cold turkey

[mar2427]

Has anyone tried to get off fentenyl cold turkey?
I have been trying to wean myself off it since they changed the duralgesic because of a terrible allergic reaction to the new patch. I can't take it anymore and am thinking of doing it all at once.
The allergy is a bad one and I'm spending my entire life downing benadryl and zertec by the carload and can't believe that this is better then just doing it.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[mar2427]

YOu are right-there was other narcotic on board-but not as much as you would think....
and she was on much more then I.  150s...
I am glad I went through what I did-at least it's over.
I don't think I want to go through that again..
I will continue to take the oxicodone and ibuprofen occasionally and deal with the pain as I have in the past-from a wheelchair (anything else is out of the question)
My dr is aware of everything I've done- He doesn't agree, but he knows I know my own body pretty well and will do what I will do..
He did give me oxicontin-but I hesitate to take it, I know how addictive it is.
I'm getting used to being in pain most of the time. It's not fun, inactivity is the only way it's tolerable. I will exercise when on pain meds- but its necessary
thanks for your help
mar

[Jaybay]

Your friends had to be lying to you.  Nobody stops using the fentanyl patch without experiencing withdrawal.  It just doesn't happen.  They had to have had some other narcotic on board or they would have endured exactly what you just did.

The mental business like nightmares is going to stick around for awhile.  I know it's very disturbing, but remind yourself it's just your brain chemistry trying to get back to normal.

I'm really sorry you felt you had to put yourself through the trauma of withdrawal.  Is your doctor aware that you quit using the patch and does he have any other suggestions to treat your pain?

[mar2427]

Hi.
Things are as good as can be expected. I'm off pain meds and I'm coping. I did take an oxicodone last night with ibuprofen and it worked well. I guess I'll be taking the same every few days and make due with my relaxation techniques in between
It's not a perfct end, but it could be worse.
I did this for many years before the patch came out and I guess I can do it again.
thanks for all your help
mar

[mar2427]

Hi,
thanks for the input. Ifeel almost human again.
I'm sure I'm over the worst of it. Don't know if I would do it again if I had it to.
Still no pain meds-but that's not new for me
Tried sleep stuff-just made it worse
write again when I can think better
mar

[mar2427]

hi,
I was on 75s. I have had friends that were on much more and stopped with no side effects at all. Now, I'm sleeping, a little, but having really strange dark dreams.
Pain is coming back too. Big time. But I"m not going to take anything until this is over
Mar

[Jaybay]

Get yourself into a hot bath NOW.  It makes a big difference with the creepy-crawlies of withdrawal and helps the anxiety too.  I know it's only temporary relief, but at this point any relief is better than none.

Your brain chemistry is all cornfuzzled right now, and it will be for a while yet.  My guess is you're over halfway through the worst of it by now.  It's really important that you stay well-hydrated - lots of water, fruit juice, gatorade - and avoid caffeine and alcohol.  Nutrition is also extremely important even though I doubt you feel like eating.  If you can choke down something like Ensure, Boost or even a Carnation instant breakfast along with some extra B complex supplements, your body will thank you.

Insomnia is one of the worst parts of withdrawal.  You might try melatonin.  It's an over-the-counter sleep aid available wherever vitamins and herbals are sold.  I just found a time-released version in 10mg tablets that works very well for me.  As always, check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure anything new won't interact with other meds you have on board.

[namnam46]

Hi mar,

What strength of the patch were you on?  This is VERY important as to what type of withdrawal you will experience.

Looking forward to your update on the strength you were on.......Sherry

[mar2427]

Hi,
MY brain power is gone, I feel all fuzzy. Can't sleep, and I'm walking around in the cold all night-funny thing is-I"m not in any real pain. So much for pain being in the mind and not the body....
It's terrible, but I will survive it. just gotta get some sleep
talk soon
mar

[mar2427]

I have tried to use other opiates to counter the effects of the weaning fentanyl, but nothing is working. I have been sick to my stomach constantly and I couldn't take it anymore. I took the patch off yesterday and am waiting for the withdrawal to start. I'm not going to take anything until it's out of my system. I know the pain is going to be horrendous, but I don't see me doing this much longer.  I'll be in touch when I can. Thanks for your help
mar

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mar,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum.

I had a terrible allergy to the adhesive on the fentanyl (Duragesic) patch. I tried everything to ease it. Nothing worked and my physician had to change the me to another opiate.

Please talk to your prescribing physician. He/she should work with you to find something that does not produce an allergic reaction.

Please share with us how you finally resolve this issue. Take Care.

Best of Luck to You,
~Tuck