Stopping Fentanyl patches

[2ndfiddle]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here :-)

I've been on Fentanyl patches for about three years for chronic pain. I use them as directed, even stretching them out for 12 extra hours sometime, since I really dislike taking any meds. I am only on the 25 mcg patches.

I moved to a new state 20 months ago. My new doctor had been fine with continuing the prescription. He did require a visit every three months, I had to pick up my prescription in person, and fill it at the same pharmacy. I had no problem with that.

Last week I called for a new prescription and was told to call the next day to be sure it was ready. The next day, I was put through to the nurse. She said that due to recent legislation, the doc was no longer prescribing narcotics to his pain patients. She offered to call in a RX for Tramadol. I asked to speak with the doc and she said "he won't talk to you." I asked about withdrawal and if he would even help with any withdrawals, and she repeated that she could call in a RX for Tramadol. She also offered a referral to pain management docs.  I asked if he KNEW any of these docs and she said no.

I picked up the RX for Tramadol and see that it says "remove fentanyl patch" and he has prescribed 50mg twice a day. Also, if I do take them twice a day, he only gave me enough for TEN DAYS!

Is this enough to avoid the horrible withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about?

I have a week left of the patches (since I often stretch them out longer, I had built up an extra couple weeks worth), and a few percocets and lortabs from dental surgery last year. (I really don't like taking meds!) Maybe those could help with withdrawals? Plus, I don't want to be worried about trying to get off the Tramadol down the road.

Needless to say, I am looking for a new doc.

Thanks for any help or advice!

[marycarmel]

It wouldn't be as bad as comingnoff a higher dose.  I don't think Tramadol will help and they are verynhard to come off.  Check out the substance abusenforum.  The Thomas recipe will help minimize symptoms.  You can learn a lot even though you're dependent and not addicted.  I got great helpmfrom some members, though there arensome who think everyone is addicted.  Start calling around because lots of times pain management doctors have verynfull calendars and you might have to wait to get an appointment.

[2ndfiddle]

Thank you for your reply.

This WAS my primary doc! I really liked him too, until he pulled this, which I think is very unprofessional. So I now need a new primary, and if he doesn't treat pain, then I also need a pain mgmt doc.

I use the fell-filled patches so, no, I can't cut them.

Are you saying that getting off the 25mcg patches won't be too bad? And do you think the Tramadol will help?

Thanks again!

[marycarmel]

What kind of patches do you use?  If they're the gel-filled there's no real way to taper as  you cannot cut them.  If they're the flat type, you can cut them by slivers, though I don't think you have enough to go really slow.  A very slow taper is best.  It is a hard drug to come off whether you go CT or taper.

One thing you have going for you is you're only on 25 mcg.  It's a shame this happened to you.  Icame off Fentanyl (and other meds) and it was challenging.  I tried Ct but i couldn't do it.  I have otherr health issues that make it a bad idea to CT.  Tapering wasn't easy for me either.

Do you have a primary care doc who might switch you to an oral pain med and taper you from that?  Alsomcheck the Tomas recipe.  The supplements and other things will help some.  Soaking in a very hot tub with Epsom salts will help.  Staying hydrated is really important and I found trouble keeping things down.  Gatorade, clear juices, gingerale,  popsicles, ice chips all will help.

Keep posting for support.  Enlist help from family or friends and take it easy on yourself.