I take norco 10/325, Xanax 1mg and zanaflex 4mg as well and I'm scared that it'll be too much once the patch starts to work.
How long does it take for butrans patch to start working?
Question posted by Psl70 on 6 Dec 2014
Last updated on 20 March 2017
Added 6 Dec 2014:
Butrans patch is 20mcg
Added 7 Dec 2014:While sleeping last night I kept having this strange feeling that I needed help but I couldn't move or scream out for help. First night wearing this patch and I have never experienced anything like this before! It was like I couldn't breath or move my body then all of sudden I would wake up in a panic and sweat. Has anyone experienced this while on butrans patch #20? I'm beginning to think this patch is not for me! My doc told me take norco for break through pain and I'm doing that.
Added 7 Dec 2014:Please help!!! It's like the doctors and pharmacists are clueless!!
Answers
LaurieShay
6 Dec 2014
You should experience the pain relieving effects of the patch within the first couple of days. I must warn you that this medication should be started at 5mcg and titrated up. Also, as stated below (excerpt from professional monograph), you must discontinue other opioid-type medications before starting the Butrans:
Use of BUTRANS as the First Opioid Analgesic
Initiate treatment with BUTRANS with a 5 mcg/hour patch.
​Conversion from Other Opioids to BUTRANS
Discontinue all other around-the-clock opioid drugs when BUTRANS therapy is initiated.
​There is a potential for buprenorphine to precipitate withdrawal in patients who are already on opioids.
So you really need to discontinue the Norco for 24 hours before starting the patch. Aside from this, your other medications are ok to take.
It would be best to have someone around to check on you while you begin using the patch. At least for the first 72 hours someone needs to make sure your breathing does not slow down too much.
Psl70
7 Dec 2014
Now that I have read this, I'm taking this patch off!
I've had it on since 10:00am and have continued my norco at 2 every 4 to 6 hrs. I have about 120 mg of norco in me from a 24 hr period and now I'm scared!! Should I remove the patch??
Psl70
7 Dec 2014
I have been on norco for 7 years and use to have the Fentynl patch with norco as Break through pain but decided to come off the patch because I didnt want them to keep upping the strength.
The doctor said since I've been on ops for so long she wanted to start me out on higher dose with the butrans..
LaurieShay
7 Dec 2014
Without explaining the chemistry of Butrans (buprenorphine), it can cause what is called precipitated withdrawals which is worse than regular withdrawals. Your doctor should be aware of this property and have instructed you so stop the Norco at least 24 hours before starting the Butrans. You can read the professional monograph by searching Butrans in above window and scrolling down the list to the professional monograph. I would contact the doctor and ask about this possibility. If you stop the Norco for 24 hours, be prepared to be uncomfortable during that time. You must be in mild withdrawal from the Norco to start the Butrans and the Norco will do little for you after starting the Butrans.
Psl70
8 Dec 2014
Thank you LaurieShay! I'm feeling it!! I've been vomiting and I am flushed with a low grade fever. I can't keep anything down, not even the norco. Calling pm doc this morning
LaurieShay
8 Dec 2014
This is precipitated withdrawal. Please phone doctor asap.
lisark
20 March 2017
You should really speak with your doctor about this. Many doctors who have patients using pain patches do prescribe another opioid pill to take for break through pain. So with that being said I don't see how taking your regular pain medicine until butran can take affect would be harmful. But as I said before, I think you might want to talk to your doctor before removing your patch. Good Luck, hope this helps.
Related topics
Further information
- Butrans uses and safety info
- Butrans prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Butrans (detailed)
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