Not quit understanding the addictivness to Fentanyl Patch

[sonya923]

Most responses I have received from people, if used properly as prescribed, felt pretty normal.  No loopy feelings.  I have been on Vicodine for about 1 and half years...I have become tolerant and the PM Doc wants me to try the patch startint with 25 mg.  So many people here stuggle with the addiction to the patch and the withdrawals sounds deadly.  I can't even imagine.  Taken as prescribed, living pain free.  What is so addictive...?? any infomation to help me understand would be appreciated.  I am still very hesitant on starting the patches for myself.....Thanks  so much again for your time...everyone's been very sweet here.

[tjrox]

Hi Sonia, I was hooked on Vicodin for 5 years and Fentenyl patches for 3 years.  When I had to stop using them I went cold turkey to a rehab, after about 4 hours I started feeling the effects of the WD's and by 6 hours it was almost unbearable.  I left and quickly took 6 vicodin to help but they didn't work.  I checked into a better rehab and they gave my suboxin to help the withdrawals but all the medical people told me if I hadn't used the Fentenyl patches I'd have been better off.  If you get started on those I can guarantee you'll go through the most unbearable withdrawals you could ever imagine!  This lasted for 2 months until I could 'begin' to feel normal again.  Please, for your own sake, don't start on the patches.  All of these opiates 'retard' your central nervous system and after using them you'll need to build all that back up.  During my withdrawals I had a blood pressure of 175/155.  Please don't start wearing the patch, good luck to you in your pain management, if possible, get off all of the pain meds and try to deal with the pain another way.  Take care (you can read my story on my page if you like)  :)

[sway1]

that's what stinks so bad about opiates. the amount always has to go up as our tolerance builds. it only goes down after it becomes unmanageable for us and we come to the realization that we are in over our heads. i think you are headed into a cave of misery. it's not too late though. please reconsider! good luck and my prayers are with you. peace, sway

[jstntime]

Hey Sonya,

Fentanyl is a strong opiate which has potential for abuse.  I'm not sure of your story but if you are an addict, it is bad news.

Living pain free is a pipe dream.  As soon as tolerance builds, your 25mcg will no longer work and so the escalation begins.  

Yes wd is tough, especially when your dose gets larger.  I remember how well they worked for me initially, I thought I had found a wonder drug.  Of course as an addict, it wasn't long before I was abusing them.  

I found myself switching back and forth between oxy's and fentanyl depending on availability but it wasn't uncommon for me to be wearing many patches at once.

Please do your homework on fentanyl, it may save you much future heartache.

bob