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Fentanyl transdermal system for Fibro / Disc and lower back + Methadone clinics

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 8/27/2011 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there, I am here specifically for my mother, whom is attempting to get off heavy doses of Oxy which she has used for countless years for her fibro and back problems. The doctor didn't even leave her with enough doses for the TAPERING period and she is out within 2 days. I heard this is key to a slow recovery. Anyways, I was wondering if anybody has anything good to say about this Fentanyl transdermal system. The doc is not giving her oxy anymore and prescribed this. Anybody with fribo and disc complications ever try to for pain relief while not being too dependent? She is trying to detox and eventually get off it all.
Another option is a Methadone clininc but she is afraid to get onto that and would rather take another route. Any advice would be great as I'm feeling for her at the moment and times are really hard, thank you!
Posted 8/27/2011 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Has she tried nucynta? It's a new pain drug that's brand name only right now but it has worked wonders for my pain. It works in a different way than oxy. It's still a schedule 2 controlled substance but i don't think it's anywhere near as addictive as oxy. Of course medicines work differently for different people but it might be worth a try. The only downside for me is that it is very expensive if you don't have insurance, which I don't. I've never tried the fentanyl patches but I've heard they can be very dangerous. I hope your mother gets the relief she needs soon.
Posted 8/27/2011 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply, very appreciated. I will also look into this Nucynta. And about this Fentanyl what I hear is that only if not taken properly it can be dangerous, but that's just like any drug, oxy is an example. This patch(fentanyl) is supposed to be properly determined dosage wise by her medical doctor through a test I believe. All I know is she cannot simply drop pain killers after all these years she has used them, she needs to taper with something else at least.
Hoping somebody responds about Methadone as it's one thing she is most worried about. Anyways, thank you for your reply once again.
Posted 8/27/2011 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
matacka86,

You might want to try posting in the Chronic Pain forum. There are lots of people over there with experience with narcotic painkillers and switching between them.

You don't mention why she is looking to get off the painkillers. That would be helpful to know, since many people take drugs like Oxycontin long term without problems.
Posted 8/27/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Matacka86- I have tried tried fentanyl patches and you come very dependent just like the oxy. You will use them and then what people do is put an extra one on because they don't fill like the first one is enough. That is why people overdose easily. I became that way. There is a drug that they replace for methodone. Methadone is used, but less now because it becomes very addictive and causes cravings still. The med. They replace it with is suboxen. I take it, very expensive. It takes care of my pain, doesn't causes withdraws, less cravings, less dependent, less groggy. I love it. A lot of pain management are using it for chronic pain now. I have been on it for 3 yrs. It last 17 hrs in your blood. Sometimes I forget to take it and I don't have those withdraws that if I was taking oxy's. They started using the drug in drug rehabs, to get people off narcotics, but they found out it working for long term chronic pain patients. You can look it up on line, read all the stories that people have tried it. I heard they might go generic soon. Suboxen is made up of two drugs. One is for the pain and the other is to keep people from abusing narcotics with it. I have just switched to taking the first half of the drug called subutex. I don't need the other half of the drug. So it works the same, but cheaper. I get 45 tabs for a month. It cost 169 cash at Costco. The full suboxen are much higher. I hope I didn't confuse you. The drug suboxen can only be prescribed by special doctors. They have to go to school for it. The subutex can be written by a regular dr. Only if used for chronic pain. Let me know if you need some clarification if you are interested.
Posted 8/27/2011 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
I just stared to reread your story. I have been there before, stoping my oxy's. I can't believe the dr. Is tapering her off that way. I don't want to scare you, but it's going to be ruff for awhile. If she can't do it, just take her to ER. That is what happen to me. I was admitted and placed on suboxen. I did agree to go to drug rehab because I wanted to learn how to manage my pain. It was the best thing I ever did. I went on outpatient basis, taking suboxen. My life is ten times better now that I am off those heavy narcotics. My depression is better also. I hope this helps you.
Posted 8/27/2011 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi matacka,

I'm sorry you're mom is having a hard time with pain control.
I take both Oxy and fentanyl patch for fibromyalgia and cervical pain.
The Dr should not have taken her off the Oxy's without tapering, could be painful and dangerous for your mom.I'm surprised any drvwould do that.

The fetanyl patch is easy to use ,and is changed every three days.
It is applied to skin and releases the medication slowly. I find good pain control with this ,and I use the percocet as needed in between.I've been on it for approx 6mos and have had no serious side effects.The only thing is constipation,and if she is on the oxycodone,then she might have that allready.

I would call the Dr depending on how your mom is doing off the Oct,so he can decrease it slowly.Your mom should see a pain management Dr,they are more versed on administration etc.
I'm on 75mcg of fentanyl now.You're mom should start at 25mcg and be gradually increased,until she has pain control.My pain is not completely gone ,but it makes the fibro pain more tolerable.
Hope she feels better.
Sage
Posted 8/28/2011 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you very much for your input's ! I really, really appreciate, especially at a time where nobody really wants to help. They hear the word oxy and they get turned off ASAP. I will go over this information that I read indefinitely with my family and weigh in her options. God bless you all. I'll get back with any progress this week.
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