Has anyone else had a problem with Fentanyl patches

[Susang313]

Hi everyone,
I have been on OxyContin for my severe pain. While they do work, they make me lethargic and I do not like the side effects. My Dr recently changed to Fentanyl patches, 100mg, but they do not seem to work well at all! I realize it takes times to build in my bloodstream and it's been 20 hours. I tried them two months ago and they never kicked in so I went back to OxyContin, but alas..,the side effects of sleepiness, lethargy, constipation.  Right now, I'm lying in bed on ice, with my back and body throbbing horribly. The Dr. gave me 10mg Percocet for the Breakthrough pain, which helps but this seems strange that the patches do not work for me. Two different pharmacists suggested that I try a different brand, which I did but it's not changing the relief. I have incredibly dry skin and an auto-immune disorder as well. Can this be a problem? Any ideas? It's horrible to live like this. My life has been taken away from me from the pain, and white the OxyContin work, it feels like I don't have a life because all I want to do is sleep. Has anyone else ever heard of Fentanyl patches not working? They DO stick to my skin, so that is not the issue. Thank you, everyone. It helps to know that I am not alone.

[Susang313]

Thank you, everyone; it's nice knowing that I have support. I spoke with two pharmacists and they both told me that some people do not respond well to certain brand-name patches. He gave me a different brand (it's now day four) and, wah-lah: a great degree of relief! I still need a couple breakthrough percocets for times during the day when I have overdone it, but it's great not having to swallow those OxyContin, and waiting for them to work after the previous one has worn off, and also deal with the side effects. I feel like I have at least some of my life back, which in and of itself, is a blessing. I wish you all well and relief from your pain. Having to live with horrific pain is one thing,but there is definitely a stigma because of all the drug addicts out there who are abusing them and making it difficult for us. Personally, I have no idea WHY someone would actually like the feeling. Why on earth would anyone do illegal things, go to such lengths, and spend what must be a fortune, to put their own lives and lives of others in jeopardy, just to be tired, lethargic, and constipated?! Anyway, God bless you all...

[Ginger077]

I should add that Marycarmal is right the patch shouldn't be heated. I had heated unintentionally because it was on  the edge of where the heating pad was. It is not supposed to be heated instructions tell you to avoid heat.

[marycarmel]

Please don't heat the patch; it can be very dangerous.  I didn't care for the side effects of the patch.

Everyone is different.  I was given Dilaudid after a surgery and it was like I had taken nothing.  They increased the dose twice and still nothing.  

I also agree that you need to give your body time to adjust to the new med.

[Ginger077]

I have taken both meds and I think the oxi worked better too. You could try taking omega 3 2000 mg daily and it should help your dry skin. Are you applying the patch to a "fat" area? I would put it on my bum and cover it with tegaderm. I found that the Watson brand worked much better. It says you shouldn't apply heat to it but sometimes I did. The heat helped relax muscles but I didn't notice a change in the patch. Maybe try less Oxi to be able to stay awake or take the 12 hr one. Also I found that massage while painful while having it done did help my pain a couple days later. Also you could try tizanadine which is a muscle relaxer especially used for back patients. I hope you find a combination that works for you. Also it took me a whole month to transfer fully to the patch off the oxi. You need to give your body a chance to switch over completely. Best of luck to you!
Ginger

[emmalee187]

Yes I am in the exact same situation. I had to switch to the patch from OC due to the cost.  But, yes I have not been happy with the results.