Are Butrans patches good for long term chronic pain?

[andyhobbitj]

I have been told by the NHS pain management clinic at my local hospital to try Butrans 7 day patches. Has anyone tried these patches and could let me know if they work.I have a 20 year back problem, have had many steroid injections and nerve blocks, many different drug therapies and physical therapy. I am currently taking 8 co-codamol 30/500 tablets,900mg gabapentin and up to 6 Baclofen a day, occasionally amitriptaline to help me sleep. I can't take anti-inflamatories anymore due to stomache problems with them. I get very little side effects on opiates generally and my current painkillers only deaden the pain for about 2 hours. How does Butrans patches rate against codeine for nerve pain? Any other ideas on treatment to help with the pain would be appreciated.
  Andy

[blackie138]

andy,
i had a accident at work electric shock, i have been on all sorts of pain killers, the doctor has put me on Butrans patches what is the side affects.  cheers stephen

[avisg]

cazdol this is an old post why do you start a new thread .Welcome to the forum :)

[cazcol]

I use the Butrans patches and they have been a great help.  I was taking every form of medicine possible for my back complaint and nothing has given me the relief that these patches have.  My problem now is going cold turkey to come off the medication prescribed prior to the patches.  

[wait2long]

gabapentin is a generic form of neurontin   and
baclofen is a type of muscle relaxer
amnitryptiline is a antidepressant used for sleep issues...
co-codamal....no clue...

[Ripe]

Butrans is a transdermal version of Subutex (busprenorphine). I had seen some info on the web and understand it to be available in Europe but not in the US as of yet. In the meantime I have heard of some CP sufferers being given Subutex as an off label (and reportedly safer and better option) then the various morphine options/opioids out there.

In any event good luck!
-Will

[fishmeal]

I have never heard of them either... guess I'll have to "google it."