Taking Fentanyl Patches Has Significant Consequences

Before you begin taking Fentanyl patches (commonly called Duragesic Patches as well as a host of other manufacturers names) you need to be aware of the following Pro's and Con's. I speak about this with vast experience as I have taken these patches since they were introduced commercially in the U.S. and for a very long time, my dose level was 500 mcg's every 48 hours.

Pro's
1. The patch is very effective at providing relief from serious chronic pain.

2. The distribution method or supply method of the patch is extremely consistent and predictable if you follow the instructions exactly as written.

3. The patch is a near perfect delivery system for avoiding the medicine effectiveness "falling off". Taken as prescribed, it is by far the most reliable, convenient and consistent way to treat chronic pain.

Con's
1. This medicine is probably one of the worst to discontinue once you have begun using it.

2. The withdrawals are the most severe I have ever experienced and I have been on virtually all of the legal narcotic drugs at one time or another.

3. The withdrawal duration is BY FAR the longest I have ever experienced. It can take several weeks (6 to 10 weeks) to end the withdrawal experience depending upon your dose and size along with other factors, and it is NOT a pleasant experience.

4. Once you begin to take this med, it will become a controlling factor in your life. Your need to have new prescriptions to avoid any lapse in use will be very important. If you travel while using this drug, you MUST carry your prescription labeled packaging with you or you will either lose your meds, be arrested, or both when traveling through customs, across borders or similar. You will find that you must always be aware of how many patches you have, keep a log of how and when you apply them, to make sure you don't run out. It's sad how central in your life this med will become.

5. It is difficult to find doctors who really understand the use of and appropriate need for this medication. Most doctors will avoid writing these scripts because of the liability and oversight which is required once they write this to patients. So if you lose your writing doctor for ANY REASON, you are going to have a very difficult time getting a new prescription.

6. This medicine is lethal to those who do not have a narcotic tolerance. You MUST secure the patches where no one can get to them who shouldn't have them.

7. Even the discarded patches are extremely dangerous and if a child or pet gets a hold of a discarded patch, tragedy can easily occur.

8. These patches are a very sought after drug for those who use it illegally or illicitly. You must destroy all packaging so it is not identifiable in your trash and keep your use of the patches very quiet as you can become a target for crime to get their hands on your drugs. If any addict learns you have access to these, you will be a target and could become a victim of crime, even violent crime.

9. Your insurance company is likely to require special information from your doctor in order to cover these patches on your insurance plan. They are much more affordable than they used to be but they are still expensive as my monthly prescription at one time was over $8,000 per month in retail cost. Now it is about $1,200, which is still quite expensive.

10. Understand that if you DO NOT have a legitimate need to be on this drug, you will UNQUESTIONABLY RUIN your life by recreation use / abuse of this extremely powerful pain med. The only variable is how long it will take for the destruction. But it will happen, eventually.

Please carefully discuss these patches and their consequences with your doctor before jumping into their use. This med will change your life and many of the changes are not good and have serious consequences.

Anyone considering abusing this drug will seriously regret it as it is very controlling and very difficult to stop it's use.

Just enter into any relationship with Fentanyl with your eyes wide open as this can very easily change from a blessing for the pain relief to a dance with the devil, even if you are very careful.

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Thank you for very well thought out, and informative post.

Unfortunately, many people are not fully informed by their doctors of all the pros, and cons of using such a medication. There are possible risks associated with taking any medication, even over the counter products, and people should be fully aware, before they use them.

Regarding Fentanyl, the FDA does warn that it caries the risk of being habit forming, and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and constipation. ...and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ref: Medline Plus Fentanyl Transdermal patch.

If you peruse the detailed side effect profile there are a lot more possible issues, far too many to post them all here.

I tried the Fentanyl patches once, years ago, and mostly they made me nauseous, and sleepy. I have a friend that tried them, and they had no effect on him, whatsoever, it was like he didn't even have one on.

Additionally, not everyone has a tendency towards addiction, so opiates are not as problematic for everyone, but being careful and informed is always best.

Is there anything I can help with?

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