Uncontrollable Movements After Switching From Fentanyl Patch 50 Mcg / Hr To Oxycontin 30 Mg
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How do I stop uncontrollable movements after being switched off Fentanyl patch 50mcg / hr? The Dr said to wait a couple of hours before taking Oxycontin 30 mg. I am 72 and have been on a Fentanyl patch 50 mcg/hr for 9 months for severe back pain. The Dr thought it was no longer working and put me on Oxycontin 30 mg every 12 hours. I started to get very restless and not able to control movements. Not sleeping well, sneezing, bowel movements. No concentration, heavy headed. Please I need help. I can not stand this.

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Re: Lindsey (# 4)

Jesus christ no. An elderly woman doesn’t need to go to detox just because her doctor switched her meds. The ER will treat her like a junkie so idk ho that will help. I don’t know what state she’s in but no hospital in any of the states around me would give someone oxy because they show up in withdrawals because their doctor lowered their dose. In the state I live in if you get labeled a drug addict it’s actually illegal for doctors to prescribe controlled substances. Your advice could ruin this woman’s life. Just sayin’.

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I can't imagine having withdraw symptoms when you're on something as strong as Fentanyl. Does anyone in your home have access to the fentanyl? They could be taking your patches and replacing them with some over the counter patches. There are people out there who will literally do anything to get their hands on narcotics so watch out. You shouldn't be feeling this way on strong medication.

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God bless you, I have the same problem. Comes with having chronic back problems. I am searching for a pain Dr, just moved to southwestern MO from West coast to retire due to severe back. Knees. Hands.and other knee now and my right foot. I am so scared,no luck at all. Where are you? Close by any chance? Please reply. Debi

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it sounds as though this list of symptoms is more or less adverse reactions ,the restlessness in the legs,a lot of people aren't aware of the neurological disorders of RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME,it's,really physical,not psychological. There are medications for treatment of Rls,and yes,fentanyl can indeed encourage movement. which is more prevalent at bedtime and early morning hrs.

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Call your MD immediately, like yesterday, and tell him or her what is going on. That is very, very unhealthy from what I just read. Unfortunately too many don't realize what they do to us. The ER probably won't help you because they stopped passing out narcotics unless admitted. You also might want to switch to another MD. Not all are equal.

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Sounds like you are going through withdtawal from fentanyl. It's the worst feeling ever!! I was on 100mcg patch! Detox was the worst! You clearly need more OxyContin to fulfill your body's need for opioids! Fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than oxycodone which is the narcotic in OxyContin. So in order to stop the withdraws, you need more OxyContin or if you can(but its not safe as withdraw can cause fatal heart arrhythmias, and lots of other dangerous things) but if you can(safely) just hang in there and the withdraw only last about 4-5 days! My suggestion would be to go to the ER tell them you are withdrawaling, or check into a detox center where you can be monitored and detox safely. Or call your doc, tell him u are experiencing withdrawal and he may be willing to write you something to help ease your withdrawal symptoms, such as a benzodiazopene or clonidine. He may even suggest putting your patches back on and weaning off the patch slower before starting the OxyContin! Good luck! I know this feeling all too well! Fentanyl is the devil! Will never take it again if I can help it!

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25mcg fentanyl is the equivalent of 80 mg oxycontin so you really should be on at least 80mg 2xdaily sounds like you are withdrawing to me go back to your doctor or to an ER so you get the right treatment support and a dose of oxycontin that works

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@Barbara,

You mentioned in your post that the doctor "thought" it was no longer working... Are you in direct communication with him letting him know whether it is or isn't working or is he just assuming these things without your input?

Oxycontin is considered to a be weaker medication than Fentanyl in that regard, so I don't know what his thinking was behind giving you that instead after saying that Fentanyl wasn't strong enough.... the logic behind that just doesn't add up?

I do agree with Cat though that those symptoms you're experiencing could potentially be due to withdrawal from being cut off from the Fentanyl and then being put on something considerably weaker. Hopefully your doctor will be able to acknowledge his mistake and try to offer you another way to remedy the symptoms.

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Hi Barbara! You should let your doctor know the way you're feeling. You could be going through withdrawals.

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