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Off Fentanyl for 1 Week Having EXTREME Blood Pressure Issues...Please Advise!
I went off Fentanyl 1 week and 14 hours ago. I was given Clonidine and Vistaril for withdrawals. Couldn't take the Vistaril...caused more nervousness and anxiety (turns out I'm sensitive to it and to other meds in this class of drugs!) I took the Clonidine and my blood pressure came down so low, I could not hold myself up, I could not sit up and my head was so heavy it was on my chest. I was told, by my pain management doctor, to continue my Darvocet three times a day (which I did) and my Clonazepam at bedtime (which I went off of cold turkey because I thought...what the heck, let's just get all this out of my system!) BAD IDEA! I didn't know you are not supposed to go cold turkey off a benzo. Now, I'm in a cycle of yoyo blood pressure! I went off the Clonidine because it was bringing my b/p down too low...then my blood pressure spiked up so high my head was about to burst and the top of my head felt like it was floating. Okay...that was just as bad as the low blood pressure, only different! I decided to take 1/2 a Clonidine and it brought my blood pressure down to an acceptable level, but only for a short period of time and then it would spike up again and I could not get rid of the headache. When I read that I'm not supposed to go cold turkey off the benzo, I added 1/2 dosage back...it did nothing about resolving my blood pressure.
I've taken my b/p tonight after feeling dizzy and my head pounding and it's back up to 151/101...that's too high and it's making my head hurt so badly I can't lie down, sleep or rest. I'm going insane. I put in a call to my doctor (out of state...I'm in another state to be where my husband is currently working so I'm not alone) and he had his nurse call back and tell me I needed medical attention, to go to the ER. I couldn't imagine sitting up for hours and hours in ER waiting to be seen with no place to lie down, so I didn't go.
This is really starting to scare me. I just went back on my full prescribed dose of Clonazepam (benzo) and figured I tried to do too much too soon...my doctor didn't tell me to come off the benzo; I should have followed his advice. Now, I'm on this roller coaster ride with my blood pressure and it's a) painful and makes it impossible to sleep...I didn't sleep ALL night last night...not one wink and b) it's scaring me to death for my health! I just took the Clonazepam, so I have no way of knowing if it will calm my b/p down. I'm still waiting to find out. Thought I would jump on here for some advice.
Good news is...I'm 7+ days FREE of the devil that is Fentanyl (I still want to kill my former doctor for putting me on it in the first place...but trying to let that go) and the bad news is my blood pressure is so jacked up that I cannot get a good night's sleep and my head is about to explode.
Anyone have a similar reaction? Can anyone shed some light on what is going on? Will this last long? Am I in danger? I would appreciate any advice! 1 WEEK FENTANYL FREE!
Blessings!
Lissy
I've taken my b/p tonight after feeling dizzy and my head pounding and it's back up to 151/101...that's too high and it's making my head hurt so badly I can't lie down, sleep or rest. I'm going insane. I put in a call to my doctor (out of state...I'm in another state to be where my husband is currently working so I'm not alone) and he had his nurse call back and tell me I needed medical attention, to go to the ER. I couldn't imagine sitting up for hours and hours in ER waiting to be seen with no place to lie down, so I didn't go.
This is really starting to scare me. I just went back on my full prescribed dose of Clonazepam (benzo) and figured I tried to do too much too soon...my doctor didn't tell me to come off the benzo; I should have followed his advice. Now, I'm on this roller coaster ride with my blood pressure and it's a) painful and makes it impossible to sleep...I didn't sleep ALL night last night...not one wink and b) it's scaring me to death for my health! I just took the Clonazepam, so I have no way of knowing if it will calm my b/p down. I'm still waiting to find out. Thought I would jump on here for some advice.
Good news is...I'm 7+ days FREE of the devil that is Fentanyl (I still want to kill my former doctor for putting me on it in the first place...but trying to let that go) and the bad news is my blood pressure is so jacked up that I cannot get a good night's sleep and my head is about to explode.
Anyone have a similar reaction? Can anyone shed some light on what is going on? Will this last long? Am I in danger? I would appreciate any advice! 1 WEEK FENTANYL FREE!
Blessings!
Lissy
Thank you for your support! Still have b/p issues on 1/4 pill of Clonidine. The good thing is, the b/p is down a few more points. I'm hoping each day brings more relief and finally, resolution. I fly back home on September 8th and see my pain management doctor on September 9th. It would be great if all concerns were resolved by then...I'm not going to give up hope as I'm a very positive person and a person a tremendous faith. If, for some reason, the b/p issues are still there...I am confident that my doctor will be able to find a solution. I can't tell you how valuable this forum has been to me. I read back through my entries and realize how scared that horrible drug made me, what a wreck I was and how so NOT like the real me. Good thing is, I can see progress, so it's all good! Thanks, again, for your support!
COMMUNITY LEADER
I hope you can get to the doctor real soon and get this resolved...Be safe sara
The real scare here is that I've already had a stroke...at only 22 years old and it was caused by my lupus, a chronic auto-immune disorder I have that attacks virtually any/every organ/system in the body. That's what caused the brain damage and caused me to develop a seizure disorder...I have so many health issues going on here.
I did as my dr. instructed and went back on the Clonazepam (1 mg) at bedtime. I have been taking that for YEARS. I was put on it by a pain management doctor years ago when I was having pain/sleep issues. I've stayed on it and my current dr. is well aware that I'm on it and doesn't seem concerned at this point in time. The main thing right now is that I get this Fentanyl completely out of my system, get over all wds and after-effects. I know my brain is confused and scrambled about what it going on.
In regards to going back to the Clonazepam, the original doctor put me on it because I cannot take most sleep-inducing medications safely. I have over-the-top/dangerous side effects. I took Ambien, went straight to bed and my family found me outside in the STREET in the middle of the night! I tried it three different times and had somnambulance (sleepwalking) every time. The dr. and the pharmacist said NEVER take it again. Also tried Lunesta and Sonata. I was UP for two days on both meds and never went to sleep (reverse effect) so was AGAIN told...don't ever take them!
The good news is that, after taking the Clonazepam as prescribed last night...I slept almost SEVEN peaceful hours without waking! I needed that sleep SO badly! I got up feeling so much better this a.m But, within a couple of hours of waking, the b/p started climbing AGAIN. I took my pill splitter and cut the Clonidine (0.1 mg) into fourths (I was having too low b/p on it at full dosage) and will take it at regular intervals throughout the day to TRY to stabilize my b/p. I'm trying to avoid the ER and get back to my doctor in another state, as I am not at home right now. I had to fly to another state where my husband is on assignment to work, so he could be with me while I go through this horrendous process.
I just did not expect to be dealing with b/p issues like this. It makes my head hurt so badly and the top of my head feel like it's floating. I just want to find a safe balance of everything, get the Fentanyl out of my system (I'm at Day 8 since removing the last 12.5 mcg patch) and then my pain management dr. and I can deal with the benzo issue after this has passed. I cannot come off everything safely at once. It's just not an option for me with my health issues (especially with seizures, b/p issues, etc.) I should never have been put on Fentanyl in the first place, but that is another story that makes me angry and upset, so I'm trying not to think about it because I want to go kill my former doctor.
I just took my b/p about 30 minutes ago and it was 151/89. Then I took a quarter of Clonidine pill and just took it (don't think the Clonidine is really in my system yet) and it's 148/93. I have severe ringing in my ears, a building headache and a feeling of pressure in my head.
I just want all of this to be over and done with. I'm pleased that most of the Fentanyl wds are gone. It's just a couple of lingering issues...severe diarrhea and fluctuating b/p that are causing me to feel so bad. Sleep deprivation was a BIG issue, but the Clonazepam helped me get a fair night's sleep. I know that is not a perfect choice of sleep drug, but it's what I have to do until the Fentanyl issue is gone and my dr. and I can work on an alternative sleep aid choice. I have tried various herbal remedies. I had hallucinations on Valerian and Melatonin. I will not go the herbal route again. It's just something about my chemistry...no two people are the same and I'm a dr.'s greatest challenge, for sure.
Thanks for your concern and advice. I will keep you posted!
Blessings!
Lissy
I did as my dr. instructed and went back on the Clonazepam (1 mg) at bedtime. I have been taking that for YEARS. I was put on it by a pain management doctor years ago when I was having pain/sleep issues. I've stayed on it and my current dr. is well aware that I'm on it and doesn't seem concerned at this point in time. The main thing right now is that I get this Fentanyl completely out of my system, get over all wds and after-effects. I know my brain is confused and scrambled about what it going on.
In regards to going back to the Clonazepam, the original doctor put me on it because I cannot take most sleep-inducing medications safely. I have over-the-top/dangerous side effects. I took Ambien, went straight to bed and my family found me outside in the STREET in the middle of the night! I tried it three different times and had somnambulance (sleepwalking) every time. The dr. and the pharmacist said NEVER take it again. Also tried Lunesta and Sonata. I was UP for two days on both meds and never went to sleep (reverse effect) so was AGAIN told...don't ever take them!
The good news is that, after taking the Clonazepam as prescribed last night...I slept almost SEVEN peaceful hours without waking! I needed that sleep SO badly! I got up feeling so much better this a.m But, within a couple of hours of waking, the b/p started climbing AGAIN. I took my pill splitter and cut the Clonidine (0.1 mg) into fourths (I was having too low b/p on it at full dosage) and will take it at regular intervals throughout the day to TRY to stabilize my b/p. I'm trying to avoid the ER and get back to my doctor in another state, as I am not at home right now. I had to fly to another state where my husband is on assignment to work, so he could be with me while I go through this horrendous process.
I just did not expect to be dealing with b/p issues like this. It makes my head hurt so badly and the top of my head feel like it's floating. I just want to find a safe balance of everything, get the Fentanyl out of my system (I'm at Day 8 since removing the last 12.5 mcg patch) and then my pain management dr. and I can deal with the benzo issue after this has passed. I cannot come off everything safely at once. It's just not an option for me with my health issues (especially with seizures, b/p issues, etc.) I should never have been put on Fentanyl in the first place, but that is another story that makes me angry and upset, so I'm trying not to think about it because I want to go kill my former doctor.
I just took my b/p about 30 minutes ago and it was 151/89. Then I took a quarter of Clonidine pill and just took it (don't think the Clonidine is really in my system yet) and it's 148/93. I have severe ringing in my ears, a building headache and a feeling of pressure in my head.
I just want all of this to be over and done with. I'm pleased that most of the Fentanyl wds are gone. It's just a couple of lingering issues...severe diarrhea and fluctuating b/p that are causing me to feel so bad. Sleep deprivation was a BIG issue, but the Clonazepam helped me get a fair night's sleep. I know that is not a perfect choice of sleep drug, but it's what I have to do until the Fentanyl issue is gone and my dr. and I can work on an alternative sleep aid choice. I have tried various herbal remedies. I had hallucinations on Valerian and Melatonin. I will not go the herbal route again. It's just something about my chemistry...no two people are the same and I'm a dr.'s greatest challenge, for sure.
Thanks for your concern and advice. I will keep you posted!
Blessings!
Lissy
re-read ur post....have u taken ur bp/blood pressure? if u did what was it? best thing is to go to the ER..just to be sure u r ok...u were typing coherently..but only u knoow how u feel...go into the er and put ur mind at ease...it could even be too high/your bp right now and that can cause a stroke...go get checked and keep us posted
How much klonopin were u taking each nite? and for how long? it sounds as if u did not abuse the benzo if u took it as directed and only ay night...klonopin//tho a slow onset of action but a very long duration can be hard to come off of after yrs of taking it at bedtime..even tho it was 1 pill and u did not state the mg of the pill.. comes in .05mg 1 even 2 mg klonopin i think now
Most who r cross addicted/a benzo and a narcotic..it is best to stop the narc first due to the anxiety wds can cause..then tackle the benzo taper..which shouldnt be horrifying as u were only taking 1`pill at night..but i would still let my dr know cos he may be able to help...often people switch over to a weaker benzo like valium, librium, temazepan and tons more/valium had a big bad name in the benzo family cos it was the first one sold..xanax is the top dog of benzos..with klonopin and ativan almost equal at 2nd place in benzo strength/valium is not as strong as either of the 3 above..it is best to do it without any addictive substances..the thomas recipe rox and thoae aminos help heal and exercise pumps out endorphins that have been non-functional due to the overload of pills took and ur brain adjusted//gotta let it heal/but sleep is important to recovery but i would find a safer alternative than a benzo/lil pieces for anxiety during the day maybe//but relying on a benzo for sleep is usually not a good idea
Valerian root, melatonin, even lunesta or ambien ( altho both r sometimes abused) are not habit forming and for short term use should be fine..talk to ur dr
vistaril in an antihistamine and i also have the opposite affect/not always but the few times i did were LONG nights so I dont touch the stuff! ...there is a great article in the health pages on benzo tapering
Also...did u tell ur dr about ur low blood pressure? it may just have needed adjustment on dose..Clondine helps sleep, anxiety.tummy issues///if uhe puts u on a lower dose and u still have issues, then u can go to every other day//most have bp spikes during wd/mine was 171/110 during this time/dagerous to walk around with a bp that high/but it is a great drug for people on high doses of narcotics...fentanyl is a hard one to get off of due to the long wd/due to the long half life and the extreme strength of the drug itself..what patch dose where u at when u stopped? I would really see if i could get on a lower dose of clonidine/u didnt state the dose
U r where u r and u can only focus on moving forward...there is a pain forum here and there is a possibily u could get answers there as well..keep us posted
Most who r cross addicted/a benzo and a narcotic..it is best to stop the narc first due to the anxiety wds can cause..then tackle the benzo taper..which shouldnt be horrifying as u were only taking 1`pill at night..but i would still let my dr know cos he may be able to help...often people switch over to a weaker benzo like valium, librium, temazepan and tons more/valium had a big bad name in the benzo family cos it was the first one sold..xanax is the top dog of benzos..with klonopin and ativan almost equal at 2nd place in benzo strength/valium is not as strong as either of the 3 above..it is best to do it without any addictive substances..the thomas recipe rox and thoae aminos help heal and exercise pumps out endorphins that have been non-functional due to the overload of pills took and ur brain adjusted//gotta let it heal/but sleep is important to recovery but i would find a safer alternative than a benzo/lil pieces for anxiety during the day maybe//but relying on a benzo for sleep is usually not a good idea
Valerian root, melatonin, even lunesta or ambien ( altho both r sometimes abused) are not habit forming and for short term use should be fine..talk to ur dr
vistaril in an antihistamine and i also have the opposite affect/not always but the few times i did were LONG nights so I dont touch the stuff! ...there is a great article in the health pages on benzo tapering
Also...did u tell ur dr about ur low blood pressure? it may just have needed adjustment on dose..Clondine helps sleep, anxiety.tummy issues///if uhe puts u on a lower dose and u still have issues, then u can go to every other day//most have bp spikes during wd/mine was 171/110 during this time/dagerous to walk around with a bp that high/but it is a great drug for people on high doses of narcotics...fentanyl is a hard one to get off of due to the long wd/due to the long half life and the extreme strength of the drug itself..what patch dose where u at when u stopped? I would really see if i could get on a lower dose of clonidine/u didnt state the dose
U r where u r and u can only focus on moving forward...there is a pain forum here and there is a possibily u could get answers there as well..keep us posted
Thanks for your feedback...I didn't clarify one thing. I DID do a slow taper off Fentanyl...I went from 37.5 mcg/hr to 25 mcg/hr (for nine days) then down to 12.5 mcg/hr (the lowest dose...and you CAN'T cut the patch...it's in patch form...or it can KILL you.) I was on the 12.5 mcg/hr for 15 days (as prescribed by my doctor) and that was the jumping off point because there is no lower dose and you cannot cut it!
I think I caused the problem when I went off the Clonazepam (the benzo prescribed at bedtime only, by the same doctor) because I did NOT know you are NOT supposed to go cold turkey off this medication. I went back ON the Clonazepam just a little bit ago and, since my last entry, I'm actually getting some relief from the headaches and high blood pressure FINALLY! I caused this severe reaction by a very poor choice on my part to go against the doctor's orders by going off the benzo. I will listen to him from now on and do exactly as he says and I will get out of this mess as drug free as possible...with the exceptions of what he REALLY wants me to stay on since I requested off the Fentanyl. Good news...just took my b/p...it's down to 131/78! Even though that's not perfect, I'll take it, and my head is FINALLY feeling better. I think I've ID'd the culprit and it's coming off the benzo...not smart at this time. I will just enjoy being off the Fentanyl...withdrawal free(!) and will seek his advice at my next appointment in just over a week for coming off the benzo. Thanks for your kind concern...I know I alarmed myself (and you!) because this b/p has been going on for three days...exactly how long I've been off the Clonazepam!
I think I caused the problem when I went off the Clonazepam (the benzo prescribed at bedtime only, by the same doctor) because I did NOT know you are NOT supposed to go cold turkey off this medication. I went back ON the Clonazepam just a little bit ago and, since my last entry, I'm actually getting some relief from the headaches and high blood pressure FINALLY! I caused this severe reaction by a very poor choice on my part to go against the doctor's orders by going off the benzo. I will listen to him from now on and do exactly as he says and I will get out of this mess as drug free as possible...with the exceptions of what he REALLY wants me to stay on since I requested off the Fentanyl. Good news...just took my b/p...it's down to 131/78! Even though that's not perfect, I'll take it, and my head is FINALLY feeling better. I think I've ID'd the culprit and it's coming off the benzo...not smart at this time. I will just enjoy being off the Fentanyl...withdrawal free(!) and will seek his advice at my next appointment in just over a week for coming off the benzo. Thanks for your kind concern...I know I alarmed myself (and you!) because this b/p has been going on for three days...exactly how long I've been off the Clonazepam!
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