Fentanyl 50 Mcg/hour Transdermal Patch
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I WAS PRESCRIBED THE 50 MCG/HR FENTANYL PATCH FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN & DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE. I WAS GIVEN THE PRESCRIPTION SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. I JUST GOT IT FILLED 2 DAYS AGO BECAUSE I'M AFRIAD TO USE IT. I HAVE READ ALL THE PATIENT INFO, RESEARCHED IT ON THE NET & TALKED TO SEVERAL PHARMACISTS AS WELL AS MY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN. ALL OF THE PHYSICIANS & PHARMACISTS TELL ME THAT THE PATCH WILL HELP ME WITH THE DAILY PAIN. THEY SAY THAT THE PATCH SHOULD NOT CAUSE ME ANY HARM BUT THE ONE TING THAT'S STOPPING ME FROM USING IT IS THE RESPIRATORY SIDE EFFECTS & POSSIBLE OVERDOSE. I'M SEEKING SOME ADVISE FROM PEOPLE THAT HAVE USED THIS DRUG BEFORE WHETHER IT WAS A GOOD OR BAD OUTCOME. I AM OPOID TOLERANT BECAUSE I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PAIN FOR THE LAST 5-6 YEARS. WHEN I HAVE A BREAKTHROUGH OF PAIN & HAVE TO SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENT OTHER PAIN MEDS GIVEN (IV OR IM) DON'T WORK ANYMORE. ER'S HAVE GIVEN ME MORPHINE & IT DOESN'T EVEN TAKE THE EDGE OFF THE PAIN. DILAUDID DOESN'T WORK UNLESS I'M GIVEN MORE THAN 3MG'S & THAT WEARS OFF AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR IF IT LASTS THAT LONG. WHEN I'M IN SEVERE PAIN MY PRESSURE RISES. I'M AFRAID OF THE PATCH B/C I DON'T WANT TO FAINT OR PASS OUT FROM A DROP IN MY PRESSURE. I'M CURRENTLY TAKING VICODIN 7.5/500 EVERY 4 HOURS. I HAVE NOW BUILT A TOLERANCE FOR THE VICODIN AND IT HAS BEEN CHANGED TO PERCOCET 5/325 & SOMETIMES I CAN TAKE UP TO 3 OF THEM EVERY 4 HOURS. I'M ALSO ON OTHER MEDS THAT I BELIEVE WILL INTERACT WITH THE FENTANYL. I TAKE LEXAPRO, ATIVAN, CLONIDINE DAILY. I NEED SERIOUS HELP!!!

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Re: Angela (# 318)

All I can say is start cutting back and get ready to get off all medication as the feds are going to cut everyone off all opioids and benzodiazepines are going to be hard to get through any doctor or pain specialist! I've been with a pain specialist for years and have multiple problems, major severe chronic injuries, prior compression fracture T5 vertebrae, multiple discs damaged in the back, hip dislocation and multiple tears in both knees! Both have been blown out. I was on over 40 mg oxy, 8 mg Xanax, 4 mg Dilaudid and Soma. All prescriptions were 120 pills each a month! And I have built up to that over years so I function fine and it doesn't even affect me. Now they have cut me back to basically just 50 MCG per hour time release fentanyl patch (72 hour dose) and some Dilaudid 4 mg that don't do crap! LOL! And I have to cut back my 2 mg Xanax bars from 4 a day down to 3 to 2, then probably one, then nothing. They're giving us no choice! Too many stupid people don't know how to use medication and like to overdose screwed it up for people that actually use their medication to get relief! Not to feel high! The system is such a joke. People need to learn how to control their dosage. So basically get ready to start kicking. I already have and it sucks. I'm basically slowly coming off everything. You just have to push through it. Pray, ask God for help, try to block out the pain if you can. Trust me. I'm trying too. It's hard but it's all we can do! Hang in there and good luck with everything!

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Re: Verwon (# 1)

I have been on 20mg of oxycodone every6hours and50mcg fentanyl patch for a few years and with my stimulator I could actually perform my basic needs from the time I woke up up till I went to bed. Now my Dr has dropped my patches to12mcg and my oxys to10s nowI can't hardly go on my daily walks. He said it's cause the CDC is coming up with new regulations. What can I do to get back on my regular level of pain meds that zi have been on for yearsThat work for me?

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May ask when you had withdrawls ( leaving the 50mcga to 37mcgs) what did they feel like? I originally was put on these in 2010 ( same dose and put on same way etc) because I was hit in the head and aside from a concussion after a few months my skin started to burn. As in it feels like there is lava under my skin. I have broken discs in my low back from when I was 9 so the burning does not go past my stomach. But my arms, face, chest and stomach burn like mad. I was in vicoden, perc and then the patches. Which I liked because I did not feel high at all. It just stopped me from feeling like I am melting. But I am as you are, now dependent. They never figured out what is causing it. I live in fear of dying from these I use them 100% responsibly even when there is an off day and I burn, feels like skin is melting even at times. I lay on ice and dig my nails into my skin to help as much as possible. SO I am asking because I am fearful that burning could maybe be just withdrawls!?! I read alot of symptoms and I haven't seen burn but more" skin aches or in pain". On an off day if I am in alot of pain, I do get anxiety from it. But that again is a withdrawl symptom. Sorry I am truly just freaked out. Anyone able to respond. I would really be grateful for any thoughts on this or how it feels to them, any Burning & melting as a withdrawl symptom? Thank you!! I am here for anyone in need. Much love!

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If your taking the pain patches you can ask your doctor to give you the 10-325 Percocet for breakthrough pain only even when your taking the patches at the same time,but like the guy said you have to be carefull with to much Percocet being that it has so much Tylenol and it is bad for your liver,talk to your doctor about having something for breakthrough pain.

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Hi! I would not be afraid to take your patch. I have been taking the patch for over a year now and I cut small pieces off and chew on them or just slide them underneath my gums at the top and this helps any pain I have. Feel free to ask me more questions if need be.

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Wondering first of all why all the posts I'm reading are so old? Does anyone want to discuss Fentanyl patches anymore?

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If your in pain, use it. I also have DDD plus I was in a head on collision and I have had 44 surgeries. I'm immune to Percocet, morphine, hydrocodone, I also have a spinal cord Nuro stimulator in which after 4 years is quitting on me. If I didn't have my patches I would be in do much pain I couldn't get out of bed. I've been on them for years. Now they are gonna take the stimulator out and put s Dilaudid pain pump in. I have had 44 surgeries I promise, they work.

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My 93 year old mom is on a 50 mg fenanyl patch. She doesn't know anything about drugs or how strong it is. She literally couldn't mive around without it. No dr will do surgery on her because of her age. It doesn't seem to affect her personality. I think it works well for her.

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I think its good advice to make your pharmacist part of your medical team. They have more experience & knowledge re meds bcs that's their job & their focus. Who can keep updated on every thing? Have regular meetings wi pharmacist & tell them how important they are to your medical care. Always mark the electronic thing yes for consult even if not. If you mark no to consult, we eventually will lose the priviledge. Give them Xmas present etc. This is some of the best help & advice & its FREE!

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I also have itching as a side effect. We take atarax. We? Me & one of my dogs.

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Not without help. This stuff is highly addictive. Pharmaceutical companies want addiction, there is more money in it. You will never get a cure. Every time a good med. has come on the market it has been removed. Pharmacists are not allowed to call most medications addictive it is illegal. What they will call it is habit-forming. Neither is it true that you cannot become an addict if you are using the medication as directed for severe pain. You most certainly can, and will.

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I've been on the patch for about 10 yrs. Also clonidine & Norco which has replaced vicodin. Also more meds. For me 50mcg is too much. 3 days means withdrawal every 3 days. Over time I've worked out best for me is new patch every day 12mcg 25mcg alternating every day. So 37 mcg are in my body at all times. I use & insist on the mfg mylan or the one without the gel. I have no physical side effects & use exactly as prescribed bcs it can kill you. The downside I recommend: use it as only a last resort. Why? It is definitely addictive physically. I was out of town & my car blew a head gasket. I had only 9 days supply. car fix 3 weeks. Would have gone into withdrawal. The way the law is, you can't get an alternate supply. I had to leave with car half done. I hate that I'm dependent. I asked my dr if I'm an addict. He said no bcs I don't feel high on it. But I'm definitely dependent. I hate being chained to dr & meds but my choice is patch or wheelchair. So its best of the bad. Definitely have great pain relief. I couldn't function without it. But if you can get pain relief from any other med, try it first. I put it on in the morning. By 3:00 PM if I don't put a new one on, I can feel myself going into withdrawal. When I found 50 too high & worked on lowering my dose, it took me almost a year to get out of withdrawal symptoms. I don't think its like that for others but that's how it was for me. I have had a dr. drop me with 3 day supply leaving me desperate. I have given up working desperately searching for pain dr. encountered some really bad ones who are using their own stuff & crazy. I've been treated like a druggy, Name entered in CURES Big Brother government secret data base. Ask your pharmacist. Have to take U/A's which is humiliating. Been rejected by dr's scared off bcs they see in CURES that I'm dr. shopping so think I'm a druggy.. I now have a good pain dr. but always know that if something falls out, he dies, retires, or wins a trip to Tahiti, I'm in big trouble. Also every time a celebrity OD's & dies, the media goes crazy with hyperbole & gov't passes more restrictive laws that make our lives difficult. eg. pharmacies are restricted to the amount they are allowed to dispense. When they reach their limit you have to go from one to another til you find one that hasn't reached their limit. You can't phone bcs they think you will rob them if they tell you they have some in stock. You need to plan to make this a priority & it feels like druggie behavior just to alleviate your pain. You can't go public Appear on TV etc. bcs DOJ does surprise audits of Dr's records (ours). You don't want to get your dr. in trouble or do anything that would prevent him from flying under the radar.. Pain dr's to prescribe have to be specially licensed & are working under constant gov't threat. If Dr. in trouble, we are in big trouble. Keep that in mind if you decide to go that route. So that's the downside but for me, its a godsend. As I see it, my only option to function. Good luck. Pls keep me posted.

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I did tell the doctor all the meds I was on. That is the biggest reason it was so ridiculous and why they told me I taught them something.

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My pc(I'm a veteran) prescribed fentanyl patches 75ul AND morphine capsules CR TOGETHER,SHE recalled immediately,however,I received exactly the same medication,ANY FIRST YEAR RESIDENT KNOWS WHETHER VIATRANSDERMAL,SKIN OR BY MOUTH ,THIS IS A GUARANTEED OVERDOSE WAITING TO HAPPEN,no,now after an injury AC L TEAR,my PC keeps decreasing my medication. I WAS AN ORTHOPEDIC PA IN THE MILITARY DURING VIETNAM,...NEVER TAKE ANY MEDICATION UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT WHA IN THE BOTTLE IS REALLY CORRECT! I know patients are treated as criminals but what about doctors that aren't paying attention to tr6thv????
PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

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Posters,

With current politics in America I suggest strongly if you are still on this drug which I have been on brand for 16 plus years to discuss alternatives. Tapering is painful if done professionally at best.

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I hear ya. I just started with the 50 mch/hr fentanyl patch last month. I got one of those defective DePuy metal-on-metal hip replacements, so ended up having to have a revision surgery 18 months after the first one. Since the government made hydros a Class I, my doctor was EXTREMELY adamant about increasing my dosage. I was taking 6 10 mg. a day, THEN REQUESTED it to be dropped to 4 a day a couple of years ago when I was feeling a little better. But the last surgery left my left leg 1 1/2" shorter than my right, so my back started gping out & I fall A LOT. So vs. increasing my hydro intake back to what it was, she put me on the patch & on 2 10 mg. Hydros for breakthrough pain. I also have chronic insomnia & anxiety, so one of her concerns was that the hydros were not allowing around-the-clock pain relief & I would wake up in extreme pain once I did manage to go to sleep. I MUCH PREFER the patch. I don't have that hydro-high & the pain relief is SO MUCH BETTER. I just wish they could invent a machine that would allow the doctors to ACTUALLY feel our pain, weeding out the people pill-shopping for recreational use. I got quite a settlement, but it sure as hell doesn't come close to compensating for my quality of life. I WILL NEVER be able to babysit my grandbabies due to my inability to move around. Being in 24-hour pain sucks. It's like being given a life sentence of pretty much isolation, because just getting ready to go to the doctor hurts so fricking bad.

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Hi, ive been on fentanyl 50ug/h for quite a few yrs now, due to nerve and back pain due to Cancer, i have found them good for me, really the only thing wrong, is that as i get older, im Sweating more and more, due to other meds and stress,so all i can say is ive found them good, my mother is on them also, due to sever arthritus,for me it worked, hope you can sort out your pain releif and breakthrough pain regards Jenny

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Yes Zar you can take the morphine and lyrica at the same time after my 2nd surgery(1st on neck n 2nd on shoulder) I was given almost exactly what u are being prescribed I was taking 3 morphine 30s and 2 or 3 lyrica a day and had no side effects at all and felt pretty good for first time in a long time. You should be fine with taking those 2 meds together. I have since had back surgery and am not on the morphine anymore I take 30mg of oxycodone 3 times a day for breakthrough pain and opana for long acting but I am still taking lyrica for nerve damage n have had no bad side effects from my meds. Hope that helps and will ease your concern a lil bit. Good luck

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I was just increased from 25mg fentenol patch every 72hrs to 50mg fentenol patch every 72hrs but now im on the 3rd patch which i change out every 72hrs didn't seem to have any problems with it being increased so now im worried because i am haveing rash on upper torso arms and legs and staying really tired will this subside or get medical attention?

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I agree with u about methadone being a wonderful pain reief. I've been on it for 15 years now. It's amazing how it controls all pain. I still have a bit of breakthrough pain bc of serious spinal injury but for the most part it controls very well. The only issue I've been up against is that when people hear "methadone" they automatically assume ur a freaking drug attack. They say "oh that's just legal herion" amount other comments. Its horrible the way people treat u when they find out what your taking. People need to b educated on pain meds. Dr's tried every med in the book and after 3 yrs of changing meds bc of liver damage, stomach upset,etc 1 dr said let's try methadone. I swear I call it a miracle drug. I do however hate the fact that if u don't have it or run out bc the pharmacy don't carry it on a regular basis, u go into withdrawals. It's horrible. It's hard to say if I had known the withdrawal effects, I'm not sure I wouldnt have started taking it, bc it's such a miracle that it relieves the pain so well but your body does gets addicted to it.

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