weeks. Since your doctor will be pleased with you getting off of them maybe you can think about doing the same thing....if you feel you can do the taper. It could work especially if you have someone trustworthy who will hold the drug for you and only give them to you when they are due!
I kind of agree with your hubby...I would never have gone CT if something else would have worked for you. Perhaps you are like me...lousy at tapering :-D
I wish the very best of luck to you and will pray that the good Lord will give you some moments of clarity, calm and rest.
Hi Sonrissa,
Thanks for the good advice and support! My withdrawal symptoms have been HELL but I am sticking with my plan. Most of my symptoms have improved except for the horrid hot & cold flashes, profuse sweating, nausea, sleep difficulties & intense headaches! My husband thinks I am being too aggressive with my plan but I just want to be done with it! I haven't told my doctor yet but he will be very pleased since he has wanted me to get off them for some time. How are you doing?
Thanks for the good advice and support! My withdrawal symptoms have been HELL but I am sticking with my plan. Most of my symptoms have improved except for the horrid hot & cold flashes, profuse sweating, nausea, sleep difficulties & intense headaches! My husband thinks I am being too aggressive with my plan but I just want to be done with it! I haven't told my doctor yet but he will be very pleased since he has wanted me to get off them for some time. How are you doing?
Hi Marcie, welcome to the forum. You will find lots of great advice and support here. I do not have any personal experience with Fentanyl Patches, but there are others here who do. From what I have read, the withdrawals can be pretty difficult. I hope the Percocet will help. Do you have someone who can hold and dispense the Percocet to you to help you stick with your taper plan? This will make it easier for you. Is your doctor on board with you quitting the fentanyl? Please make sure you are staying very well hydrated during this process. Also, eat healthy meals or drink some protein shakes or Ensure or Boost to help keep up your strength. Take a good multivitamin, as well as a 3 in 1 Calcium Magnesium and Zinc. This will help with restlessness and muscle spasms, as well as Epsom Salt baths. Try to get yourself outside in the fresh air as much as possible. All of these things will help with withdrawal symptoms. Keep posting with any questions and for support. Take care, and I wish you all the best.
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