Fentanyl Transdermal System and Withdrawal: 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."

• Anonymous
• April 23, 2012

For Pain "These have saved my life. I've been on the patch for 3 months, 25 mcg every 48 hours. I think maybe one more adjustment will do it. Keep in mind they are to be used with breakthrough medicine also. Well, since I've been on patches, I forgot about pills. Still have to take them, though. I have a 6-year-old boy I can play with again. That means the world to me. Give them time to work, it took 3 adjustments to get them right, it took 6 weeks, three 2-week trial periods. A word of warning: my doctor went on vacation during the trial period. I had only been taking them for a month, the withdrawals were very bad. As soon as he got back, I couldn't wait to start on them again. That says a lot. You have to plan ahead with these meds. Call 4 or 5 days before a refill."

• wm0...
• November 21, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I have been on the 75 mcg Fentanyl patch for about four years now. I've 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 and after surgery. I switch them every 48 hrs, otherwise, I start going through withdrawal."

• joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2012

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 30 hrs, 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."

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

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. 50 mcg every 3 days, then to 75, then to 100 mcg. I work very hard sometimes in 110°F 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 too 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 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
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 16, 2012

For Chronic Pain "Great for chronic pain. Tough withdrawal. Patches can fall off without use of clear tape. You don't have to worry about taking a pill on time. Low to no breakthrough pain."