Fentanyl Transdermal System and Sweating: What Users Say

• rus...
• April 29, 2009

For Pain "I sympathize with the anonymous user who has been on the patch for only one month (comments dated 4/24). I have been on this patch for 8-10 years now. Sadly... Long story short, I went through a lot in the beginning too. I am one of the small percentage of people who needed to change the patch every 48 hours instead of 72 because I was experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms (which is what you are describing) whenever I waited 72 hours. The 48 hours made a difference. However, it isn't a perfect system, there are problems, sweating it off during summer, no more pool, etc. It's not perfect, and breakthrough medicines are needed in my case. Long-term use gets tricky, be careful and good luck."

• but...
• January 28, 2012

For Pain "I have used Fentanyl patch for 8 years. I have oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I have bulging disc L4-L5, fibromyalgia, depression, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc and back disease, chronic pain, and fatigue. The side effects I have are constipation and sweats. When I have a really active day on the 3rd day, I do notice I hurt more and use the pain medicine. I try not to overuse them. I am monitored regularly. Still need an epidural or trigger point shots occasionally. I became disabled at age 39, now 50. That part is not good, but life is manageable now! I can live again!"

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I have severe low back pain, spinal stenosis, and a bulging disc. I was on my feet a lot because of my job, which caused my pain to become worse. I was taking Norco alone, which I couldn't take while working, plus the pills would not last long. Many times, I was in tears. Finally, my doctor put me on Fentanyl 25, then increased to 37, then finally increased to 50. It was a godsend because the pain decreased tremendously. I have the sweats and chills at times, but that's a small price to pay for the relief I have received. At first, I had severe itching, but my doctor gave me Cortizone. I put it on and applied the patch about 30 minutes later, and no more itching. I am now retired, and my patch was decreased to 25."

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

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."

• Mar...
• July 2, 2013

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."

• Kan...
• December 18, 2011

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."

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

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."

• b0y...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I have been using the 50 now for 4 months. I do regularly wake up, and the bed is soaked in sweat. The patches never work for 3 days, and on the 3rd day, I am back on my Norco. I have found that if I shower 1-1.5 hours prior to a new patch and hold it in place, they stick much better. The pain relief is much better than the Norco, but I recently noticed a wheezing cough that is getting worse. It could be allergies, but I am wondering if others have had the massive sweats. I still work, and sometimes, if in a position I know that would be painful without the patch."

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2011

For Pain "The pain patch works well for me, as I am disabled and don't work. I do have a problem with excessive sweating and keeping the patch on for 48 hours. The best thing I have used for keeping the patches on is benzoin tincture. This works great for me when nothing else worked. My doctor recommended I try it, and boy, I'm glad I did! Can be found in any pharmacy for around $5.00."

• Las...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 3, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I have Crohn's disease, 30-degree scoliosis, 14 reconstructive surgeries on my pelvis, among many other issues. I was mainly put on it because a Crohn's patient does not absorb oral meds very well. The Mylan brand is the only one that works (change every 48 hrs), but I sweat profusely! The doctor will not switch me. It does work for pain, yes, but getting them to stick while constantly sweating is another story."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2009

For Pain "This medication is supposed to be continual pain relief, but on day one it gives mediocre results, day two somewhat okay results although my pain is still at a 4. Then on day three, watch out. Pain level back to a level 8 to 10. I then go through the sweats on day three, and the chills and nausea the entire day. I have only been on this patch 1 month."

• adr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 7, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I've had a spinal fusion on L3 L4 almost two years ago. I'm now on the wait for a discography because of my severe back pain, which is getting worse over time. I've been on fentanyl 100 mcg for almost 4 years, the patches are having very little effect, and I am waiting to see my doctor to increase the dose. It has helped me reading about what other people are going through and that I'm not on my own with symptoms like profuse sweating and a dry mouth. I have no quality of life at the minute and hope that by increasing my dosage, I will be able to move around a bit more. I'm 44 years old, also, has anybody else suffered from frequent bruising on the scar area of the operation? I'm topping my fentanyl up with tramadol."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2010

For Pain "I broke my back 8T when I was 29. The pain got worse as I aged. This past year, I thought my life of suffering would destroy me. My doctor placed me on the patch. It made me feel so much better. A lifesaver. Considering I have a curved spine and fibromyalgia too, I have to wear 2 x 25 mg and change every 48 hours. My only complaint is sweating and some dizziness."

• kit...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 20, 2022

For Chronic Pain "Have chronic neck pain 8/10 (arthritis, spurring, stenosis C3-7). Also, neck catches, suddenly locking it in place with a piercing, hot poker sensation. Loss of neck flexion, extension, and rotation. Norco initially with no relief. Soma prn when my neck locks up is helpful. I take about 1 week. Been on fentanyl 75 mcg for about 10 years with aching pain down to 3/10. Worst side effect is sweating. More recently (3-4 years), very spastic, painful long muscle lateral to rt spine at mid thoracic-lumbar level. I take the Soma for it with some relief to 6/10. It is becoming less effective. I might ask MD for Norco for breakthrough pain. Physical therapy exercises have helped less and less. FYI: Voltaren Gel (or generic) and high-quality turmeric capsules have helped my right knee arthritis pain! Added turmeric after Voltaren gel wasn't sufficient. I had no thought that the turmeric would help but figured I had nothing to lose. At least I can function now instead of just existing."