Fentanyl User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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. "

• Donna...
• September 16, 2016

Actiq (fentanyl) for Breakthrough Pain "Used several years ago. I was prescribed the fentanyl patch for 72 hrs (3) days. Actiq was prescribed for breakthrough pain. What a God-send! Finally research supported that people have differing degrees of metabolism and my patch was changed to every 48 hours. Still. fentanyl in patch for around the clock pain control WITH the Actiq Lollipop-type medication for "breakthrough" pain was a life savior. I was a mother of 3 boys with the severest form of neck, back and fibromylagia 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 hr."

• brave...
• January 3, 2017

Duragesic (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

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

For Chronic Pain "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)"

• wm05
• November 21, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

• KAMPa...
• March 30, 2008

Duragesic (fentanyl) for Pain "This medication has completely changed my life. I was on 45 mg. MSContin and 10mg. Percosets for breakthroughs and was breaking through every day, multiple times a day. Then my doctor put me on Fentanyl patches (generic Duragesic), 25 mcg/hr., changed every 3 days. Literally, my life changed overnight. Pain is now down to "noise" level--yeah, I'm not 100% pain free, but no pain med can do that. Now, I breakthrough maybe once over the 3-day period."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

• Carol...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 4, 2013

For Pain "I went through the myriad of short acting oral analgesics, and just couldn't stand the constant ups and downs, and always felt like I was only comfortable for half of the life of the pill. I asked my doctor to take me off OxyContin (40 mg.), he offered Duragesic as an alternative. I use 100 mcg every 3 days with no problem. Side effects are constipation, and short term memory loss. I'll happily trade that for effective pain relief. A huge plus is not developing a tolerance for it, so I don't have to have it constantly increased over the years. I don't use "breakthrough" meds, but I use Lyrica (about 6 years now) to help with pain from nerve damage. The combination works great for me."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2008

Actiq (fentanyl) for Breakthrough Pain "I have sinus cancer (twice) and I am left with recurring "ice cream headaches". The relief from Actiq has been virtually miraculous. It takes effect within minutes and it doesn't make me feel as medicated as I did with Vicoden. One of the best things about Actiq is that I can regulate the amount of medication to match my break through pain level. I don't have to take a pill, wait 45 minutes then realize that it isn't working. Take yet another pill and (another) 45 minutes later realize that I am over-medicated relative to my pain. When my doctor asked me how I was getting on with the Actiq, my answer was "Actiq gave me my life back.""

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

Subsys (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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."

• belldom
• November 24, 2011

Duragesic (fentanyl) for Pain "My doctor recently put me on the Duragesic patches. For years I have tried many other medications with nothing positive to say about them, until now. I tried the patch and automatically thought it was great. I put the patch on, and it seemed like even though it says 72 hours it really only helped for 48. I made my doctor aware of these concerns and he instructed me to replace the patch every 48 hours and placed me on a breakthrough medication. Since then I have actually been comfortable for the first time since my accident. I think the patch is great!"

• rsd...
• June 2, 2010

Fentora (fentanyl) for Breakthrough Pain "I'm in the same situation, my insurance stop paying for Fentora. Their response is that Fentora is used only for cancer patients. If there is more people in this situation please write. RSD is a terrible illness in my opinion."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2010

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Pain "I have been in pain management for almost a year now, before was just being treated by a variety of different doctors. Primary, Nuerologist, Nerve Experts and so on...Finally asked for referral to Pain Management for injection therapy. I have been on every pain medicine out there. I have a bulging disc between c4 and c5, occipital neuralgia, and severe right sciatic nueropathy in my right leg below my knee. Now I am on 50 mg of Fentanyl every 48 hours and was told by doctor to leave old patch on when I put on the new one at bedtime and remove old one in morning because it takes about 8-12 hours before the medicines from the patch are fully in your system. Have to use Tegaderm Films to keep patch on but it seems to work okay. Have Vicodin for breakthrough."

• podoc
• October 12, 2011

Fentora (fentanyl) for Breakthrough Pain "I have MS and one of my symptoms is severe pain with muscle spasms. It gets so bad as to completely debilitate me where I am unable to stand, sit for long periods of time and walk up or down stairs. This medication is life saving for me. It has allowed me to return my functioning so that I am mobile again. I can walk up stairs, work out for short periods of time and live a fairly functional life were I can go to the store, walk around and attend family functions."

• Love...
• April 19, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) for Chronic Pain "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

For Chronic Pain "Hi, 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) for Chronic Pain ""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. "

• Distr...
• March 13, 2018

For Sedation "My mother received a fentanyl "cocktail." She left the ICU three weeks later after a horrific reaction to the anesthetic, hallucinating, her math skills regressed to kindergarten level, verbal skills mildly impaired, and required six months of OT, PT, and speech language pathology. She could not live alone, drive, balance her checkbook, shop, or cook -- all "activities of daily living" that she excelled at before entering the hospital. Before another outpatient surgery, we instructed the anesthesiologist, verbally and in writing, NOT to use fentanyl, as it was determined to be the ingredient that she was allergic to. They used it anyway. This time, despite arriving, walking, speaking and eating, she left the hospital a month later in a wheelchair, with a feeding tube, never again to speak, ambulate, or be independent! One should NEVER use it without first having a FULL allergic reaction assessment by a first-rate allergy reaction assessment clinic. Deeply Distraught Still."

• seraf...
• July 30, 2014

For Chronic Pain "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."

• back...
• December 16, 2010

Duragesic (fentanyl) for Pain "I was put on Duragesic when the MS Contin wasn't enough to control my chronic pain, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, even with breakthrough medicines. At first the patches worked well once I got up to a dose that worked. The only horrible drawback is that I live in the desert and once the daytime temperatures got over about 90 degrees F the patches began dumping more because of the heat. I finally had to quit using them, due to side effects brought on by the high temperatures. Also at times I would just fall asleep. I finally quit the patches all together when I fell asleep driving and almost had a bad, bad wreck. I feel the patches work great for people who don't have to deal with high outside temperatures."

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

For Chronic Pain "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"