Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms (Page 5) (Top voted first)

I'm trying to wean myself off the Fentanyl patch. I went from 75 micro-gms to 50 now I'm on 25. Having a problem and not sure it is related to the decrease in the med. It's been 20 days on the 25 micro-gm and I'm going crazy. I need to keep rocking, moving in any way b/c my body is very restless. Is this a symptom of withdrawal and what do I do? I cannot take it any more.

REPLY

REPORT

Hi! I am a chronic pain patient who has had 9 spinal surgeries to number a few of many surgeries. I have been taking pain pills and such for years. Then Fentanyl was added to the regime 10 years ago. It has been a blessing in its ability to cover pain and provide a 'normal' means in which to live more comfortably. But, with the way the economy is going and me, reaching an age that if Obama's health care program is put into effect, I stand a high chance of being denied the prescription. My pain doc also said that some of the procedures given to reduce pain would be denied me as well, in 'Obama care'.

So, that caused me to want to try to get off the fentanyl. With the help of the PA at the pain clinic, I began withdrawing a month ago. The first two weeks were challenging. I was able to substitute percocet for the patches. I was able to tolerate the WD symptoms during the day but needed the pain pills to stop the jerking and pain at night. As I got farther into the process, I have found I only now take 1/2 of a percocet only once or twice a day instead of 4-6 full tabs. I was also given a mild blood pressure medication which is supposed to help induce sleep and stop the restless legs. It seems to help. I, too, have had the chills, sweats, sneezing, runny nose, horrible weakness, and depression. I also know that magnesium, zinc, and calcium help with the nerves and aiding one's sleep.

I was led to believe that one could withdraw from this drug in a week or two. That is not true. I have now had three of my doctors tell me that it takes months for the fentynal to leave one's body. The symptoms will get less and less, but at a slow release pace. That has been my experience so far. So, I have to remind myself that each day is a day closer to complete withdrawal and to not beat myself up when some of the symptoms bug me.

Through this journey, I have discovered an amazing thing. At first, the pain increased so badly that I thought that I would never be able to tolerate it. But, with the farther I get away from the patches, my pain is decreasing!!! I am in less pain now than I have been in 30 years! In my case, I believe that the nerve endings that had been so damaged have been slowly healing over the years without me knowing it. There is no other explanation for this. It makes me wonder how many give up their fight to be free of this drug because they are frightened with the intensity of body pain induced when stopping fentynal? Getting past the period of terrible body pain is well worth the effort!

So, I am very tired but am also very glad that I have chosen to withdraw from this narcotic. If only a 1/2 of a percocet is all I need to dull what pain is left, then I am a blessed person. My goal is to not use any pain meds...we will see if that is a possibility.

I just wanted to share my experience with everyone in the hope that it may encourage someone to take that step and get off this drug. Who knows, after you have traveled your journey, you may find that you no longer need as much assistance with your pain as what you thought was required.

I would highly recommend that you not go off it cold turkey. That is a cruel way for a doctor to expect you to do this. There are drug aids to help to make the transition easier. Do your research and go armed to your pain clinic, internist, or family doctor with all the information on how to comfortably and safely withdraw.

Thanks for this site. I wish I had found it earlier in my journey but it is nonetheless helpful and encouraging to me to read other's experiences and insights. God bless you all in your seeking a healthier life!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I have been off my fentanyl for almost three months now. It is the best I have felt in years and years. It took a good two months to have it out of my system. However, both my internist and pain doc both said it could takes months for the body to wean from this drug. I just happened to be fortunate for a faster recovery time...not bragging...it's just how my body responded. We all respond on differing time tables. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it is worth getting off. You must stay logical about what is happening to you even with bouts of depression. When you get depressed or sleep deprived, you need to assure yourself that you are only suffering withdrawal symptoms and they will decrease to a more controllable level or diminish altogether. It is all temporary. Don't decide to be fearful but decide to be determined! The challenge and journey is worth the end result...no more fentanyl controlling your life!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

No fortunately not psychological... I have have spoken to my doctors for years as well about this medication. It can take up to 1 and a 1/2 years to be rid of all withdrawls. The key to healing is wanting to have it, the key to healing is working for it, after is your reward freedom from this creature drug... The Withdrawl Queen

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Been there done that. I;. currently experiencing same issues....I, too, was on the fentanyl 75mcg, down to the 50, then 25. What ur experiencing is withdrawal, what u need to do is go back to ur Dr. and request, an additional12mcg to add to the current 25mcg ur takin now. It takes time for ue body to adjust to this heavy duty opiate withdrawal. The reductuon in mcg is to much, too soon. Remember this is a long acting pain medication that needs to be reduced in low increments. Give it time. Good luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

@glamrocker i 2 went cold turkey now 8 days, willn't put another patch on, stomach's in a knot no sleep hr here and a hr there, bowels block up, but i'am going to keep going patch free, it can only get better from here. i take a vicodine 5 about 2 times a day to help me through.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Give yourself a month for the hell to go away slowly but it will eventually go away but there will be withdrawal symptoms intermittently for the next year or so. This is a wicked drug to go off, but it can be done. Good luck

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I feel 100% better. No more withdrawals. It took me about 6-8 weeks to get it all out of my system completely. After the first 4 or 5 week I started feeling better but everyone's system is different. Don't get discouraged when thr symptoms stop you'll know. It's a gradual thing. Between week 5-6 I felt better than I had periodic symptoms sort of like little reminders that my body was changing. It's hard to explain but you'll know.
Fentenayl is a harsh narcotic now that it's out of my system it's made me a stronger person mentally. Physically I still feel like crap but at lease I'm not mentally and physically out of it.
I hope my comments help. Hang in there and be patient. Tak one day at a time. :)

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Hi everyone.
I don't know what happened. I couldn't get in for a lo g long time. I thought it was the fyntenal ghost haunting me:)
I hole everyone is doing as good as can be expected. I'm 2 months patch free and it's nice to have a clear head again but my pain is back 100%. The doctors want to do surgery #5 on me. I think I'll pass and try holistic. It's with a shot.
Nice to see my buddies are still here. :)
Keep smiling.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

No way Shannon.
I had too many problems while I was on it. I was a zombie and I slept all day and constipated and cranky and my joints hurt.
As much as I HATE pain I'll take my chances with something with less side effects. It may be foe some people but not for me.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I know that some people have to have something everyday, I know that I do because I have went through so much in the 57 years that I have lived. I have had three different kinds of cancer and when I had breast cancer I had it 3 times. So I have had 27 surgeries since 2000. After going through so much pain and taking so much pain meds the Fentanyl Patch was what the doctor thought I needed to be on. Boy was that a mistake. I just thought I went through some pain until I was coming off the patches. I never want to take that kind of meds, as strong as they were, again. I didn't know what pain was until I met Fentanyl. Some people need it but not me.....I was walking around in a fog and could not remember what I did the day before. Hope that everyone that is coming off this is doing ok and not going through too bad of withdrawals. I feel for you if you are......See ya'll later. Hugs and kisses to all and to all a good night.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

TO MARC ANDREWS;;;; I copied this off the Wikipedia web-site " Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine,[9] with 100 micrograms of fentanyl approximately equivalent to 10 mg of morphine and 75 mg of pethidine (meperidine) in analgesic activity". So I don't know what micograms are but this sounds really, really strong and this concerns me. That is one of the reasons that I come off this evil drug even though I need something, I do not need something this strong. It scares me......Just wanted you to know where I got the info. BOBI.....Hey, I am keeping you in my prayers that you don't have any more rough days or night coming off this drug. Just try to keep from going back to the patch because you are hurting from the withdrawals. I thought I was dieing and the pain was way worse then when I started useing the patch. I hope you find something to help you with this or a doctor that will give you something to ease the withdrawals. I am here for you and if you ever need anything just write and when I get a email I will write you back and try to help. I have been through this and this site and the people on it helped me cope and also helped me by telling what they did when they were coming off. I needed there support so bad cause i thought I wasn't going to make it several times so I understand what you are going through. Take care and write with your progress so I know you are alright. Love and kisses to everyone.....Miss the brownies....))))):

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Hi everyone well i cant believe that i' ve been detoxing the 'demen drug' for seven whole weeks on nothing. My doctor just took the patch away and told me too get on with it. Luckily another gp did give me some oramorph after two days of agony. But that just made me sleep and i needed to take insulin other wise i go hyper not good. I wont lie too you all its been hell i' d rather give birth to a cow. I'm not a strong person And there have been time when i cried for the drug but i would sit and look at the patch and think i want my life back. So anyone out there please just give it a go you'll know if its not for you after the first few days. The pain is worse than before i started the patch - why does anyone know? I know I will make it now thank god and everyone on this site without you all I may have faultered. Hazel xxxe

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I was on 100 mg fentanyl for about 7 years and then went to 75 mg and later 50 mg for four days before going off cold turkey. I WOULD NOT RECOMEND THIS TO ANYONE. I'm 5 months free from fentanyl and still have digestive problems and may have gallbladder problems. It is best to go down gradually, three months at a time and there is even a 12.5 dose if going off 25 it too hard. I still wake up through the night and feel my body searching for drugs that are not there and I never thought it would last this long. If your doctor won't work with you talk to an addiction treatment center. If you use it properly you most likely have a physical dependance and intolerance to it. This is nothing to be ashamed of and so many doctors just don't know what to do or how to treat you for this. Please don't do what I did. Take it slow, I know it's hard each time you go down on dosage, but your body needs time to adjust and get it out of its system. GOOD LUCK

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

hi all,
I was taking 600mg of fentanyl lozenge 9 times a day for several months to ease the pain of neuralgia,(the breakthrough pain was really bad in the cold weather) but when the pain eased in the summer I found that I was addicted and needed to keep taking the drug in order to function normally.with all the side effects I felt that this drug was going to kill me eventually,so I started cutting the lollipops in half and over a long period reduced down to 200mg 12 times a day.I had been prescribed the drug by a pain specialist who did not tell me about how addictive it was or how bad the side effects were.I have had over 3 yrs of hell as most of you can imagine.In january I saw a drug specialist who changed the fentalyn to Zomorph starting at 50mg morning & night and I have reduced this by 10 per week to 10 morn & 20 at night. trouble is now that I want to reduce to 10 & 10 I am suffering leg irritation at nigh so maybe I need to do another week at 10 & 20?. I felt that I needed to write this post to see if anyone else had experience with the fentanyl lozenge and also to let people know my story. I will be just so,so glad to be free from this wretched drug. my kindest regards to you all

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I myself is weaning self off fentanyl 75 every other day to taking it now once every 9 days as of today, the pain has not increased which I feel is good for me, I have been seeing a acupuncist three times a week and I feel he is helping, just do not know how much longer have to take the patch.Been on it for many years, any suggestions how long this going to take me, ambien doesn't do much I only sleep 4 hours with it , then up but not tired so I guess I am lucky,

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I have not posted here in a long time, but I check it frequently.
Do not be so quick to judge yourselves, I know withdrawal hurts and does not feel good, in fact in one week I am going to see my doc about an increase of the dosage, I'm still on the 50/mcg patch and they are not cutting it anymore, also I refuse to get the two spine fusions this early in my life. Don't forget though that we have daily pain, without the meds I would have no life no job, I would not even be able to play with my kids.
Don't let media and other people judge you, you are not out getting high for a weekend rave, we have chronic pain. We are not addicted, but unfortunately we have become dependent, these things are not your fault. I know without the patch I would have lost my mind and everything. I am open with my doc about the side affects, but I also am glad there is something to deal with the pain because therapy and injections weren't enough anymore.
Sorry for being long winded, but please don't beat yourselves up.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

To all of you trying to quit fentanyl, here's my story. I quit fentanyl and oxycodone after being on it for 7 years. I quit Oct. 17, 2011 and I am still having withdraw symptoms. I did not go down in dosage like I should have. The thing doctors do not tell you until after the fact is that this drug builds up in your liver and they can not tell how long it will take for this to clear out. After stopping fentanyl I hurt REAL BAD. After a couple of months the pain had gradually decreased till it was tolerable. I truly believe the pain medication intensified the pain. I live with pain everyday. I hurt less than I did on fentanyl. It's not easy and the withdraws are creepy but with loving support you can quit. You would not have been able to tell me this when I was on it. I got to the point where I was mentally and physically stressed out and I knew my body could not take it anymore. Good luck to all of you who want to quit. I hope you make it. It's a whole different world.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Just coming off Fentanyl patches 100mcg after 4 years. Very very excited after 4 yrs of just not being myself! Had a hip replacement 6 weeks ago and the success of this op in relieving my pain meant my auto immune system shut down due to the large dose of Fentanyl in my system. I was sweating, shaking, freezing hands and SO fatigued. Coming down 25 mg every 6 days - down to 25mg in a couple of days. I must admit this has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I was suffering so much anyway - the ends justify the means.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

NANNY, how old is the "but you make it so gud" mommy! I'm mad at her already. She better be in GRADE school! Kids are so lazy! What the... Blood clots and with your pain.. Was the proper dose of fentynal that bad? I am bed ridden without it. I'm taking it as long as I need it and I can get it prescribed. I just looked at an MRI from Jan 4th and I had fluid going up my spine abd into my brain then. Did ANY of my 3 Doctors even look at it??? Geeze, It looks like I'm not the only one with Freaking water on the brain! I'm taking the aspirin too. I feel like random strangers or an elite few are nicer and more caring than all those people we have called friends and Family? I haven't gone anywhere for 2? Months and no friends come over unless I scream at them too. As for that Spag :-p mail me some frozen sauce. I can't even stand and do dishes for more than 3-5 min without hurting. My favorite is putting the leftovers on toast and broil cheese on top for breakfast. It really is better the next day. Hope your all sleeping well by now.
Shannon

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Angel, I am so greatful for your help, for I know no other way. Now I will try this. Well, 203 is the beginning of a day that the Marshall will see the street of the life I'm in. Att and the alla is the greatest. Ala. is not a bad day to start with but the 35 and 95 is a 4 on my scale of pain. Can this be done discreetly enough?? My love would be with you forever for the day. Hugs and Kisses to all and this old lady will be better before you know it.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

i have post surgical lower back pain. was in 50 mcg patch and had side effects and so decided to wean off. i finished wi...

311 REPLIES

I have been on the 100 mg patch and Percocet for my Crohns and Colitis for years. Last week I went cold turkey on my own...

36 REPLIES

Aloha from Hawaii- this is my 6th week off fentanyl patch 100mg and breakthrough oxy 40mg day for several years. Also wa...

27 REPLIES

My husband, age 77, developed severe acute pancreatitis and has been in the hospital for the past 8 months. He has been ...

18 REPLIES

Hi, About three years ago during treatment for rectal cancer, I was given Dilaudid and Fentanyl as part of a pain manage...

5 REPLIES

I was on 25mcg Fentanyl patches for about 2 months. I went down to 12mcgs to wean myself. After the 12s ran out, I was e...

9 REPLIES

Hi all. I have seen a lot of posts in the drugs forum about Fentanyl withdrawal. I too have been struggling with the wit...

17 REPLIES

i have post sirgical lower back pain. was in 50 mcg pat. ch and had side effects ans so decided to wean off. i finished ...

16 REPLIES

My question is that I have titrated down from 75mcg to 50 and had some times that were NOT fun, I must say, but I figure...

13 REPLIES

I have been on Fentanyl 100mcg/hr, In vivo delivery of 100mcg/hr for 72 hours and I change them every 2 days instead of ...

9 REPLIES