I Need Help Coming Off Fentanyl!

[LissyH]

I posted a question before and I apologize for giving so much background and making it so long.  No one has responded so I'm gong to post again.  I am about to come off 12.5 mcg patches of Fentanyl and I need some advice.  I weaned down from 37.5 on my own.  But, I'm terrified about coming off and having no more meds in my system.  I've read the horrific descriptions of the withdrawals and I'm coming unglued about this whole thing, as I asked my pain management doctor not to put me on these things in the first place.  I am so angry I've been put in this situation.  But, I let him talk me into it because of my unbearable pain situation.  I was given some meds by my doctor to "help" with the withdrawals, but only 21 pills (taken three times a day) and no refills.  And from what I've read, it doesn't sound like the pills are going to do me much good anyway.  I'm leaving town to go be with my husband (he's working out of state) so that he can be with me for some of the time while I come off the Fentanyl.  I'm scared half to death, as I have to fly there with this **** in my system, and I need some advice about coming off of it before I have to fly back home.  I've already scheduled my flight back, so will be there two and a half weeks, but I've heard and read that I could still be having withdrawals two weeks out and I don't want to be on an airplane in that condition.  Any advice out there?  Please?

Thanks,

Lissy

[Dadof5kids1973]

get off the sub as soon as possible , the wds from the sub can be as bad if not worse then the fentanyl.

[scloflin]

I am coming off the patch and let me tell u it ain t no picnic. Im on suboxone. It works but I dont know which is worse the withdrawals or the med. because it is the most worst thing I have ever tasted and it really doesnt make me feel that much better. How long does it take to feel up to par. Because I feel terrible. Please someone give me some insight and tell me that this will all pass.I know it has only been a week but it seems like no end in sight I want to get a good nite sleep and be able to clean my house. okay enough for now any info from anyone.

[Bytor32]

Hi Lizzy, I am now coming off fentanyl patches and it is VERY stressful and panic invoking. I hope by now you are off. But, if not, I wanted to let you know I have weaned myself successfully from 200mcg to 150mcg then quickly to 125mcg, to 100mcg then to 75mcg. I feel GREAT even though I have quickly reduced mydose by so much so fast. I basically took only 1 dose of each lower increment to get to 75mcg without ANY withdrawals. Now, a BLESSING from GOD Himself following an intense prayer. He caused an emergency situation regarding my surgery to put me back into the hospital for a couple days. While there, I asked the nice doc on the floor to discharge me with 2, 75's, 2, 50', 2, 25's then 2'12.5'w. He agreed! This was my SPECIFIC prayer answered by God Himself. I have THE evidence. This is my exit ramp off those evil patches without going through an expensive detox program. I am convinced the pain management doc at the Cleveland Clinic put me on that heavy dose knowing full well he could railroad me into a detox program by causing a crises situation by cutting off the patches at 150mcg. Now that I have the taper doses in hand, I have THE power to come off these outside the evil clutches of the Cleveland Clinic predators. I have been through this before and the result is the same each tiime. They are premeditated drug dealers of the worst kind!. However, I am FIRED UP about the taper doses I now have where 12.5 is my jumping off point. Considering my success with the other rapid reduction from 200mcg to 75mcg, I know I can go from 12.5 to 0. I do have Ultram and Xanax so that can help but I don't think it will be necessary considering my current successful rapid taper. I told my pharmacist NEVER to allow a patient to receive a dose like 150 or 200mcg UNLESS they are terminal where it doesn't matter. The fentanyl IS effective BUT NOT worth the other liabilities. So, to anybody reading this, PLEASE DO NOT go on these. It is indeed 100 times worse than Heroin. It's true. There are many oral meds to take that are very effective. Even fentanyl "lolipops" that are helpful with breakthrough pain. These just don't get you into the hell of the patches. I am not concerned about jumping off of 12.5mcg of the patches, actually VERY EXCITED! NOBODY WILL EVER HAVE THEIR EVIL DRUG DEALING HOOKS IN ME EVER AGAIN! And these pain docs ARE EVIL. I have been through it a few times and they ALWAYS say the only way to come off fentanyl patches is to go into a demeaning and expensive drug rehab program with recreational drug users and people who have really screwed up lives who have committed crimes, etc, etc. I've been there and it STINKS! It is quasi prison environment. These pain managment jerks just through you under the bus and can get away with it. I truly want to go onto a national program and expose this corrupt practice. We are in the dark ages of pain control in many aspects of the system. God will deal with these premeditated and evil souls and my wish for them is to SUFFer THE same FATE AS WE HAVE TO TEACH THEM A LESSON. They are NOT fit to have exclusive control over the dispensing of these drug. I firmly believe these all should be legal with free access so us who have surgery and disease NEVER have to be at the mercy of these wicked people. They come at you smiling with a gental tone with all the appearance of wanting to help with compassion BUT behind all this is a wicked premeditated plan. Believe me...I KNOW FOR A FACT. Wicked people WILL suffer a viscious end one way or another. That IS the way of the Lord. Praise God/Jesus for providing the exit ramp off these patches. I am an entirely renewed, rejuvenated Christian. If you are not a Christian, heed my words in that I made a SPECIFIC prayer for this exit ramp and HE delivered. Even though He has I'm sure delivered on other prayer throughout the years, NEVER have I EVER experienced such an important prayer being answered in a PHYSICAL way like this! There is NO coincidence in this., No way, No how!!! Good has defeated Evil in no uncertain terms and I am FOREVER grateful! Be well. My prayers are with you and I know HE WILL deliver as long as you have an open heart and soul. God and Jesus be with you for now and forever!

[dominosarah]

I agree with worried....maybe the pain management forum could help you out.  Most of us are addicts here and we have a tendancy to call it the way we see it.  I wish you the best......sara

[worried878]

I post cos it helps me/and we help each other here....and I am sorry you didnt like what I said...and it is ur right to not like it..I also probably thought u were an addict cos u posted here...now u have made it clear that u r not an addict///people who r only physically addicted have a much easier time cos they dont have the mental component of wd...but if u post on an addiction/substance abuse forum, people will assume u r an addict if not clearly stated..99% of the people on this forum r addicts....and we know we r addicts....u sent me a note saying i shouldnt judge u as an addict just because i am one...and i have no problem with that...cos i am an addict...and this i know..i was trying to help but when i posted i had not idea u were not an addict.. diff is addicts have much more mental turmoil than a physically dependent person getting off narcotics
U r right..i typed as if u were an addict cos u r on an addict forum....there is a pain forum here that is wonderful...physical dependence but they accept it due to their pain levels..i post there sometimes as i am a chronic pain patient...a 49 yr old nurse...not what i wanted to be at this time in my life...i have to do without narcs cos i am an addict....and the pain is there still to this day/chronic pain/wont go into details as this is not a pain forum altho many here started out with a pain issue/ and addiction both/chronic pain + addiction within the same person is very difficult..count urself lucky that u r not an addict///...kudos to ya cos many would be an addict after all of this u have been thru...u r a strong person and u will beat this/and an addict is not the same as a physically dependent person....if u r not an addict then people will respond like u r here as a rule///due to the nature of the forum...
congrats on ur fight to be narcotic free....and never feel as if people here//not me or anyone else is judging u..no one can judge anyone till they walk in their shoes//and even then only God is my judge

My only concern for u//as a healthcare professional/i just know u may need sumpin to help u get off this powerful drug...in ur note u said i was an addict/so i was not up to par withur status as being a non-addict//which i do realize many think addicts r complete losers//not worthy to have an opinion or to offer help cos we r below the standards of many...but we r not low life people..addiction can catch up with anyone..it does not make us less of a person...we r actually very strong people who have admitted our addiction and come to terms with it and ur opinion of addicts is ur own  

Anyway when u post here on the addiction forum from now on...be sure to point out u r not an addict and people can respond better..the pain forum may be better for u....cos i do beleive from ur note u think u r a bit better than us///not really people to give advice etc....and u may be right//who knows?  but here, we help each other..many have got me bak on track when i am being stupid//or fantaszing about not being an addict//that think i can handle drinking and stuff...their words are from life experience..and this is the greatest group of people u will ever find in my opinion///but they will call me on sumpin in a heartbeat if need be///sad thing is//they r usually right..and i appreciate the feedback

be safe....read up/resources all over the net/health pages r great// and make a plan for urself..only u know where u r at in this whole process...i do not

[LissyH]

I'm trying not to take what you said personally, since you do not know me, but you seriously crossed a dangerous line, sweetie.  I realize that all of the "negative" things I've said about medications sounds a bit over-the-top...but sometimes truth IS stranger than fiction (or lies or denial if that's what you want to label it as.)  I have had doctors REFUSE me as a patient because of my high risk health status, NOT because of any medications I'm taking.  If you saw my medical chart and saw the near-death experiences I've had from so-called "safe" medications, you would not be so quick to judge.  Do you know how many people I run into who sound the same as you?  Do you know how hurtful that is?  I don't think so.

You could ask any doctor who has ever treated me or any person who knows me and you will find they will tell you the same thing...I HATE taking medications of any kind!  I don't self-medicate, I don't have an addictive personality, I have great relationships with my doctors (and have spent countless hours picking my doctors VERY carefully according to their education, qualifications and bedside manner) and I am a cooperative patient.  Being cooperative is what got me into the bad situation with FENTANYL!

I was put on Fentanyl while in the hospital from nearly losing a kidney, so I could not "read the package" as you so helpfully (?) pointed out.  A pain management doctor whom I did not know and had not researched was sent in by my urologist to assist with my pain level.  When I went for my follow-up appointment, I resisted my FORMER pain management doctor about the Fentanyl.  I told him my concerns.  He double-talked me into "trying" it by telling me I didn't have an addictive personality, I never took medications to get high (I even asked him why people even take these meds for euphoria...it never happened to me...he said I can't understand because I have LEGITIMATE pain and the pain overrides any "euphoria" or "high" I might get.)  He kept wearing me down until I agreed to try it for my CHRONIC, SEVERE pain.

That is why he is my FORMER doctor.  He did not have my best interest at heart.  Once I was recovered FROM ALMOST LOSING MY FREAKING KIDNEY, I researched Fentanyl online...I was horrified at what I had been put on.  Excuse me if I was too ill to read the packaging or do my homework in the hospital when I had nearly lost a kidney.  I found out where my original pain management doctor had moved to and went to him.  When I told him what had happened, he was furious with that other doctor and I told him I WANT OFF THIS FENTANYL!  I chose, all by my little 'ol self, to come off this heinous drug.  I chose to suffer through the withdrawals and possible detrimental effect on my health.  Why?  Because I'm NOT an addict, sweetheart.  So, please do not accuse someone you don't know of being in denial.  You really need to be careful what you say to people, especially if you are basing it on your own addictive personality.  You can't assume that everyone is hiding something.  I have been forthright in my personal account in this forum.  If you do not choose to believe me, then that's your right.  But, please refrain from giving me any more "advice" if that is the way you feel. You may have "helped" other people in the past, but your "advice" is not very helpful to me at all.  I don't care for people who insinuate I'm in denial or lying to myself and others.  I came to this forum for genuine help from people who may have had similar circumstances.  Sounds like we don't have anything in common at all.  And before you accuse me of being defensive to cover up my being in denial...let me tell you that you will never meet a more honest or forthright person than I.  I tell it like it is and that includes baring my soul about what I've been through and am dealing with and how I have been seriously screwed over by an incompetent doctor who put me on patches while I was in the hospital, just off a morphine pump, half crazy with pain and infection and a stent in my kidney to save my life.  Be careful, sweetheart, you may not be "helping" as many people as you think.

You will definitely be in my prayers.

Lissy

[troubleinohio]

for insomnia...possibly look into melatonin...ive heard lots of people here have luck with that,  or maybe valarian root. Its an herb (they actually use part of this plant to make valium with). Research those thoroughly and see if there are any contraindications for you or drug interactions before trying. I know your reluctance to taking anything new, but if there are no listed contraindications for either maybe you should try one and see if it helps. I used Valarian years ago, just broke open the capsule and made a hot cup of tea with it (it tasts pretty nasty by itself, and the tea helps hide the taste and also just calms you down). Also i have to disagree with not reading at bedtime! reading helped me so much when i cant sleep.  Even if you end up not sleeping (alot of people get drowsy from reading especially if reading when laying down, makes their eyelids heavy), at least you are entertaining your mind whilest you are still awake by a good story...

[worried878]

what dose of amitryptiline/elavil were u on>  I take 10 mgs a night//most nights for chronic pain..i got used to them but at first they made me sleepy//which in fact i liked sleeping sound..never heard of nightmares as a side effect ..try some safe drugs...do not be resistant to them...so far elavil gives u nightmares, phenergan/antihistamines like benadryl wire u up..clonidine is not an option due to ur blood pressure??/u really need to perhaps try a safer/non-habitforming drug to help u..often people resist leaving the narcotic they r on..it is very common..but only in the beginning..u will let go cos it is now a problem...u will let it go...stay on this forum and go to some type of aftercare..it rox

I do not mean to be talking negatively..but take a look at what u r thinking..we stay in denial half the time...i am not sure if u r an actual addict but u r finding sumpin wrong with every med that is safer that could help u...Danger sign..i have helped many quit their doc..people who find that every alternative drug makes them sick r at risk for failure//i have seen people who take 300 mgs plus of oxy each day and are afraid to take a clonidine...amazing but that spider web around our brains make us actually protect our drug of choice.....also people who claim the dr got them addicted...Drs dont get us addicted unless we can not read/there r a few in rx=ing narcotics for maoney//most dont give us drugs like fentanyl just to make us addicted//their license can be at stake...was this a quack dr?  they r out there/just walk in and pay 100 bux per scrip...look him up if u r gonna continue to c him..He may have honestly beleived u were in pain/we have to take responsibity/unless we r illiterate or mute cos even if ur dr was secretly trying to get u addicted/u coulda always ask him bout what u r taking...there were doubts but i am sure there r people in this country who have no idea fentanyl is addicting...fact is they coulda read the package insert and known//again if they can read//i am not sure of ur educational level..u may not have been able to read due to eye problems/many of us in later yrs have trouble reading small print..so this may be the case..but it says very clearly on the pkg insert that fentanyl is extremely habit forming/the pharmacist woulda been a great person to ask cos u sign that line saying u understand what u r taking..often pharmacists know lots more about meds than drs do

Taking responsibilty for ur own actions is an important part of recovery///and this whole addiction could be ur drs fault..there r some quacks out there..but not likely...taking responsibity for what we put in our mouth/or stick on our body/ is ultimately up to us

37.5 is not the lowest dose..there is also a 12.5 dose u could taper down to..and then on from there u can stretch out patch changes to 4 and 5 days/long halflife
I feel for u if u didnt know this drug was powerful and addictive...it is a hard consequence to pay...maybe the only lesson learned here was to read up on any med u take

read the health pages..lots of great info there

[LissyH]

I appreciate all of your sound advice.  I tried Elavil and had such terrible dreams/nightmares that I would wake up in the middle of the night sobbing and crying out in my sleep, scaring my husband half to death.  I told my doctor and he said that can be an unpleasant side effect and I probably should not take it.  I'm telling you, it's the hardest thing ever to find safe meds for me!  I did a really ignorant thing (I almost said stupid, but stupid is doing something that you knew better than to do, and did it anyway...LOL!  My decision was pure ignorance...but I'm better educated now.)  I came completely off the Clonazepam with no taper.  BAD CHOICE!  My blood pressure, which was too LOW after taking the Clonidine (I had to discontinue it per doctor's advice), went skyrocketing up like crazy.  I called my doctor and told him what my b/p was and he wanted me to seek medical help at the ER!  I've been in bad shape.  I have now gone back to the Clonazepam, but am using a pill-splitter to halve the pills, taking only a half-dose now.  I will continue this amount for a week (or until I can see my doctor) and will probably taper down to a 1/4 pill, then stop.  I should not have gone off those cold turkey and now I know better after reading more about the severe side effects that can cause.  I will do this slow taper, which should work great for me...then I'm DONE!  YAY!  I did some research and the advice is to never discontinue any benzo cold turkey, as severe health problems can arise, such as what happened to me.  

I am now doing much better, but have one lingering problem...insomnia...severe insomnia.  I have had little to no sleep.  It's now after 3:30 a.m. and I haven't slept at all.  I got 3 1/2 hours sleep last night...the night before 2 or 3.  The insomnia is killing me.  I have an appointment with a sleep specialist for when I return home.  I have conquered the jitters, the creepy crawlies, the agitation and the feeling that bugs are under my skin...for the most part.  I got the b/p issue better (it's still high, but not nearly as high as it was.)  Now, I don't know how to sleep.  Sleep just will not come.  I try all of the recommended tips for better sleep...limiting caffeine intake, not watching anything stimulating on TV or reading anything too "heavy" before bed, trying to go to bed at the same time each night and providing a comfortable sleep environment.  It's no use.  I cannot sleep.  This is so frustrating.  I look forward to getting this issue resolved.  And, I'm very, very thankful that I am, for the most part, through the withdrawals from the Fentanyl...what a nasty drug that should never be prescribed unless someone is terminally ill and will not be concerned with coming off the patch.  This has been one of the worst experiences of my life...one which will never be repeated, no matter how many doctors I have to fight!  My former pain management doctor is responsible for this...my new pain management doctor let me know I should never have been put on Fentanyl and has respected my wishes regarding my reluctance to take medications that can possibly be addictive.  I'm so glad to be better and look forward to fully regaining what quality of life I can with the health issues I have!  Thanks so much for your concern and advice.  Phenergan is a narcotic, and I wouldn't want to be on it for sleep even if I could take it...which I can't.  The really good news is I'm DONE with Fentanyl forever!

[worried878]

I have as well had the opposite effect from antihistamines..making me restless rather than inducing sleep..phenergan is in essence an antihistamine as well...but it knocks me out..if i have difficulty sleeping it always works for me..when i was on narcotics tho/even phenergan would have the opposite effect as wel...not now that i am off of them tho

ambien is a drug that has to be taken right before bed//no alcohol period..or crazy things happen/lunesta does not have this quick action..but it may be this is the drug u r speaking of...elavil usually helps most with sleep without the side effects/or craziness the others can have....but it does have a hang over effect til u get used to it///amitryptiline..as a rule if u take ambien or lunesta without any alcohol intake there is not a problem

sleep is important to recovery...find a safe rug that works for u..valerian root works for me..melatonin works for many/give me a hang over feeling in the am...i hope u solve ur sleep issues....and be safe

[LissyH]

Oh, and regarding the Vistaril...it causes extreme agitation in me, as do all other antihistamines I've tried.  I live with chronic seaonal allergies because I cannot take normal antihistamines.  They do the reverse for me in terms of sleep...no sleep at all and feeling like I'm coming out of my skin.

[LissyH]

That's very alarming news about the Clonazepam, since I've made it clear to my physician that I don't want to be on highly addictive medications of ANY kind.  Have a few problems with the sleep meds...I'm allergic to Phenergan, ALL antihistamines have the REVERSE effect on me, ramping me up and making me hyperactive and NO SLEEP AT ALL.  I've tried Ambien, Sonata (what's the other one...can't remember, but you probably know) and they caused me to walk in my sleep, leave my home and walk down the ROAD...my family found me out in the middle of the night.  The pharmacist and doctors said under NO circumstances was I to take a drug in that class of meds again.  I have little to no options, here.  This is the frustrating part.  I don't want to be on amy meds.  But, I have health issues and my doctors are pressing the matter.  I want something for sleep that is not habit-forming and, for me, all available options carry huge side effects and/or dangers.  I really don't know what to do.

My blood pressure has been running high for about six months.  I am on b/p meds which I discontinued while using the Clonidine for obvious reasons.  The b/p I mentioned is low for me and I could NOT hold myself up to sit, walk, be on the toilet, hold my head up, etc.  I've had reactions to meds before where ONE pill pushed me to a 60./50 b/p and I was scared I was headed back there.  I just don't know what to take at this point, as my doctor is calling the shots and trying to find what's best for me.  But, I don't like that when I NOW take the Darvocet after coming off the Fentanyl, it starts the jitters and creepy crawlies and restless leg movements all over again and I've come so far!

[worried878]

the blood pressure u stated is not really a super low bp from the clonidine..unless ur bp runs high as a rule...this is a very normal bp for many...mine runs 108/70 unless i am in pain or stressed..not a bp for most that would indicate an emergency situation

klonipin is a stronger benzo than valium by quite a stretch..xanax being the big dog/then ativan then klonopin///klonopin is slow onset unlike xanax or ativan but has a long duration of action making it highly addictive..and difficult to wd from

the thomas recipe/along with exercise/can really help if u follow it to the T/ that means lots of supps..tyrosine and 5htp helped me the most..theanine as well...using benzos for sleep is a bad idea...there r other safe meds out there for sleep that r not so habit forming..phenergan can be a good choice..plus many others/sleep is important to recovery

vistoril is an antihistamine/often rx-d for itching etc...not habit forming..safer by far for sleep than klonopin...it is in the same family as benadryl

seems like u r getting this done which is the main thing...study the drugs u take and know the mechanism of action etc..be safe and keep posting

[LissyH]

Just read your comment on Tramadol, troubleinohio.  I took that garbage once and had major reactions.  I won't touch it.  I already have a seizure disorder after a lupus-induced stroke at only 22 years old!  Anything that can potentially cause a seizure, or combine with my current meds to trigger a seizure, is off-limits for me.  My very wise pharmacist, who has also been helpful in this process, told me that if you combine more than any three medications at a time, the risk for interaction goes up to around 50%!  Scary, huh?  Well, I happen to fall into the category that's much higher, unfortunately.

And to Kevin_Bacon as well as you, salsinator, I hear what you are saying about maybe this not being the right time to come off of this stuff, but I have to...time is of essence.  My husband is working in an extended situation out of state, so I will be flying back and forth to be with him until we permanently move at the last of the year.  There is no good time to do this.  In addition, if I move to another state and don't have my current doctor who knows me and my health conditions, I will be just another face with a dependency and how much help do you think I'm going to get?  Do you think a new doctor in a new state will just blindly prescribe something like Fentanyl to a new patient they know nothing about?  I'm not being combative, just merely posing serious questions to which we know the answers.  Most wouldn't even consider it!  I'm in a real jam, here.  I have to do it at some point while I am still living in my current city, BUT I need my husband with me because I don't have anyone back home that I can depend on for the level of support and care he can provide.  So, it's now or never!  But, I appreciate your thoughts and concerns and agree that this truly ISN'T the best time, but I won't be getting any "best" times anytime soon and could find myself relocated to a new state, cold turkey, with absolutely no doctor to which I could turn!   The prospects of that scenario scare me even more than what I'm going through!  Thanks so much for you concern...I know you didn't have the whole picture.  Nothing in my life is simple!  LOL!

[LissyH]

Hey there...sorry I haven't responded.  I've had some really rough days, but am better now.  Yes, I'm severely allergic to a LOT of meds.  It's scary...nearly killed me on several occasions..  I ended up not really following the Thomas Recipe.  For one, I didn't have that many Xanax...just a few left over for when I have a flight (I get panic attacks in planes - LOL!)and my doctor wouldn't go for me taking enough Valium to make me sleep...too risky with me, as I'm on seizure meds.  I was put on the Fentanyl while in the hospital, so I'm just trying to come off of that.  My current doctor kept me on my other meds.  But, they are giving me some problems now by causing some reactions.  I went off the Fentanyl patches and got through the worst of that.  But, my pain management doctor wants me to stay on three Darvocet (a narcotic) a day and a Clonazepam (a benzo) at bedtime for sleep, which I've been on for years.  The problem is everytime I take the Darvocet, it causes the creepy crawlies and jitters to start all over again.  It was so bad, I went a day with no Darvocet (against my doctor's orders) and was in so much pain I couldn't handle it, so I went back to what he prescribed.  But, I cannot bear the jitters it starts all over again!  What to do?  Will I ever adjust? Will I be able to go back to what I was safely on before that heinous doctor put me on something he should NEVER have put me on?  I've changed doctors and my current doctor is a sweetie and, man, was he mad when he found out about the other guy and the Fentanyl...he knew what I was in for coming off it!

And here is one of the worst parts:  I had a reaction to the meds given to help me come off the Fentanyl...was given Clonidine, which was the culprit that caused the problem and Vistaril (Hydroxyzine, a non-addictive tranquilizer which I swear has made the jitters worse!)  Anyway, the Clonidine dropped my blood pressure to 105/57 and I just about had to call an ambulance!  I was headed for shock...couldn't sit up, couldn't hold my head up...it was awful!  I was so scared.  I was told to eat salt and drink plenty of fluids and it brough my blood pressure back up to a safe level.

I have weathered the worst of this, I know.  But, I want to know how do deal with the jitters when my doctor is not planning on taking me off ALL the narcotics and the benzo and I want to know if my body will eventually adjust to this new regimen and how long will THAT take?  I don't have any backup meds now because of the reaction, so I'm on my own.  I did get the L-Tyrosine for the neurological health and I only take 1 a day.  I also got the best vitamin that could be found that contained the ingredients on the Thomas Recipe...but I only take it twice a day and it does provide a little energy.

Thanks so much for your encouragement and help in getting me through this.  I don't know what I would have done without this forum and all the wonderful people who have so much information for me.  I realize I don't battle the psychological addiction because I've never gotten euphoric or high on any of these meds...my pain overrides any of those feelings, so it just gives me relief.  I also don't have an addictive personality.  That doesn't make me better than someone battling addiction, only a little different.  But, the withdrawals don't discriminate and they are going to happen when you come off that stuff, no matter your circumstances.  I know once I get through this, I won't need a backup plan or support group.  This is a one-time snafu caused by a very stupid doctor who should never have prescribed something so strong for my tiny little body.  Now I'm paying for his mistake.  The best that has come out of this situation is that I know to tell people that, unless they are dying with a terminal illness (like CANCER which, BTW, the Fentanyl was DESIGNED FOR) and need mega pain relief and will never be coming off of it...DON'T EVER LET YOUR DOCTOR PUT YOU ON FENTANYL PATCHES!  There have been so many accidental deaths from this medication that there are class action lawsuits against one of the manufacturers of Fentanyl.  People have accidentally died and not from abuse.  You can't get it too hot...can't stand in a hot shower or lie in a hot bath , can't lie on a heating pad, can't run a fever with the patch on...all will cause unsafe levels of Fentanyl to be released into the body and it can be and has been, in many cases, deadly!  Now I'll get off my soapbox...but we've got to watch out for each other!

Blessings!

Lissy

[salsinator]

Hi Trouble,
I thought it was a bit strange when I was given Tramadol during my detox.  I went through an 8 day accelerated detox and along with the tramadol, I received injections of narcan daily - along with other medications.  The tramadol was stopped on the 7th day and on the 8th, I was in the clinic for about 6 hours and received 2000mg of narcan - I was also on a strong sedative during this process.  After that day was done, I was clean.  My detox was to get off suboxone - I don't think that tramadol is used for a regular opiate - the detox is only 3 days for that.  Just wanted to clarify - tramadol is not something that someone doing detox on their own should take.

[troubleinohio]

eeks i just read one of the responses to this thread and see someone mentioned tramadol as being a useful drug to take during detox... i respectfully disagree, most especially in this case since  you have a history of seizures..tramadol can cause seizures just by taking it alone,  and also in the WD phase.  

[troubleinohio]

hey it was nice to hear an update from you...and wow, thats crazy how allergic you are to hydro.......i wish I WERE allergic to it like that... i wouldnt be sitting here right now lol.. anyhow..have you done all the research on the supplements your husband is getting for the T recipe? Make sure none of the stuff you get interacts with your current meds, or anything. Just because they are "Natural" doesnt mean they cant cause problems and since you have some pretty hefty underlying health issues, Id be overly cautious about what you add into your " detox cocktail". Im not trying to scare you or make you paranoid or anything. I just want to make sure you make informed decisions (which you seem to be doing really good thus far) before you take anything. Keep on doing your homework if you havent already.  Keep us posted on how you are doing!

[LissyH]

Thanks to all who have responded.  In answer to your question, troubleinohio, when I take hydrocodone..I mean ONE pill, I have an allergy so bad that my blood pressure drops to 60/50 and I am in the ER in shock.  My husband barely got me to the ER in time.  All my doctors have told me to NEVER start any new meds unless I have someone with me to monitor me, my breathing, etc.  It's scary how many meds I'm allergic to and the severity of the reactions...anaphylactic shock in many cases (and a lot of people don't live through that.)

Just an update for all who have answered my post...I've made it through 53 hours 12 minutes since I ripped off that last Fentanyl patch.  I took it off the morning after my flight arrived and I was with my husband again.  He was the best medicine, just being with him, but nothing can take away all the wds.  I have been taking Darvocet four times a day, which my pain management doctor wanted me left on, plus an occasional Xanax.  He also left me on my regular nighttime medications...Trileptal (a seizure med - I had a brain aneurysm caused by Lupus) and Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin - also an antiseizure med and med to help me sleep,) which I've been on for years.  He did not want me off of those because of seizures.  My situation is so tricky because I have some serious health issues (and can't be off those meds) and some serious allergies to medications.

In answer to questions of the meds he gave me for detox, they are Hydroxyzine (brand name ,Vistaril, an antihistamine which helps with nervousness and anxiety and is a tranquilizer which is not addictive) and the other med is Clonidine, an anti-hypertensive and opiod detoxifier.  I must admit...I haven't taken either of these medications so far in my detox process.  My husband was unable to be at home with me when I was having some acute symptoms the last two days and I wouldn't start it in the house alone, under my doctor's orders.  Plus, I had read that days, 3, 4 and possibly 5 were the worst for  wds, so I've been saving the few pills my doctor gave me (only 21 of each!)   I have no idea yet whether they help or not because I haven't taken them.  I'm a little concerned about what I've read about the Clonidine dropping blood pressure to unsafe levels, and in light of the fact that I've already had other medications do that to me, putting me at shock levels.  My husband and I discussed this problem, and we've both felt I need to try 1/2 a pill to start with to see if I have any adverse reactions.

I appreciate all of the input, advice and encouragement.  I'm uncomfortable, have the jitters, am taking lots of hot baths for the intense pain, take Darvocet as prescribed, take an occasional Xanax and am just toughing out the rest leg syndrome and creepy crawlies.  I am going to try the 1/2 pill of Clonidine in just a little while, plus one pill of the Vistaril (Hydroxyzine), after my hubby gets back from GNC with the supplements for the Thomas Recipe!  I am just left wondering at this point in time how much worse it's going to get or if I'm over the hump (wishful thinking?)  Feel free to give me a response to any and all things I've posted!

Thanks again to you all.  I come back here often because I don't feel so "alone" in my detox battle!  

Blessings!

Lissy

[salsinator]

Lizzy, the detox was through a specialize physician and he does not take insurance for detox, only family practice.  I am sorry to hear about your financial situation,that does not make things any easier.  There could be some other options available, but in your case, I tend to agree with Kevin, right now may not be the right time for your to stop the Fentanyl.  You did mention having plenty of the Darvocet, if you can taper low enough off the Fentanyl, you may be able to use the Darvocet to taper down the rest of the way.  Another medication used for detox and withdrawal can be Tramadol.  I wish you nothing but the best.

[Kevin_Bacon]

I think it may be too much in your situation ... someone suggested going back to your taper from Fentanyl, and dealing with it when this is over.

What are the 21-days' worth of pills? Check the label and post, please.

I know how much you hate Fentanyl; but is this the right time to stop?

[LissyH]

Thank you for your responses.  I'm glad to hear that the Clonidine helped you, Ga Guy...gives me some hope.  But, I'm alarmed to hear that the Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) did nothing...that concerns me, especially since I won't be where I can get to my doctor.  I fly out Wednesday and will be with my husband for over two weeks while going through this.  Should I call my doctor's office tomorrow and ask for something other than Hydroxyzine?  If it's not going to help, then I will be seriously stuck in another state going through this and won't know what to do.  I am not usually an angry type of person...but I am truly infuriated at being put on Fentanyl.  If I had not been in such pain and a weakened state of mind, I would have stood up to my doctor better...I had already told him I didn't want the Fentanyl.  Now I'm left with an awful situation.  Salsinator, I wish I could go to an 8-day detox but money is an issue.  That's why my husband is working out of state.  He was laid off last December and had to do something for an income.  Thankfully, we have had savings, 401k and a severance package to live off of, and I've kept my insurance through Cobra or I wouldn't have the medical care I need, but all of the extra money is gone and we just have his job.  Are you speaking of a private treatment center not covered by insurance?  If so, that would not fit into my budget.  If I could get help through my insurance, I would gladly consider it.  Troubleinohio...it wasn't the Darvocet he gave me 21 of; I have plenty of those...it was the so-called "detox" meds!!!  I just don't understand how 21 of those are supposed to get me through this.  Again, thanks for taking the time to help me out.  Thankfully, I don't have an addictive type of personality.  I have a dependence brought on through several back-to-back surgeries where morphine was used in each circumstance, then a pain management doctor was called in to work with me on the chronic pain once I went home from the hospital.  I'm not, in any way, saying ANYTHING derogatory or negative about anyone dealing with addictions...God bless and help each of you.  I am the one who demanded to be taken off Fentanyl and I will be the one who will not be going back to it ever again.  I never got any "high" from it at all...I didn't even get a good measure of pain relief, so that's why I was so upset about me taking it and getting dependent on it...it was all for naught.  The only thing I got out of it was being hooked on it and having to go through the horror of withdrawals.  Again, thanks to all of you for your help.

[GA Guy]

I've taken both Hydroxyzine and Clonidine. The Clonidine will help..the Hydroxyzine did nothing for me.

[salsinator]

I used Clonidine and Valium with my detox and both were very effective, the clonidine alone really helped for the jitteriness and restless leg.  I noted that you are already on another medication for blood pressure, you may want to see if your doctor wants you to stop your current medication while you are on the clonidine.  You said that you had some xanax, that should help, but Ga Guy is right, obsessing and stressing will only make the symptoms worse.  One other thing to consider would be a medically assisted detox.  I went through an 8 day detox and having gone through withdrawal cold turkey before, the medical detox was well worth the money and time.  Best of luck to you.