Fentanyl patch

[Nana434]

I was put on the patch 4 abot 2wks now 25mcg/hr, And i haven't  felt much improvement.
Just wanted 2 know is that a good dose 2 start on? Thank you.

[godschild1]

PLEASE DONT START TAKING THIS DRUG.....THIS IS THE WORST DRUG TO BE ON!! IF SOMEBODY WOULD HAVE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON THIS DRUG, I WOULD HAVE WALKED THE HECK AWAY.....TELL YOUR DOC TO FIND YOU ANOTHER DRUG, BUT IF YOU CAN DEAL WITH THE PAIN, THEN PLLLLLLEASE BY ALL MEANS, DONT GET ON ANY NARCOTICS, THEY ARE THE FREAKING WORST!!!! I AM NOT TRYING TO SCARE YOU, I JUST DONT WANT YOU TO FEEL WHAT I AM FEELING RIGHT NOW, JUST PRAY AND ASK GOD TO HEAL YOU AND TAKE AWAY YOUR PAIN, PLLLLLLLEASSSSSEEE LEAVE THOSE DERN FENTANYL PATCHES ALONE!!

[ChronicPain1]

I was on the 25mcg patch coming from 180mg of morphine a day. The conversion was low, and it never worked for me in over a month.

[sandee1818]

It is always best to stay at the lowest possible dosage so that you do not get to the point where you have no more options to go up on your dosage. there is a point to where doctors will no longer adjust your dosage up as it interferes with your breathing capabilities.
If the dose your on now is not working after you have given it sufficent time then talk to your doctor about having a break thru medication instead of raising the dosage of the fentanyl.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Nana,

The dosage of the Fentanyl Patch may depend on your physician's preference and the condition for which it is being prescribed. The most common dosage determination is usually based on current opiate therapy.

Starting dosage, as Sandee indicated is usually 12mcg but it can be 25mcg or even more. A physician will usually start their patient out slowly on the "Big Dog" medications. They are looking for a therapeutic level at the smallest possible dose. Obviously the smaller the better. If you obtain pain control at 12mcg or 25mcg a 50mcg patch would be more detrimental that beneficial.

If you are not obtaining significant pain control at 25 your physician may add a 12mcg patch rather than doubling it. Are you on break through pain medication in addition to the patch? If not he may just add that to your regime.

Please let us know how you are doing. Good Luck to you,
Tuck

[sandee1818]

I am not sure, usually I think new Pt's are started on the 12mcg.
others here that are on the patch knows more about it.
I do know that you should give it more time, a week is not sufficent in telling you if it is the right medication or dose. give it a month and then adress your doctor about changes in the dosage.
You may just need a break thru medication.