shortness of breath

[underwater988]

What do you do about the shortness of breath, fatigue and no energy to counteract the effects of not taking . I just went off the fentyl patch from 25mg to 12mg and now just 10 mg once or twice a day. But I'd like to stop and see how I feel, but I feel like someone is sucking my breath away. Any suggestions, or what to expect. I called my doctor but he said just take the tabs, after I was on clonipin patch for a week. Any ideas? underwater

[underwater988]

right. but it is helping with the breathing and sneezing. I am blessed today with the grans to keep my mind in body in motion. Thank you

[nursegirl6572]

Careful with the codeine...you dont want to go backwards!

Hope you feel better soon!

[Pat1956100]

Wow, what a great doctor.  Well, now you can put your mind at ease and just concentrate on the withdrawals.
I know the shortness of breath was scary for me too.
Glad you are okay.

[underwater988]

Well I went to the dr. and he said it was probably due to wd from the opiate patch and congratulated me. He also said I had a sinus infection. Because of my concern for my heart , he did an EKG. He said it was good and to quit being so hard on myself. I am a little better today as he gave me a decongestant with codeine and nasal spray. He also prayed for me. I have never had a doctor do that. I was very touched and encouraged to continue my plan one step at time. He said it might take a month for the shortness of breath to go away, but I am monitoring my blood pressure. Thanks again and I hope this info is helpful to others

[jenjen1966]

Hi. I'm day 22 ct of norco and I have that same strange breathing thing. Just seems to be part of it for me. Tied to the anxiety from what I can tell.  My Dr can't find a reason for it. When I stay busy it seems better. So in not too worried. Hopefully it will go away soon. It also seems worse later in the day. Sleep is still a big issue too, but it was a problem before.Good luck!

[underwater988]

thank you all for your help and suggestions. The dr. last told me to continue wtih the 10mg loratab twice a day. Even with that dose I have the shortness of breath. But if I don't take them it is even worse. So, I really do not know, I guess I will have to make an appt. seems like all I do is take mother or I to the doctor. My goal is to get to a base line and see what I need or don't need for pain. I am on 120mg of cymbalta at night and take supplements. I give myself B12 shots, so maybe I will try that first. I am walking the dogs and my grandson just left, so we were busy. Thanks again.

[Teresa1717]

Hi there! The shortness of breath could be caused from anxiety as far as being associated with w/d's. But to be honest, shortness of breath in general is not a normal symptom of w/d's, There are alot of things that can cause SOB and some could be serious, even be cardiac related. I think that if its something that continues, you should talk to your Dr about it and have him evaluate you.

As far as the energy and fatigue, The best thing that can help with this isb taking B12 and a B complex. Get the sublingual tabs for the B12 or the liquid. The absorption rate is higher than with the pills so it will work better. Also, and you may not want to hear this, getting active helps too! The more you can make yourself get out there and exercise the sooner your body will start producing natrual endorphins which helps give you energy. Most people dont even want to think about this but force yourself! It helps!  The only thing I would caution you with is if your SOB is significant than you should talk to your Dr before doing any strenuos activity.

[YesLife4Me]

When I went CT a couple years ago off a high amount of trams, I had that shortness of breath.  Its kind of like the shortness you get after throwing up from flu.  I remember that.  It was awful for a day, but it passes.   The lethargic feeling gets better every day...its slow, but does get improve noticeably each day.  

[worried878]

how long were u on the patch and at what dose?  Shortness of breath is not a usual withdrawal sympton even from a fentanyl patch, but we r all different...do u have a doctor to go to and get checked?  Shortness of breath, ie...loss of breath or difficulty breathing.. while climbing stairs or ambulating short distances is often from COPD/a lung disease often affecting smokers.. or heart issues...best to have it checked by your doctor if u can

[Pat1956100]

Sorry I'm not sure if I understand.  What tabs is he telling you to take?
I have never used fentanyl but I know that I was extremely fatigued after I cold turkeyed a high oxy dose.  I didn't have shortness of breath when I was lying down but if I got up to do anything, it was like walking thru mud and I was really out of breath.