Stopping The 12 Mcg Fentanyl Patch

I can't seem to find a straight answer. I'm stopping the 12 mcg fentanyl patch (with Drs instructions). I have 7.5mg Percocet for withdrawal for a few days but everyone is leaving me believe my withdrawal won't be too bad. I called the pharmacist. She said withdrawal will last 48 hours. That seems too good to be true. So, anyone know?!

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It really depends on the person and how long they've been on it, so you may not experience any withdrawal symptoms, or you may experience them for a few weeks, there's no way to be certain.

I believe the pharmacist may have been referring to how long it takes to exit your body, which is approximately 48 hours after last use.

The FDA warns that possible withdrawal effects could include nausea, vomiting, chills, rebound pain and diarrhea.

Can anyone that's stopped it chime in with their experience?

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I was on several pain medications along with sleeping pills, and two different medications for anxiety. The amount of fentanyl was 200 mcg per hour for over 15 years. I was off everything but 100 mcgs of fentanyl. I was told to step down 100, 75, 50, 25 then off. It has been very difficult. I was completely off a for about 24 hours. Now I cut the 25 in thirds and put 1/3 back on. I am suffering and I had to start taking my old norco and Oxy ir for breakthrough pain just to keep me from taking my life. I will be in big trouble as I am not suppose to use any old medication. My thought was if I get completely off the fentanyl then it won't be as horrible when I step down the short acting Oxy ir and the norco. Does anyone think I am doing this the correct way. Or should I go to the hospital and ask them to help me? I called my doctor to tell him I am having a difficult time. That my pain is horrific. The nurse said to up my zanaflex. I am a strong lady, not much I can't take, but this is about to do me in. I have never taken medication from any one, never abused medication and I don't drink. But now I am very upset with myself because I feel like I have done something terrible because I took some of my old medication. How does a person know if it is my original pain or it is withdrawals. So confused. In so much pain. Sorry to complain. Any thoughts? Thank you!

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I have been on the Butrans 15mcq transdermal patches for a year and recently stopped cold turkey as told to by my Dr. He also prescribed Percocet 10-325mg 4 x a day. I am having withdrawal symptoms such as chills and depression, confusion, etc. Last night at a family gathering i broke down and blasted every one and then sobbed and couldn't stop. A family member tried to console me but i only felt worse. I went to my room and took a sleeping aid. Today i'm not sure how i feel but perhaps a wee bit better.

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I found that it took about 2 months to really adjust to each reduction. The worst of it happens in the first 48 hours but I suffer from extreme fatigue but I can't sleep at night, anxiety, lack of appetite & massive brain fog. It's miserable. I have been on Fentanyl for over 20 years.

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Smartredfox, Verwon (# 1) & Susan (# 2) --

First off how are you and were you successful? I had 3 babies all natural except for pitocin with the first 2. Thank you government-run Indian Healthcare! (The VA for Native Americans lol?) I have been on fentanyl 25mcg for 10+ years. Also the standard amount of BT pain meds, Baclofen and Lyrica. I would never let them raise my patches but they tried. I may not be a wimp either but I know I need something!? My PM Dr says "If you have legitimate pain, then you have a reason to be here and therefore you ARE NOT an addict. While your body needs it, you aren't the same as a standard addict. Never forget that!"

And going without it will make it almost impossible to ever get them back! They just say "you seemed fine for all that time you quit!" Rude huh? Happened to a friend of mine. While 48 hrs is a textbook standard..... The length of time for detox generally lasts according to the length of time you were on a larger dose of opiates! That's anything over 10 mg of oxycodone or roxicodone IR TWICE A DAY! (20 mg total). Keep in mind that is also calculated without any other meds that may make you tired or slow your breathing such as sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety etc. That 20mg a day is considered to be a high dose oddly enough. I believe this is also due to the length of time being generally in yrs and not weeks. Like, if you went to the Dentist and had molar extraction that would only be the 10-20 mg a day for 1-2 weeks. It is a brave decision you have chosen but I cannot say I could/would do it.

I know that this is an older post but feel I need to say my piece for any future visitors. Anyone seeing this here is my advice: Pain management Dr's are catching red hell for the number of Americans that are addicted to pain meds, opiates in particular as I am sure you all know. That said, One EXTREMELY important withdrawal effect has escaped the list from the latter post. That is GRAND MAL SEIZURES! The kind that CAN and will kill an already compromised system due to the body not receiving the meds it has grown accustomed to. This may not be true for those still on the NEW side of Opiates. Then again, who can really say when your brain/body considers you old hat to the meds!? Anyone thinking of quitting your meds please be sure to work with a DR. Also send me a reply if you have questions about anything else to do with Fentanyl.

Good luck out there all,
Beth

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