How to get off the Fentanyl patch?

[A man of faith]

After having a nerve condition called reflex sympathetic dystrophy a lot of the symptoms miraculasly disappeared!  Unfortunately for over 7 years I've been on the Duragesic Fentanyl patch....2 100's every other day.  I've cut down to 100 every 3 days, but the pain is just awful some times.  Would it be best just to quit cold turkey to get it over with or continue slowly reducing it.  I would sure like to be off it to see how I'm really doing.

[Doglover41]

Hello Bowhunter

I have had chronic back pain for 30 years.  I am on fentanyl 50 and use to take hyrdocodone and percocet.  I recently had the nerves burnt in my lower back and I am in no pain now.  It is out patient and for the first time in 30 years I can do things without pain.  I am taking no pills and looking to cut down on the patches.  There are certain pain management Drs. that do this.  Find a Dr. that will give you a light sedation to have this done. There are some Drs. who say you have to be awake to find the right nerves.  Mine did a great job while I was sedated and said I would wake up if he hit the wrong nerve.  This has made me a new person

[jverry]

I have been on Fentanyl Patches 150MCG 1-100 and 1-50 for about 3 years I also use Percocet for BTP I tried to quit fentanyl cold turkey last year and I made it 6 days and I couldn't sleep my skin was crawling even the sheets moving over my skin was painful. I had diarrhea and vomiting I had cold and hot spells.  I was suicidal as I already suffer from PTSD and major depression. I finally called my Dr and he said that I needed to put a 50 on to quell the withdrawal symptoms. since then I went back to my regular dose because when I got down to 25 MCG i realized how much pain relief that the patch really gives.  I have spinal stenosis with pinched nerves and I am also diabetic and have nerve damage in my legs with claudication which causes added pain and numbness. I believe anyone trying to get off of fentanyl should talk to their doctor and formulate a reasonable plan to reduce the dosage over a long point of time. I would never recommend going cold turkey on any medication including benzos and antidepressants

[millicentbuck]

The dr I had been going now said i could not afford him ,now that state cut off my insurance.He wanted me to pay $198.00 just to see him. Had to go to urgent care to get 20,s they gave me 3,so now I am out so I guess I have to go off
Any one come off of 20,s and how did you feel?

[dirty275]

I have been reading all the comments on here and have found them to be very helpful because i too am on the patch. 25mcg every 3 days as well as MS Contin 30 MG and don't want to keep taking these drugs because i know how the withdraw feelings are and wish i never had back surgery or got on these drugs. thank you to everyone on here for your courage to talk about this stuff and help everyone that comes here looking for help.

[Record86]

Thank you ive now done this

[MzHolly]

you need to make a new post, this one is very old, most people will not read it or see it. hit the green post a question box at the top and repeat what you wrote on here. There are many people here who can help you but they probably won't see your post here.