Fentynal and menstration

[mommyfred]

Since they put me on the patch (curently 75mcg X 48 hours) my periods are becoming farther and farther apart.  I am having the cold sweats multiple times a day and horrible pins and needle pain in both arms and hands.  I also feel like I am losing my battle with my emotions somedays.  My PC  ran every blood test he could think of, as I also have a blood clotting disorder , but hormone levels appear fine.    I am 39 and am on the patches for severe degerative disc disorder and multiple back surgeries already.  Has anyone heard of periods stopping while on these patches?  Or had any of the experiences of increased pain sensations in alternate parts of the body.  My emotions are a roller coaster of evilness and tears.  Any ideas?

[marycarmel]

I was on 75 mcg Fentanyl every 48 hours and it was not a good fit for me.  I tend to be sensitive to meds but the Fentanyl really wreaked havoc with my body in many, many ways.  It also didn't cover my pain but made me stupid.  Wrecked my short-term memory and if I stopped moving, I'd nod out.  I know it's helpful for some people but it seems there are a lot of people who regret using it and my personal opinion now is that it should be used in people who never plan to get off it, i.e. end of life.  Have you tried any other long-acting meds?  My pharmacist was a greater resource to me than my pain doc at the time.  Best of luck.

[vicki595]

I've been thinking about this for awhile and I'm wondering if you're NOT getting the full dose for some reason. It could be placement, could be your skin, and can I ask you: Do you feel really medicated while the patch is on? 48 hours IS frequent for 75's so you should feel drowsy, etc...does it cover your pain level pretty well?

[nursegirl6572]

You can ask the pharmacist, they should have a product to help it adhere better.  Some tapes shouldn't be used, as it will make the medication get absorbed much too quick.  There are also other sites you can use, and you should rotate them, scapula area, chest, bicep/tricep areas.

Actually, you're already changing them too often, which could explain your symptoms, you may have kicked your tolerance up, and may be having w/d's when the dose is starting to fizzle out.  Fentanyl patch should be changed every 72 hours.

What about asking for a low dose oral medication to help deal with breakthrough pain?  I'm not sure that's what you're having...but something to ask the doc about.

[mommyfred]

I have been on the 75's for almost 2 months,  and doing the patches themselves since June.  I think I am metabolizing them very rapidly. Could be 48 hours may not be often enough to change them but I cant seem to get my dr to listen. My pharmacist seems to agree with me.  She has even mentioned it to my dr.  I think the size of the patch has alot to do with it as well.  I have a very small torso and the patch is almost a 4x4.  It is hard to find a location to put it that it stays put, even with medical tape.

[vicki595]

I don't think it's totally out of the realm of possibility that this could be menopause/peri menopause.  Now that the doctor has some baseline hormone levels, you can check them again in a few months.

It also sounds like a kind of withdrawal syndrome. How long on the patches? How long at this dose?