Fentanyl for Pain User Reviews

• John...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 6, 2019

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "The "FALSE" opioid hysteria will pass in a few years, but unfortunately, many people will suffer until that time, and some, unfortunately, will not survive their malady until the ten or twenty years pass, thus, living out their remaining years in unnecessary pain!"

• Lakew...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2018

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I've had severe pain for the last 15 years after a T10 vertebrae fracture from an accident. I've had fentanyl patches for the last 12 years. It has provided the most pain relief and is the most constant pain relief that I've had. Now because of the opioid "scare & abuse" they are tapering me off the patches all together. I am scared to death about the amount of pain I'm going to be in. Right now my pain level is about 7.5. By the time the patches are gone I'll be literally flopping around like a fish out of water. That's how bad the pain was to begin with! The doctor doesn't have an answer as to how to control the pain after that. I've just been told that opioids don't work for chronic pain but I've found numerous articles stating that they DO work for some people's pain."

• Corey...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "The fentanyl transdermal system, (Duragesic 75 mcg/hr), aids greatly in the relief of my lower back pain. The only down side to the fentanyl patch is that after two days or 48 hours of wearing the patch, it seems as though my pain resurfaces pretty badly upon the third day of wearing the system. I spoke with my primary physician about this issue and he suggested dispensing 15 patches each month so I could replace the system once every 48 hours or two days. Since I've been changing the patch every two days, my pain has reduced greatly and I haven't had to use my "rescue" oxycodone 20 mg IR tablets as much. THANK YOU DURAGESIC."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I too am extremely greatful for these Duragesic Patches. My only recommendation to future recipients is to invest in paper medical tape. These patches have a tendancy to come loose or completely fall off prior to the removal date."

• Anonymous
• April 23, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "These have saved my life, I've been on the patch for 3 months, 25 mcg, every 48 hours. I think maybe one more adjustment will do it. Keep in mind they are to be used with a breakthrough medicine also. Well since I've been on patches I forgot about pills. Still have to take them though. I have 6 year old boy I can play with him again. That means the world to me. Give them time to work, and it took 3 adjustments to get them right, it took 6 weeks, three 2 wk trial periods. Word of warning my doctor went on vacation during trial period, I had only been taking them for a month, the withdraws were very bad. As soon as he got back I couldn't wait to start on them again. That says a lot. You have to plan ahead with these meds. Call 4 or 5 days before refill."

• rusty...
• April 29, 2009

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I sympathize with the anonymous user who has been on the patch for only one month (comments dated 4/24). I have been on this patch for 8-10 years now. Sadly ... Long story short, I went through a lot in the beginning too. I am one of the small percentage of people who needed to change the patch every 48 hours instead of 72 because I was experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms (which is what you are describing) whenever I waited 72 hours. The 48 hours made a difference. However, it isn't a perfect system, there are problems, sweating it off during summer, no more pool, etc. It's not perfect and breakthrough medicines are needed in my case. Long-term use gets tricky, be careful and good luck."

• butte...
• January 28, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have used fentanyl patch for 8 years. I have oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I have bulging disc L4-L5, fibromyalgia, depression, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc and back disease, chronic pain and fatigue. The side effects I have are constipation and sweats. When I have a really active day on the 3rd day I do notice I hurt more and use the pain medicine. I try not to overuse them. I am monitored regularly. Still need an epidural or trigger point shots occasionally. I became disabled at age 39 now 50. That part is not good but life is manageable now! I can live again!"

• SUZAN...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 3, 2012

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I was "scared" at first to try Duragesic because I knew this was a very strong pain killer. But I was taking so many pills without much relief that something else had to be done. I still have some pain (back pain - 3 compression fxs., and a fractured kneecap). The patches have been a big help in managing all my bone pain. Glad I was "brave" enough to try them. My Dr. is great to prescribe them,"

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) "my husband was taking over 10 hydrocodoine pills a day for his back pain until he found a dr. that finally helped him and has got him on duragesic 75 patches he has done so much better with his pain that we get along so much better .the only time he is having some pain now is when it is almost time for his patch to be changed to a new one."

• Maureen
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 15, 2020

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "A thousand words or less I guess, I started taking fentanyl patches 25 mg about 10 years plus ago I have chronic pain my my back has been fused. Don't let the fentanyl scare you but don't keep going up on the dose. If you go up you have to keep going up.It does help take off the deep pain but you need to learn how to cope and just suck up some of the pain. Talk with your doctor and see if he can add a little bit of Norco, or muscle relaxers, or Valium something like that to kind of help. The pain will come back around when you are really stressed out so try to keep yourself calm. Off insurance fentanyl is about $75 a month make sure you use any discount vouchers"

• Mert
• December 23, 2009

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "3 years ago I was prescribed one 12.5 mcg patch every 72 hours for unidentified pelvic pain. My doctor increased the dose until my pain was manageable with 100mcg/72 hrs. I've found that the patches with gel reserves (i.e Watson) won't stay on unless taped down. Also, by the 3rd day my pain would spike, even with the additional oxycodone I took for breakthrough pain. Now, instead of putting on one 100mcg patch at a time, I put one 50mcg patch on and then another on the next day. On day 3 I don't put one on, and then replace the first patch on day 4. Ask your doctor to cut your dose in half but prescribe 2x the amount of patches (10, 50mcg patches=20, 25 mcg patches). And invest in medical tape! The patch has been a life saver."

• Sickl...
• December 7, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I have been on Duragesic for past 2 years. I'm on a dose of 150mcg every 72 hours. I have Sickle Cell Anemia and have intolerable back pain on a daily basis. These patches work wonders for my pain but I am a girl who loves to take baths. Just letting you know that you should not take really hot or really long baths while on the patch. I did and I thought I was going to die. My heart began to race and I had trouble breathing. After I struggled to get out of bathtub my husband snatched the patches off, scrubed the area they were at and I started feeling better in about 10-15 minutes. I love it for the pain but hate it for my baths."

• mlbinGA
• October 23, 2008

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Thank God for this medication. It has allowed me to have a life. Initially there was some nausea, but after a couple of days it subsided. Before I was honestly suicidal because I could not get relief from my back/hip pain. Now, most of the time, I'm able to function like a normal person. "

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2012

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I started on the patch approximately 6 yrs ago with a 0.50 patch for low back pain. Due to withdrawal symptoms on the third day, (sweating, chills, fatigue) I was increased to a 0.75 patch and then again to a 0.100 patch. I've been on it for two years and with the exception of the first 36-48 hrs. I have side-effect problems that are terrible. I have lost all my upper teeth due to gum loss and decay, this just after spending $2000 to get my teeth put into shape. I go from hot flashes and drenching sweats to chills every 10 to 15 minutes. I have severe backache, headache and urine retention. The patch did wonders for my pain, but long term, the side-effects aren't worth it for me."

• Sugar...
• February 28, 2008

Actiq (fentanyl) "I have horrible nerve pain. Neither vicodin, oxycontin, morphine or any other opium based medicine worked. Plus my body had gotten used to the other pain pills. The actiq was AMAZING! It almost completely rid me of the pain (1000x stronger than morphine) and it is measured in micrograms (Mcg)it is so powerful. It was perfect for my burning nerve pain, and nerve spasms. Easiest drug to get BOTH chemically AND mentally addicted. Be careful"

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2011

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I had the shingles and the bumps went away, but the pain didn't. It was so severe that I could barley work. People didn't understand or believe me because you could not see my pain. I went to several pain specialists and I feel I was in the ER every other week. The pills they were giving me didn't help. I finally found the Pain Specialist that believed me. I am blessed that I found the right specialist and I am now using the 100mg Fentanyl Patches along with other medicine. It has saved my life and I am only in my 30s."

• Anonymous
• July 2, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I'm thankful that I found a doctor that understood what I was dealing with and prescribed this medication. Without it I was just existing, and now have a full life. The 3rd day is tough when the medicine is wearing off, but by the middle of the first day of a new patch things are back in order."

• kolin...
• May 4, 2010

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Have been on Fentanyl 50 mcg patches for 3 years. Tried name brand Duragesic-worked best, Mylan-stuck best/less relief, Watson and Sandoz generic worked similarly, but Sandoz do not stick as well. Watson seem to work best in the first 24 hrs, while Sandoz lasts longer. To keep from falling off: 3M Tegaderm film transparent dressing. 4inch x 4 and 3/4 inch size works best for 50mcg size patches. Tegaderm patches usually available from the pharmacy counter-no script needed. Put over the patch when you first apply it - you will survive hot showers, etc. Menopause/ hot flashes-another story, as the perspiration is under the patch which inhibits its ability to osmose the medicine. Best to change every 48-60 hrs for best pain relief."

• ABUSHRN
• December 5, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I have been on Duragesic Patches for the past 12 years and they work well for me. Because I have been on them so long my dose is high and they are very expensive but thankfully we have insurance. If you take the brand name Duragesic Patches you can call the company and have overlay patches sent free, that help keep the patches on much better. I change my patches every two days. It is a very expensive medicine but definitely a live saver."

• SteverJ
• February 25, 2010

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have used the fentanyl patch in times past with very good success for the treatment of severe (7-9) range pain due to spinal injuries and deteriation. From my broad experience over the last ten years, I believe this to be the most effective medication. I got off it during a period of some symptom improvement and have been using methadone and percocet instead. I am now at a point that I am needing to resume the fentanyl. It is a very serious medication and I strongly suggest you don't use it if you can get along with anything else. More than most others it requires a highly personalized approach to amount and timing of dosage so counsel with your pharmacist and doctor. Do NOT try to get off of this med without your Dr's help."

• Kanna
• December 18, 2011

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have Fibrolmyalgia, degenerative disc disease in my lumbar region and neck, my tailbone is broken in two places and has been for over two years, sciatica on both sides, degenerative disease in both hips, and chondromylacia in my knees. I finally got to go to a pain management specialist this last year. Oxycodone was horrible - worked minimally for an hour or two and then nothing. Lortab was okay, but nowhere near strong enough. Demerol wasn't strong enough, and caused me to have seizures. Butrans made me suicidal and had such horrible withdrawal symptoms. If you ever hear that name coming from your doctor, run. Then, we tried Fentanyl 62 mcgs and I'm finally getting somewhere. Needs to go up, but NO side effects except sweating."

• KAMPa...
• March 30, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) "This medication has completely changed my life. I was on 45 mg. MSContin and 10mg. Percosets for breakthroughs and was breaking through every day, multiple times a day. Then my doctor put me on Fentanyl patches (generic Duragesic), 25 mcg/hr., changed every 3 days. Literally, my life changed overnight. Pain is now down to "noise" level--yeah, I'm not 100% pain free, but no pain med can do that. Now, I breakthrough maybe once over the 3-day period."

• Carol...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 4, 2013

"I went through the myriad of short acting oral analgesics, and just couldn't stand the constant ups and downs, and always felt like I was only comfortable for half of the life of the pill. I asked my doctor to take me off OxyContin (40 mg.), he offered Duragesic as an alternative. I use 100 mcg every 3 days with no problem. Side effects are constipation, and short term memory loss. I'll happily trade that for effective pain relief. A huge plus is not developing a tolerance for it, so I don't have to have it constantly increased over the years. I don't use "breakthrough" meds, but I use Lyrica (about 6 years now) to help with pain from nerve damage. The combination works great for me."

• belldom
• November 24, 2011

Duragesic (fentanyl) "My doctor recently put me on the Duragesic patches. For years I have tried many other medications with nothing positive to say about them, until now. I tried the patch and automatically thought it was great. I put the patch on, and it seemed like even though it says 72 hours it really only helped for 48. I made my doctor aware of these concerns and he instructed me to replace the patch every 48 hours and placed me on a breakthrough medication. Since then I have actually been comfortable for the first time since my accident. I think the patch is great!"

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2010

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have been in pain management for almost a year now, before was just being treated by a variety of different doctors. Primary, Nuerologist, Nerve Experts and so on...Finally asked for referral to Pain Management for injection therapy. I have been on every pain medicine out there. I have a bulging disc between c4 and c5, occipital neuralgia, and severe right sciatic nueropathy in my right leg below my knee. Now I am on 50 mg of Fentanyl every 48 hours and was told by doctor to leave old patch on when I put on the new one at bedtime and remove old one in morning because it takes about 8-12 hours before the medicines from the patch are fully in your system. Have to use Tegaderm Films to keep patch on but it seems to work okay. Have Vicodin for breakthrough."