Fentanyl User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• cal...
• March 10, 2014

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I have been using fentanyl on and off for about 4 years. I had spinal fusion done on L2-L5, also, out of the 8 screws in my back, the doctors left one of the screws with the sharp point on it, so it jabs into my back muscle. I have tried every pain medicine on the market and have to say fentanyl works the best. I no longer wake up from pain. It is, in my opinion, the best pain medication available on the market. I used to have to get it off the streets because no doctor believed I was in pain (I am in my 30s), now I finally found a doctor who prescribes it to me, God bless him for it. I'm using 50 mcg every 48 hrs. I still get a little pain after any activity that stresses my back, so I might ask to try 75 mcg, but I am glad I have these patches."

• Mau...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 15, 2020

Fentanyl for Pain "A thousand words or less, I guess. I started taking fentanyl patches, 25 mg, about 10 years ago. I have chronic pain, 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, 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."

• Sug...
• February 28, 2008

Fentanyl for Pain "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."

• Ani...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 29, 2012

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I also have to change my patches, 100 mcg, every 48 hours. It seems that the research on the patches lasting 72 hours may be faulty! I have been on the patches since 2003, starting at 100 mcg, and having to increase after a surgery to fuse cervical discs, and increased pain from fibromyalgia, degenerative disc in lower back, cysts on kidneys and ovaries, and uterine fibroids. I never have problems with my patches falling off, even with the excessive sweating. I use Mylan brand."

• ABU...
• December 5, 2008

Fentanyl for Pain "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, which help keep the patches on much better. I change my patches every two days. It is a very expensive medicine but definitely a lifesaver."

• Inv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2020

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "Sharky, who wrote about Mallinckrodt, switched to Aposto manufacturing. I could have written that exactly as you described... what I did & what I fear. Had to get another Rx from the doctor, but got Mallinckrodt. One week and already improved pain level. FYI: I have tried a number of brands, including Mylan. The only one effective for me is Mallinckrodt. A Post has the same packaging graphics and colors as Mallinckrodt. I didn't notice the change, but my body knew. Med person: 'It's the same stuff.' No, it isn't! My fear: Mallinckrodt is being sued, and rumors on the street are facing bankruptcy. Without that brand, I'm disabled. If they are out, I'm out. What do I do? Trying to be proactive. Thanks. Inventing joy."

• kol...
• May 4, 2010

Fentanyl for Pain "I have been on Fentanyl 50 mcg patches for 3 years. I tried the name brand Duragesic, which worked best, while Mylan stuck best with less relief. Watson and Sandoz generics worked similarly, but Sandoz does not stick as well. Watson seems to work best in the first 24 hours, while Sandoz lasts longer. To keep the patches from falling off, I use a 3M Tegaderm film transparent dressing. The 4-inch by 4 and 3/4 inch size works best for 50 mcg size patches. Tegaderm patches are usually available from the pharmacy counter - no prescription needed. I put it over the patch when I first apply it - you will survive hot showers, etc. Menopause and hot flashes are another story, as the perspiration is under the patch, which inhibits its ability to osmose the medicine. It is best to change every 48-60 hours for the best pain relief."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2012

Fentanyl for Pain "I started on the patch approximately 6 years 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 hours, 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."

• Log...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 17, 2016

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "Have osteoarthritis, stenosis, and poor lumbar discs. Medical retirement with back at age 59, am 75 and have been on 75 or 100 mcg/hr Fentanyl patches for 15 years. I take hydrocodone/acet. 10/325 mg, 2-4 times most days to supplement my up or down daily pain ride. Mylan patches best to adhere and change EVERY 48 hrs. as prescribed. Take 2 to 4 1 mg alprazolams per day for anxiety. This recipe has given me a solid life for years. Only side effects ever have been a 'whoever' would fail to refill alprazs. on time, then anxiety withdrawals are rough. Bottom line: Fentanyl patches are life savers."

• dug...
• February 27, 2009

Fentanyl for Breakthrough Pain "I was in a terrible car accident and kept having chronic back pain. I finally found out I had herniated L4 and L5 in my lower back. I was given so many different medicines by my pain management doctors. Nothing was working, not even the epidural steroid shots, until I was put on Duragesic. I have been on them for 3 years, and I wear two patches. I am on 125 mcg. I was basically almost hopeless until I was put on fentanyl. Now I have never felt better. At 27 and a single mother of a five-year-old, I could not afford to be in the pain I was in. I wear the patches every 48 hours, and I still have breakthrough medicines. I'm thankful for this miracle drug."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2016

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "Years ago, I was on the older formula of Fentanyl, and it worked wonders with minimal dosage and breakthrough meds. After the companies reformulated the drug, it isn't nearly as good as it used to be and has many more side effects, brand depending. Mylan works best for me as far as fewer side effects, but none work for the 72 hours they are supposed to. Originally, my max dose was 75 mcg for 1.5 years prior to surgery. This time I am up to 125 mcg within the first year, plus 10/325 Norco 4 times daily, plus muscle relaxers for aut fusion of L3-S1. Pain level on day 1 is at 7, day 2 is at 4, day 3 is at 8. I have to put my new patches on before taking the old off, or life is hell. Thanks to drug addicts, illegal activity, and government interference, the doctor can no longer help."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 16, 2013

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "Have been taking Duragesic for 10 years. It works great. I use a coupon that covers up to $50 out of pocket. My insurance copay is $35, therefore, I pay nothing for name brand. The generic does not work as effectively as name."

• bla...
• December 6, 2008

Fentanyl for Breakthrough Pain "This medication was like a miracle for me. I'm on two other narcotics, but they hardly touch the pain. With this, I feel as good as I did 13 years ago before I became disabled. Use responsibly as your doctor prescribes. This is by far the most relief I've ever had."

• MRH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Chronic Pain "So very curious, I've been out of the pain management game for a while. 5 years to be exact. Then I got hurt again, and here we are now. So I'm on fentanyl 75 mcg. I put one on yesterday at noon. It's now 7:30 pm following day. I then put another one on today at 3 pm.. it's now 7:30. I don't feel like it is working! I'm still hurting and definitely not feeling the way I used to on these things. It's a Mylan patch. Anyone else have an issue that the Mylan fentanyl patches don't seem to work?"

• Mar...
• July 2, 2013

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "This is a lifesaver for me, and I have tried just about every type of opioid out there. Sweating was the only issue, but that went away after my first week of taking the medication. I would highly recommend it to anyone with chronic pain."

• dpo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2012

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I had spinal fusion (L4-S2), and my doctor is stating I need to possibly have L2-L3 fused. My doctor had me on Norco, and this did little, and then while he was out of the office one day, another doctor in his office saw me and put me on Fentanyl. At first, it was great, I had the same problem everyone else had with patches only lasting 48 hours, and it was impossible to find some place they would stay on. But later, it was hard to regulate my body temperature, I would get burning hot and then cold, and it wasn't because the patch was old or not on. This medication helps my pain more than anything else."

• Ste...
• February 25, 2010

Fentanyl for Pain "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 deterioration. 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 the amount and timing of dosage, so counsel with your pharmacist and doctor. Do NOT try to get off of this med without your doctor's help."

• Alm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2014

Fentanyl for Breakthrough Pain "I was prescribed Subsys after being on the fentanyl patch for 6 months, 100 every 48 hours, and as my cancer progressed and treatments happened, which caused more pain, I needed something for breakthrough pain really bad. I would be put down to my knees from the pain and just lay in my bed moaning like a child, but Subsys works within minutes, eases the pain where I can feel it just literally fade away. I'd be in a wheelchair without it, or bedridden."

• Dep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2015

For Chronic Pain "I'm a 37-year-old male, 6'8'', about 250 lbs. I've worked in corrections for about 12 years. I've had 3 back surgeries in 18 months and have been on Lortabs, Percocet to Roxycodone, and it helped to some extent. I now have to have another surgery for 9 ruptured discs, along with epidural fibrosis and granulation of the S-1 nerve root. My family doctor recently put me on the Fentanyl 50 patch, and it's the best thing I have ever had. I can actually walk and sleep. I used to spend up to 70% of my day in bed due to the pain, now I can function to somewhat of my old self. Nothing will completely take away the pain, but man, these patches are awesome! No need for pills anymore. Don't let the fear of becoming addicted to these keep you from enjoying life."

• Kan...
• December 18, 2011

Fentanyl for Pain "I have fibromyalgia, 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 chondromalacia 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."

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2014

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "Have been using Fentanyl for over 3 years now, and wonder what kind of shape I would be in if I hadn't been offered this medicine. It is definitely working for me, and I am so glad I was a candidate for it."

• Don...
• September 16, 2016

Fentanyl for Breakthrough Pain "Used several years ago. I was prescribed the fentanyl patch for 72 hours (3 days). Actiq was prescribed for breakthrough pain. What a Godsend! Finally, research supported that people have differing degrees of metabolism, and my patch was changed to every 48 hours. Still, fentanyl in the patch for around-the-clock pain control WITH the Actiq lollipop-type medication for 'breakthrough' pain was a lifesaver. I was a mother of 3 boys with the severest form of neck, back, and fibromyalgia, putting my pain level off the charts. This med allowed me (after taking a dose of Actiq) to 1) go grocery shopping, 2) take, pick up, and volunteer for a whole hour, 3) cook dinner and go to church, and lastly, 4) participate in activities lasting 1 hour."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2014

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I have epilepsy and first ruptured a disc during a seizure about 4 years ago. I was on Norco, I think, until my neuro saw how bad the imaging looked and put me on 50 mcg of fentanyl/72 hrs. Totally took care of my pain until I had surgery. About a year ago, the pain came back worse than ever, and after a bunch of tests, I was referred to a PM doc. He started me on Vicodin until he could do an injection, but it barely touched my pain. Switched me to Oxycodone 10 mg/6 hrs. I was still hurting bad and had a patch still, which I used. He put me on fentanyl. I needed a fusion, which I had 3 months ago. Pain still bad, on fentanyl 75/48 hrs and oxy. Tried Opana, didn't like it. Worst is sweats and weight gain, plus keeping the patch on. Still lets me live."

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

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I suffer from psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. My pain doctor recommended this when I became opioid tolerant. This drug works fantastically and fast for pain. Please be aware, though, within six months, my doctor had to increase dosage several times for the same effect, and higher doses caused 'narcolepsy attacks' and severe panic/anxiety attacks. I ultimately decided the pain control was not worth the side effects. 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 in a normal life, please think twice and tread carefully."

• jod...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 2, 2013

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I had C-4, 5, 6, 7 fusion that went awry when they accidentally hit my spinal cord. I was originally put on 75s, but my feet would hurt so bad in the morning. I read that it was due to too much in my system, so I had them lower my dose to 25 mg. But I put a new one on every 48 hrs. (leave them in place for 72), so I am basically putting a patch on every other day. I wear them on my chest area so they don't get rubbed a lot and tend to stay in place."