percocet vs duragesic patch

[faith1101]

I have been taking vicodin ES 750mg 90 tablets a month for the past 2 years due to my bad knees. I was recently switched over to the percocet 5/325 my body was becoming tollerant to the vicodin to the point where they were not relieving the pain anymore. I had the same reaction with the percocet where I had to take 2-3 at once. I was just prescribed the duragesic patch 25mcg but have not filled the prescription, while researching on internet found the ingredients in this patch being some powerful meds that I have never experienced before and I am in fear of overdose, not being able to concentrate on my job or addiction. I'm looking for serious advice from anyone who has done this switch and what was your reaction from the pills to the patch.

[jstntime]

Hi Faith and welcome,

I made the switch numerous times.  

You've been taking opiates for over 2 years and your doctor obviously sees you as opiate tolerant and capable of handling the fentanyl or he woud not have given them to you so I think you can relax about the overdose concern.

As for addiction, it is a danger with ANY opiate.  Althought the patch you have is on the lower end of dosage, it IS a strong opiate.  Do you believe yourself to be an addict??  Or merely dependent??   Do you plan to stay on these forever??  Or are you wanting to stop??

Lots of people will help you here if you decide that you no longer wish to take painkillers.

If you have any other questions regarding this drug, fire away!!!!

bob

[faith1101]

Hi Bob,
thanks for the response, I was not aware that this site was for substance abuse but I guess that I'm afraid of substance abuse if I go on this patch. I've just been on so many sites in the past couple days and read so much information. No I don't believe myself to be an addict, I only take the pills when I'm at work because I stand on my feet for 8 hrs.
I don't touch the pills on my time away from work, sometimes I will take a few extra days off and don't have any withdrawal symtems. I have chronic pain so I may be dependent on them.
No I don't want to be on them forever, that's why I was looking for other alternatives.
you mentioned that you made the switch numerous times, how did the patch work for you? did you have any bad reactions to it? I read on other sites that if you go off it cold turkey you could die is that true?
I'm glad that I stumbled on this site, I read a few of the responses of encouragement that you have given others in need, I like the advice that you have given.

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I think you would get better responses from the pain mngt forum. Those members are good over there and I am sure they can guide you in the right direction. I provided the link for you:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Pain-Management/show/53

I wish you the best.

[jstntime]

Hi again,

IBKleen is right about the advice you can get in the other forum, especially for alternative pain control.

How did the patch work for me???  I abused it just like every other opiate I ever took.  I don't think people die from fentanyl wd.  Some people REALLY dramatize things don't they???  I found the patch very similar to oxys and didn't get any adverse effects from it.

If you are not an addict, you should be able to taper any meds you decide to eventually discontinue.  

Lots of information on this forum regarding fentanyl, do some reading and learn from the experience of others.

Goodluck,
bob