Fentanyl Sweating (Page 2) (Top voted first)

I am a 33 yr old woman being treated by Pain Mgmt Dr. for chronic pain as a result of 3 failed elbow surgeries and nerve damage. My current dosage is 50mcg/hr every 48 hrs with up to 4 oxycodone per day for break through pain. I know the patch is suppose to be a good medication for pain control, but I am really considering asking to change to a different medication because of the sweating problems I have on the Fentanyl and I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I am constantly drenched sinced I have been on the patch. Dr tried hytrin to control sweating, but all that did was cause me to bloat. I tried HRT for a year to see if that would help...no luck, still sweating. I sleep with only a sheet over me and window open at night and still wake up soaked from sweat. If I do any physical activity at all I am drenched. The patch does seem to control the pain well, but I can't deal with beads of sweat rolling down my head all the time and my family is always freezing because I get so warm. Am I doing something wrong? I wear the patch on my upper chest, I use a tegaderm patch over it. I've tried the Mylan brand and now use the SanDoz brand. Has anyone else experienced this issue? I don't want to live my life in pain, but I can't take the sweating issue anymore!!! Is there a different medication that is time released like the Fentanyl Patch? My DR is a nice man, but doesn't always explain things too well and I don't have anyone to talk to about this. Thanks for listening.

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Tammy (of #14 above), I was switched from oxycontin to fentanyl patch. I also have a sweating problem. My Dr prescribes oxycodone for BT. When I have sweating, and my pain is Over 6/10, the pain sweat has me...I then take half of my 4hour oxycodone tab, and have noted that when I have to take Without Water (& the med starts to dissolve in my mouth), my pain relief is quick enough that it usually Stops my sweating. However, before the 2 hours, when can take the Other Half of the oxycodone BT, my pain goes back up above 6-8/10 (This is when I am in bed, trying to rest)... I then take the Other Half of the oxycodone BT, let IT dissolve in my mouth, and my pain, AND PAIN SWEAT, then go Down Again. I do not know why, only that (for me) sweating can be closely related to my pain level. I WAS on higher fent patch dose, with Soaking sweats most of time, tho I didn't have much BT for self-controlling (which I was/am most used to, from chronic pain treated with oral meds & BT for over 20 years, followed by 6+ years of rollercoaster on oral time-released With No BT), & I realize that requesting that my fentanyl be Reduced--which has increased my pain level & my month of being able to sleep up to 2 hrs at a time was given up--that I may not have been in this position of having to use more BT, HOWEVER, THIS IS how I became aware that my pain sweats could not only alert me to rising pain, but also to learn that my BT could actually drastically reduce my sweating, & usually Stop the sweating, WHEN I AM LAYING DOWN to rest. HOWEVER, WHEN I'M UP, the pain sweats are much harder to reduce with the Half of oxycodone BT tab, tho it Helps. *I note that the 75mcg was less pain, tho Must mention that when I feel "cozy, warm & able to sleep," that BEING COZY/WARM USES MORE OF MY PATCH, & ALSO I WAKE SWEATING, IN STRONG PAIN, & also note that THEN my patches stop working sooner! So warm/cozy reduces my pain to let me fall asleep, but laying still allows pain increase on side I'm laying on, so an hour of sleep still comes with a high price tag in the long run of the two days, & I have to tumble dry all I'm wearing & my pillows. I have to keep tissues & cloths over my pillow & to wipe my face, head & neck (baby wipes for torso, if can't get up to dry my clothes), then take BT & start all over. My pain is not yet under control, but maybe my experience can help you in some way. (BTW, My fentanyl use has been about 9 months, now. I was put on Oxycontin ER for over 9 years, just prior to fent. Something which may be of interest: My last Dr insisted upon changing my "manageable" pain plan of 20mg Oxycontin 4 Per Day--1 every 8 hrs, & 4th at Bedtime, With BT Lortab, & he changed to 40mg, 2 per day...THEN when didnt work, he withdrew all BT "to FORCE" my brain to "LEARN" the 12hr dosing...I started into Withdrawal Symptoms twice a day, as a result, & sweated so much that I can't determine if All opioids cause sweating, as I didn't have the sweating problem WHEN PAIN was Pretty Well managed on the 8hr Oxycodone with BT Plan which kept my pain at about 6/10, unless I did too much to cause pain to increase (&, with higher pain, came sweats). NEW Dr. tried 30mg oxycontin ER every 8 hrs, but NO BT. So, while rollercoaster mostly gone, Still didnt have pain below 8/10. That's when I was switched to the Fent patch of 50mcg. It didn't last 3 days, so Dr. tried increasing fent dose from 50 to 75; but after a month, still the fent dried to me on second day, & my pain shot up, so we dropped to 62--a 50+12mcg--That kept me from feeling the med, which is what I was going for, but I lost a few points of relief, on pain scale, & patches still dried & was like Only on the BT by latter half of day two. NOTE: When patches arent working, the pain sweats Are NOT stopped by the BT (neither is pain). So now change patch every 2 days, but I still have so much pain in the last 8-14 hrs of day two, that the BT can't control the sweating. Don't know what Dr plans to try next, but must add that the oxycodone BT brand starting with a "Z" doesn't work quickly as the brand starting with an "A" does, so the sweating is not quickly reduced on generic "Z" (sorry, battery quitting & I can't remember the manuf.names...also pain is over 8 so sweating & is time for BT.) Wow, I hope this helps you, or Anybody! God Be With Us All, & May Each Reader Have More Days of Controlled Pain, Than Not!

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Craig your doc is full of s***!! LISTEN UP FOLKS!!!! Extended release opiates cause adrenal insufficiency, gonadism and hypothyroidism....I stopped taking fentanyl and my breakthrough med use lowered....I was no longer fighting intradose withdrawal....The sweating??? A symptom of withdrawal!!! Oxy increases T levels so no all opiates don't ruin thyroids just extended release..without them I'm doing way better, and here I thought I needed 10 of them!!

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I've been on fentanyl 125mcg every 48 hrs for almost a year for RA, Fibro, CFS, Lupus and Addison's. The sweating is very annoying.lts extremely embarrassing in public and a major chore to have to adjust your life constantly due to your environment and how your body will react to it. After my hormones were tested and finding out I was in the middle of menopause, I was put on the proper hormones. The sweating lessened a bit but I still run hot constantly, sweating everywhere, even when I'm cold. And having skin urticaria does not make it any easier being that it carries with it gives when your skin gets cold regardless if your burning up inside. And summers in Califirnia can be relentless at times. But, I can tell you this, if it's a toss up of being sweaty 24/7 but pain free opposed to no sweat and in constant pain to the point of not wanting to live anymore, I choose to carry with me at all times the proper tools to address my sweat and larger outbreaks of being drenched in public. It is nothing comparable to the debilitating life of chronic pain from the minute you open your eyes in the morning till you close them again at night. It's not living, it's surviving and I choose to live the shorter life I have left pain free. Being only 40 it's very sad at times to come to terms with the fact that this is how I am going to be for the remaining years of my life. But I have a family and I have missed way too much to allow sweaty O become a major factor in my daily life and to come between whether I am a burden to my family or an asset. To me it is merely another O sticks in life, a very annoying one yes, but it carries no pain with it. I can deal with that.

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The brand called Mylan Fentanyl patch will also provide free covers to help keep on the patch.

Just wanted to alert others as well that this helps control cost and something that helps keep patches on.

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I've been on a Fentanyl patch for about a year. Only the last three-four months after I switched types has my life become miserable related to constant, drenching sweat. I am an RN/BSN of 32 years, so pretty knowledgable re: meds. This is no life. Will be weaning off, and hopefully it will cease. Also on PRN Hydrocodone, Savella and Sulfasalazine. I have RA and Fibro.

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I too have been on the same dosage for 2 years. I'm 47 and have, for the past year experienced excessive sweating. For me, I also get terrible chills as well. My doctor says it I'd a common adverse reaction. She is slowly tapering me off of the patch. I'm still having the same symptoms, and now noticing more pain. We are going to discuss alternatives when my body is detoxed.

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Sadly it comforts me to hear someone else say they thought they were going to burn up. I swear those people who were spontaneously combusted must have been on Fentanyl. It's a terrible feeling.

My mom is 76 & has watched me go through all the pain, procedures, & various doctors. She's always been rather straight so I was shocked when she asked if I had considered cannabis for the pain. I think she finally realizes how much I hurt.

My best to you & I hope your plan works. - Tammy

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Hey San,

I've written a long post for everyone that I'll try to post at the top of the page. I wanted to personally say a few things to you. I too have made laundry a hobby. Since I don't want to destroy my clothes ny running them through the dryer too much I put up several clotheslines. I know it doesn't make sense but the clothes I line dry absorbs my sweat better (yuck) than the ones I put through the dryer. I don't have cafans, which is a great idea, but I do have light weight dresses that have saved me. I have to wear a serious back brace which is very hot. It's scratchy so I have to wear an undershirt. Even inside it's just too hot. I splurged & bought several Victoria's Secret bathing suit top that are just gorgeous. If you wait until their twice a year sale the prices are better than WalMart. Seriously! Anyway, I cut the straps off the undershirt so it fits under the brace, wear the bathing suit top with shorts & I can survive the day. I like the tops better than the dresses because they dry completely overnight. If it's too bad I warn everyone that it's "France" at my house & if they can't handle topless they'd better stay away lol. A girls' gotta survive! San please read my other long post. I think it will help you. I think I'm going to post it under Mich 1. You take care of yourself.

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Hey Susan
I've written a large post & hopefully the moderator will post it under Mich 1 above. Please read it. I think it will help you. I think going off of the patch is a mistake. It's the best medicine for pain because there are no ups & downs & if you take it correctly there are no drugged feelings. The chills & the sweating are a hassle & they wear on your sanity but I believe I found some info that can help.
Good luck - Tammy

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I was on oxycodone 10-325 4 to 6 a day for years for chronic pain .my dr just put me on patch 25 mg every three days.will I withdrawal is I just stop taking the oxycodone. And start right on the pain patch.and
Please someone help I'm scared never been on the match before.im planning to fill my script for patch in morning but I have too stop the oxycodone .is this safe too just switch meds will I be oka

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Hi! Are you sure that it isn't the oxycodone making you sweat? I was on it for 1 year and couldn't stand the sweats I would have drenched hair about 30 min after taking 10mg, it was embarrassing felt like my head was on fire and sweating, I switched to hydro codone and dilaudid and that stopped and works great for pain!

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My advice to you i myself dont have chronic pain .bit it my day when i was doing 4. 100Mcg.about everyday i sweated like a pig .the more my tolerance went up the less sweating i had.now on the other hand if you choose to stop all at once trust me you will miss those sweats.if its to strong try oxymorphone,which is just as well and effective and just as strong.if your not familiar. With the dr term its brand name is opana.i hope shed some light!

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I mean hydromorphone is the key to less hot flahes (what I call them) the Dr called them "flushing" listed under side effects.

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Bella good news! While on the patch you shouldn't go through withdrawal except for increased sweating--since being on patch I've not had diarrhea, cramps, restless, leg, or any other withdrawal symptoms except the sweating and I run out early every month

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I have the exact same sweating problems

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I am so glad to see this post . I also am on fentanyl patches and recently increased to 50mcg.a month ago.
I also am suffering from profuse sweating followed by cold sweats to the point where I think I'm dying. None of the side effects state anything about this problem. I keep my air at below 70. This happens frequently but doesn't last long. I'm awakened constantly with this, get up and turn the air to 60.
I thought I was loosing my mind and started taking more Xanax thinking it was anxiety.

The good thing is my pain is gone but I don't think it is worth it.mim going to make appt with Dr and go back to 15 or 25 and get off it.

Thank you again
Karen

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Hi, I have been on 62mcg of fentanyl every 48 hrs for about 8yrs due to several problems causing uncontrolled pain. About 4 yrs ago I started menopause from a hysterectomy. About a yr ago my hot flushes changed. They weren't the same and hrt didn't help. After doing a lot of research and elimination I realised it was the Durogesic patches. Its hell. Up to 50-60 times a day I'm drenched in sweat then chills and freezing. Its currently 40 degrees and summer here and its getting worse. Its ruining what life I had. I can't go anywhere, sleep, and I am so fed up. Im no longer menopausal yet the flushes remain. Ive gone down in mcg's over the last couple of yrs and want off this nightmare. Each time I try to taper down the effects are so bad. Even getting close to time to change the patch I get withdrawals. I figure they aren't lasting due to all the sweating. Some days I feel withdrawal symptoms all day until I change the patches. I also have 10mg oxycontin for breakthrough pain that I can take whenever needed but I generally don't take them as I don't want more drugs to have to come off. I hate these drugs. I wish I'd never gone on it. My life has changed so much because of them. I look older, drawn in the face, no energy, no longer have a sense of humour, no libido ( not that it'd help since its too painful to be touched). My beef is I was never told when starting this how bad they are or what the side effects are. We should be told. Its not all on the leaflets or web. I was told it would be a long term thing but had I known how bad it was id have thought very seriously about starting. People need to be educated regarding meds. Its such a negative life changing thing..for me at least. Yes the pain is somewhat less but the effects far outway any benefit im getting. I'm still suffering lots of crippling pain, so I have decided I'm going off them as soon as I can. Ive been told the withdrawals can last for yrs even after stopping. I hope not. I can't take much more of this on top of the daily pain. I wish someone could help us. Sorry for the long rant. Ive never told anyone of this hell. Its a dam bursting! I hope you find the relief you need.

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Wow...we in Northern Ireland get ALL.OUR MEDS 100% FREE

While I was living in Canada it was daylight robbery. Pain meds such as Fentanyl and hycodan were $1800 a.month. Absolutely piggin scandalous.

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WOW! I made an interesting discovery concerning the Fentanyl Patch and other extended release Abuse proof opiates. Every month I run out early of my oxycodone but thanks to patch never had withdrawal. I also was out of oxy while waiting for renewal of prior auth. for fent patch slthewhe suffering no ill effects. I started exercising and after three days had what I found out was a Cardio Crash. I was glued to sofa for three days then resumed my workout. Again after three days I had another Cardio Crash. This happened the following week and so far I have not returned to gym. Okay first: many are complaining of weight gain and lethargy and if not lethargy then a lack of motivation. Your pain contract may have a sentence claiming to have informed you of hormonal disruptions from the opiates. LIES! LIES! LIES! After searching I found article after article of peer review studies of women and EXTENDED RELEASE OR ABUSE PROOF OPIATES....men as well as women complained various symptoms such as weight gain, apathy, hot sweats, exhaustion, moodiness etc. doctors found that the chemical used to prevent abuse, especially found in Methodone and Fentanyl Patch attach to receptors that affect men's gonads and women's ovaries, if one remains. It sucks the adrenals therefore causing all the crap we all complain lost about namely weight gain and lethargy. They continued studies on men but stopped studying women due to: absorption and metabolism was so low in these instances that regular oxycodone wasn't showing up in U/As! So instead if looking further they simply discontinued the study making us victims of inaccurate studies and corrupt FDA analysis of tamper proof opiates. Basically they are giving us medication that disrupts homeostasis just for them to be able to monitor us. I'm trying to quit the patch because the last stage of the study before being canned they found that replacing the long acting for just oxycodone restored energy and caused the weight to fall off...I kept my last patch on gor one week then did not apply a new one for one week. I was up bright and early in the mornings, almost overnight I was back to my old high strung energetic fast paced self...I was also metabolizing my oxy too fast and my dose exceeded my already higher than prescribed dose. I'm rethinking a plan and was forced to put on a patch to get my oxy dose down. Ok so tonight is second night with patch again and I'm back to a mellow or more relaxed than normal for me self. LOL My oxy dose is where it should be. Ok so I'm ready to take my last two oxy (my roomie has a bottle of mine stashed that I'm going to forget about) ok so tomorrow there will be no morning pill and I'll act like I'm out of them. I'll just keep this patch on until it falls off and not replace it. In about two and a half weeks I'll begin taking my oxy again and hopefully not wearing the patch won't affect dosage this time. I know I can use the patch without oxy but since the patch is messing with my adrenals, I think it needs to go. Ok, going to take my last two. I'll let ya'll know how it goes. Oh!!!! During those two weeks thereby any sweats or hot flashes. And I left out the most important item: the women affected by this are menopausal women with at least one ovary left. Men too, something about gonadism.

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pls don't swim sauna or the like. it warns you on the instruction booklet.
I am having terr night sweats and way past menopause and feel fine during the day. this is awful. I need to talk to my dr.

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