[vhc]

I've had cervical spinal pain for 15 yrs. 2 surgeries the past 3 years hasn't helped.
Now I take 4 10mg Lortab daily. My doc says that's too much acetominiphen for my liver so he started me on the Duragesic patch. Each patch releases 2.5mg of fentanyl into my system every 72 hrs. Then I replace it. I've read about fentanyl and it's supposed to be a strong opioid. Well, I've had the first patch on for 2 days and my question is when does this shhh-stuff start to work?! Good God, I'm miserable! Does anyone out there know any tricks to accelerate the administration of the fentanyl into the bloodstream? Make it work quicker. I need relief and I need it now. Thanks.

[jennifermw]

it usually takes a few days to start working. If the patch is only 25mcg then it may not work. this is the lowest dosage and it is for people who don't use narcotics. Hopefully your on 50, 75, or 100 this is used for people who have ben on narcotics. if not talk to your doc

[kcollin4]

take a hot washcloth as hot as you can stand it and put it on the patch till it cools do it a couple of times that will help release the contents faster.

[kevb]

vhc,
hi i have been on those patches, but my doc started me on the 100's as any other does was just not enough.
it just looks like you are not on a strong enough does and you need to tel your doc to move you up to the next one until they take effect properly. by the the uptake time is 10 hours.
hopes this helps
kev

[littlebarbie]

quote:Originally posted by kevb

vhc,
hi i have been on those patches, but my doc started me on the 100's as any other does was just not enough.
it just looks like you are not on a strong enough does and you need to tel your doc to move you up to the next one until they take effect properly. by the the uptake time is 10 hours.
hopes this helps
kev

[littlebarbie]

Okay, I'm a newbie here and don't have a clue as to how to respond. But I just wanted to comment on the duragesic patch. I take the 100ug for fibro pain. I have to say it works great. Here is my question -- I titrated from 25 to 100 and I'm wondering if I can go any higher on the med? If I stay at 100, which is about a year now, I am getting pain now (flares). What do I do or say to my doctor? If I keep staying at 100, will I perhaps start having withdrawals? Thanks for anyone's suggestion(s)!
littlebarbie

[lilith]

Some people use hair dryers to heat the patch and have the medicine released faster. Careful now, don't set yourself on fire.

LILITH