[ellee]

Hi there.

I have been on 80 mg (20 mg, 4 x day) of oxycodone for many years b/c of chronic migraines. I have had them for abt. 20 years and this is the only med that I have ever taken that has helped.

I scheduled my next dr's appt incorrectly and now only have 2 pills left (less than a day). I called my dr. and unfortunately she was out of town last week, so no help there. I left a messg. for her and when I called back was told, "she wants you to take the Fentora (fentanyl) that she gave you awhile back until you can come in on Tues". I asked for dose info and the receptionist of course didn't have that info!! Now it is the weekend and the dr. is not available.

I understand that you guys are not drs, but how does fentanyl compare to oxycodone? The Fentora is 100 mcg strength. I am hoping to not go into full withdrawal symptoms because I have had them before and UGH....

Thanks

[Dave87666]

Relax,you're not going to go into w/d.You should be quite pleased with the patch.....

BTW I knwo you said "chronic" so do you seriuosly have them everyday? I am just curious thats all...

[ellee]

Yep, every day. Before I started the Oxy, I couldn't even get out of bed and function. My head felt like it was going to explode, I had the awful nausea that comes with it and saw flashing lights. I have 3 kids, so there is no way that I can put up with that all the time! Oxy is the only med that I have tried in 20 years (have had migraines since 15 years old) that has worked well and consistently. Of course I have been to every neurologist and pain specialist in my area and they all treat me for awhile and then pass me off to someone else when they get frustrated!

You seem like you are very knowledgeable Dave. I do start having w/d symptoms if I am a few HOURS without the Oxy (bad, I know). I have 2 pills (40 mg total) for today (half of what I usually have) and NONE for tomorrow. I figure I will probably feel alright today, but like *something else* tomorrow. I don't want to split the two pills I have (one for today and one for tomorrow) cause that would just be spreading out the misery.

If I start the fentanyl (not the patch, the buccal tablet), will I probably have some w/d symptoms? I get awful chills, anxiety, diarrhea...all of it. I get more oxy on Tues.

Thanks!

[ellee]

An update:

I did try one of the fentanyl tabs and it did nothing for my migraine pain. My main worry is not pain relief at this point though, but keeping away from those dreaded w/ds, which I am already beginning to feel.

I guess one day of feeling awful won't kill me

[Cats Meow]

The problem Ellee is Fentora is short acting, it'll start providing relief in about 8 minutes, but only lasts for 1-2 hours, you're use to a constant titration. Fentora is used mainly for break thru pain, and Fentanyl is a very fine pain med, so don't go away thinking Fentora is no good, it's just not designed to substitue for a controlled release narcotic, but it should help you some.

[ellee]

Yeah, woke up once during the middle of the night w/ classic beginnings of w/d (anxiety, restless legs). I took another Fentora and 1/2 of a xanax .25 mg (which I NEVER use..) and went back to sleep.

I have had to take 2 Fentora already this morning and its only 9:45. Guess I had better be careful not to take too much. Like I said, not too worried abt. keeping away the pain today, just the w/d symptoms.

Thanks for your input!