Fentanyl for Chronic Pain User Reviews (Page 3)

• b0ynsea
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have been using the 50 now for 4 months, I do regularly wake up and the bed is soaked in sweat, the patches never work for 3 days and on the 3rd day I am back on my Norco. I have found that if I shower 1-1.5 hours prior to a new patch and hold it in place they stick much better, the pain relief is much better than the Norco but I recently noticed a wheezing cough that is getting worse could be allergies, but wondering if others have had the massive sweats. I still work and sometimes if in a position I know that would be painful without the patch. "

• johndog
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I was on the Fentanyl Patches for approx. 3 months. The 1st month was good, though no patch ever lasted 3 days. My doc updated my script to changing them every 48 hrs. By the third month, no patch was lasting more than 30hrs, and I was going through withdrawals so bad on the 2nd day that I have been switched to methadone pills for pain. I also had trouble with the patches staying on during showers. "

• Judee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2017

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I've had neck surgery, both shoulder surgeries and chronic low back (disc) problems for the past 14 years. Oral medications somewhat helped OxyContin, then Oxycodone and Morphine sulfate. Even Ibuprofen 800 for inflammation in my muscles and sciatic nerve on left leg. But, recently my Dr. put me on Fentanyl patch 25mcg/72 hour. It was amazing, I was pain free!! But, at a cost. I couldn't tolorate the side effects. For me? It affected my torso and abdomen area felt numb like Novacaine. It weakened my back and leg muscles. All within the first 16 days. I removed the (6th) patch then hospitalized, had a MRI of my brain to rule out Stroke. Almost complete loss of balance, using a cane. Started therapy to regain strength. No longer on the patch."

• SnowW...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2014

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I was on 25mcg/72 hours (then every 48 hours) for RSD/CRPS along with Norco for breakthrough pain. This medicine worked great for about the first month or two then stopped. For some reason my body stopped processing it properly and it quit helping me at all. And the side effects were awful (namely weight gain and HORRIBLE sweating!) Also, getting the patches to stay on, even with the overlays (sent free from Mylan- the brand my pharmacy stocked- just call Mylan to get them) was difficult, especially with all the sweating. Happy to be getting off this. Hoping to find something else that will work without the side effects of Fentanyl."

• brave...
• January 3, 2017

Duragesic (fentanyl) "I have been on all different meds for CRPS that I got from a work related injury 16 years ago. Tried just about all the extended release options available but they caused intolerable side effects. Even tried neurontin but only got side effects. This drug changed my life. I could function because the pain was tolerable for the first time in years. I do not know what I will do if it is ever unavailable to me. I still need something for break through pain but I can live an almost functional life now. I am at 125 mcg. every 48 hours. I found that 72 hours was too long between changes as the pain was intolerable on the 3rd day."

• wm05
• November 21, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have been on the 75 mcg Fentanyl patch for about four years now. I've have had problems finding pharmacies that carry my patches so I hope they aren't taking them off the market. But they have helped me a lot with my back before/after surgery I switch them every 48 hrs otherwise I start going through withdrawal."

• chesb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Spinal fusion pain is often severe while usually moderate. My doctor prescribed 100 mcgs for the usual 72 hrs., but after about 6 weeks of use I entered into painful, often agonizing withdrawal symptoms during the night and had to replace my lost, misplaced patch. Pain relief is satisfactory, but I find the Transdermal system's adhesion properties unreliable at best. Tegaderm adhesive film is essential for extra security while holding the patch to the skin. Unfortunately, my Fentanyl patches are vulnerable to moisture and prematurely weaken, even with the added film."

• Patie...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 2, 2019

"I am a retired dentist and have been prescribed Fentanyl for over 10 years. Starting with Actiq, then Duragesic and now Compounded transmucosal fentanyl lozenges. I have CRPS (chronic regional pain syndrome) for 20 years. My dosage slowly increased over time minimizing the side effects. Currently the only side effect is decreased testosterone from the long-term use. All other symptoms can be attributed to my condition. While it doesn't completely treat the pain, in most cases it lowers it 2 to 3 steps on the McGill pain index. (Which is better than all other narcotics used. It was most effective when used with an intrathecal pump but I no longer use one. Currently I am taking it by pen pain and is well tolerated. There is no altered mental state, drowsiness or constipation. The lack of constipation is due to IBS. The main issue is the cost since chronic pain is not a primary indication and insurance use that to deny payment. (currently $5500.00/month)"

• SuzLeik
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2014

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "This medicine was covered for me by Worker's Compensation when I was taking it, but they decided that they would not pay for it any longer. This decision was made and introduced statewide and Doctors were instructed to prescribe something else for their patients. It has been a TERRIBLE decision because pills are not nearly as effective as the patches, and sadly I am not financially capable of paying for the patches myself. I would love to have the patches back, they are an excellent product."

• agent...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 27, 2018

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Been taking Fentanyl for about 6 years now. Was on hydrocodone before this for about 10 years. At first it was great. 50mcg every 3 days. then to 75 then to 100mcg. I work very hard sometimes in 110f degree weather. The withdrawals are the worst thing I have ever experienced. No joke I just can't take it if my patch sweats away to fast. If you can do without it then do without it. The people that know what it feels like will agree it's absolutely horrific. Ever hear the phrase "pooping bricks". The people who tested this made that up that phrase - it is just like a brick. Lost weight and wish I would have never used it. Gets rid of 70% of my pain. Pain or withdrawals and side effects? I choose pain."

• dedel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2015

Subsys (fentanyl) "I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. My Pain Dr. recommended this when I became Opioid Tolerant. This drug works fantastic and fast for pain. Please be aware though within 6 months my Dr. had to increase dosage several times for same affect, and higher doses caused "narcolepsy attacks" and severe panic/anxiety attacks. I ultimately decided the pain control was not worth the side affects. Getting off of it was a nightmare, withdrawal from hell, ended up needing assistance to get off of Subsys. For a terminal patient I would recommend this medicine, for someone trying to function a normal life please think twice and tread carefully."

• Love...
• April 19, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I started at the 12.5mcg/hr but had to increase to 25mcg/hr. I was amazed at how well they worked, the pain was almost gone 80-90% of the time. I have found that already the pain is creeping back, I'm not sure if it's because I need a stronger patch or because they fall off so easily. I have even tried heating it with my blow dryer to get it hot enough to stick again, it worked only once. I'm going to have my Dr read your comments, he doesn't believe that they don't stick the full 3 days. I have to go the 3rd day without a patch so it coincides with my scripts. What do you do when you swim in the summer, take it off while in the pool? Thank all of you for your reviews, I appreciate them. "

• Me in...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2015

"Using fentanyl for spinal stenosis and colon cancer. I really can say enough how well it works. I have no side effects. Fentanyl gave my life back to me, I lived on couch for 5 years. Its just enough to make pain bearable without getting high. 50 mcg/hr. There is one thing I want to pass on. I cant speak for any other state. I have random urine tests and have no problem with the tests. But I come to find out I am on VT narcotic users data base. Who cares right? Wrong when looking into this data base I am listed with all the druggies. Their is not a separate list for prescription users. As far as this list goes being mixed with drug abusers is just wrong. An nothing can be done to change this data base."

• B1ack...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 12, 2013

Duragesic (fentanyl) ""Duragesic" is an excellent chronic pain medication: no euphoric issues following the first couple weeks of use and initial body adjustment, etc., steady pain relief with minimal "Ups and Downs" in effectiveness (i.e., break through pain). However, myself, as with many users, find that it is necessary to change the patch every 48 hours, vs. the potential 72 hours (i.e., obviously this is with your doctor's approval). Also, putting the patch on takes a degree of practice and again, as with many, find it necessary to cover it with an approved "3M Tegaderm Cover" to prevent premature loss of adhesion. "

• LA80s...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2016

"my experiecnce with the patches is that they work amazing if you get the right dose and the correct brand. The matrix patches are junk you are lucky if they stay on after 24 hrs if you take a shower and happen to have oily skin. Now the gel patches work extremely well - the adhesive for some reason is way better. I read over some comments also about what classifys 48 hr to 72hr and that would be your physician also if you really read the papers that come in your boxes of fentanyl you will notice that the pharmakinetics of the patch over the 72 hours the first 24 are ok then from 24-48 is peak working condition then they start to taper off and this is what you need to explain to your physcian show paperwork & pain diary hope that helped"

• seraf...
• July 30, 2014

"I shattered my L1 in 1997 they put me on Oxycontin 40, 150 a month but I was always running out then the doctor put me on methadone as well but I was on the nod all the time and sleeping, then I went to a pain management doctor for pro logog injections and he took me off the meds I was on and put me on the 100 patch but it was not enough so he put me on 200 ml every 48 hrs. If it wasn't for the doctor and the fentanyl my mother of 78 would still be outside shoveling the driveway in the winter. I have a life now because of the patch."

• Eugene
• September 14, 2015

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Was on vicodin for years and was taking 8 a day. Doctors recommended Fentanyl. I got immediately relief. I have to apply 1 every 72 hrs. 100mcg. For me it works but doesn't last 72 hrs. Should be able to overlap. My breakthrough med is morphine codone. Wish I could find a breakthrough med that works for me. Chronic pain for 15-20 yrs."

• Magirl
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 30, 2019

"I have been using Fentanyl for the past 7 years for chronic pain. By far it has been the most effective against my pain before using it I was on all other strong medications none of them worked for me. I use a transparent adhesive to help hold it in place and it works. Because of people misusing opioid my pain management doctor felt it was better to have me change it one day sooner instead of increasing my dose. I’m currently using 50 mcg every 48 hours."

• Dede...
• June 23, 2015

"I use to take 180 10/325 norco for my chronic pain issues, I am bone on bone in my neck, left shoulder and left knee, I had a very serious operation in 2010 on my back, all kinds of hardware put in etc, I been going to pain management for 2 yrs and my Dr would not up my meds or give me anything else, finally my Dr wasn't there one day so I seen a nurse practioner , I was telling her my story, so she gave me 12 mcg fentenyl patch with 3 norco 10/325 a day for break thru pain, I tell you this med has been a life saver for me, I sleep better at night, my pain isn't 100% gone but it has been drastically reduced , Iam so happy !"

• Gunman
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2015

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I've had back problems for about 5 years now. I'm scheduled to undergo my 3rd surgery in a month. I've taken every pain medication on the market. My last concoction was 60mg OxiContin twice a day and 30 mg Roxicodone 6 times a day as needed for breakthrough pain. I also took 10mg Valium every night. About 2 months ago, my neurosurgeon recommended the Fentanyl patch. I was a little sceptical but I trust my doctor so I agreed. My initial dose was one 50 mcg/hr patch every 72 hours. I experienced some relief but still needed my breakthrough medication at least twice a day. After 2 weeks, my dose was increased to one 75 mcg/hr patch every 48-72 hours depending on my pain. I now have my life back and rarely need my breakthrough medication."

• GBS-
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2014

"I have a Pars defect and spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 and also a rare variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (a rare autoimmune form of peripheral neuropathy). I had been taking 120mg/day of MS-Contin & 60mg/day of oxycodone (along with gabapentin and muscle relaxer). Switching to the patch (75mcg changed every 48hrs) has made a big difference - I actually have mornings where I wake up not in awful pain! I've been able to be more mobile, more independent, and have even been able to lower my daily oxycodone intake to 50mg. It was kind of tricky at first to find the best places to put the patch. Also, I learned Mylan (maker of the generic patch I use) will send covers so you don't have to buy the Tegederm ones; just contact them through their website."

• Pain...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 22, 2016

Duragesic (fentanyl) "Been taking This medication for over 13 years responsibly!!! It has helped tremendously to control my pain but not without side effects of not being able to sleep well ever and constant sweating 24/7. Much safer to use than oral meds and no stomach problems."

• Sweet...
• June 18, 2017

"I was on 50mg. Of the fentanyl patch for 12yrs. 4 months ago, I finally spoke up saying it just isn't working anymore, So my dr. Switched me to OxyContin 40MG. It has not touched my pain! I was getting more relief on the 50mg, patch then on OxyContin, so I'm going to ask to go back to patch and have it upped to 75mg. I am also on 8mg. Of Diaudid 3xday for break through pain. I do hate that I have to buy the bioclusive tape to keep on. The patch for me works much better. I never really have had any side effects from the patch, the only time I had side effect was when I first tried it 12 yrs ago, it made me loopy and very out of it, but that went away. The way they had me taking the patch was, put a new one on every 2 days."

• Lasardo
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 3, 2014

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have Crohn's Disease, 30 degree scoliosis, 14 reconstructive surgeries on my pelvis. Among many other issues. I was mainly put on it because a Crohn's patient does not absorb oral meds very well. The Mylan brand is the only one that works (change 48 hrs) but I sweat profusely! The doctor will not switch me. It does work for pain, yes, but getting them to stick while constantly sweating is another story."

• AliCat
• February 14, 2013

"I find it helpful for the 48 hrs. I think maybe I need a higher dose or my body temp runs too high and I just need to change it every two days. This medication though like I have seen some say has helped so much and once we get the dose right I think will really make a difference in my life. I have not slept in over ten years like I have since starting the patch due to pain. No insurance, I just turned 27. I pretty much just dealt with it all up until almost 2 yrs ago now. Anyways I would recommend it for continued around the clock relief. It takes some time to figure it out for you but it's worth it if it works for you. Blessing to all. Hope everyone can find the help and relief you deserve."