Fentanyl for Chronic Pain User Reviews (Page 3)

• wm0...
• November 21, 2013

Fentanyl "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."

• Bos...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 25, 2015

Fentanyl "They have been good and bad for myself, mostly good. I was in an accident that messed up my back, and surgery hasn't been an option at this point. I started out probably like everyone, taking way too many Vicodin to Percocet to OxyContin, it got to be a fistful of pills every day. Made me feel like a junkie. I can honestly say I would probably be dead if it weren't for the patches. I change them every 48 hours, and I've been on the same dose for about 8 years. My biggest worry/complaint is that I'm physically dependent on them and vivid dreaming, it's kinda freaky, and being sleepy sometimes, but the pain is tolerable. I'm on the PAP program (Patient Assistance Program) for low income, so it doesn't cost anything. They are very expensive."

• B1a...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 12, 2013

Fentanyl "'Duragesic' is an excellent chronic pain medication: no euphoric issues following the first couple of weeks of use and initial body adjustment, etc., steady pain relief with minimal 'ups and downs' in effectiveness (i.e., breakthrough 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."

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

"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 it 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 uses that to deny payment (currently $5,500.00/month)."

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

Fentanyl "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."

• ser...
• July 30, 2014

"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 prolo 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 hours. If it wasn't for the doctor and the fentanyl, my mother, who is 78, would still be outside shoveling the driveway in the winter. I have a life now because of the patch."

• Suz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2014

Fentanyl "This medicine was covered for me by Workers' 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."

• Lov...
• April 19, 2013

Fentanyl "I started at the 12.5 mcg/hr but had to increase to 25 mcg/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."

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

Fentanyl "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."

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

Fentanyl "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 my left leg. But recently, my doctor put me on a Fentanyl patch 25 mcg/72 hours. It was amazing, I was pain-free!! But at a cost. I couldn't tolerate the side effects. For me, it affected my torso and abdomen area, felt numb like Novocain. It weakened my back and leg muscles, all within the first 16 days. I removed the sixth patch, then was hospitalized and had an MRI of my brain to rule out a stroke. Almost complete loss of balance, using a cane. Started therapy to regain strength. No longer on the patch."

• Gun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2015

Fentanyl "I've had back problems for about 5 years now. I'm scheduled to undergo my 3rd surgery in a month. I've taken every pain medication on the market. My last concoction was 60 mg OxyContin twice a day and 30 mg Roxicodone 6 times a day as needed for breakthrough pain. I also took 10 mg Valium every night. About 2 months ago, my neurosurgeon recommended the Fentanyl patch. I was a little skeptical, but I trust my doctor, so I agreed. My initial dose was one 50 mcg/hr patch every 72 hours. I experienced some relief, but still needed my breakthrough medication at least twice a day. After 2 weeks, my dose was increased to one 75 mcg/hr patch every 48-72 hours depending on my pain. I now have my life back and rarely need my breakthrough medication."

• GBS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2014

"I have a Pars defect and spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, and also a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare autoimmune form of peripheral neuropathy). I had been taking 120 mg/day of MS-Contin and 60 mg/day of oxycodone (along with gabapentin and a muscle relaxer). Switching to the patch (75 mcg changed every 48 hrs) has made a big difference - I actually have mornings where I wake up not in awful pain! I've been able to be more mobile, more independent, and have even been able to lower my daily oxycodone intake to 50 mg. It was kind of tricky at first to find the best places to put the patch. Also, I learned Mylan (maker of the generic patch I use) will send covers so you don't have to buy the Tegaderm ones; just contact them through their website."

• LA8...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2016

"My experience with the patches is that they work amazingly if you get the right dose and the correct brand. The matrix patches are junk, you are lucky if they stay on after 24 hours 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 classifies 48 hours to 72 hours, 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 pharmacokinetics of the patch over the 72 hours, the first 24 are okay, then from 24 to 48 is peak working condition, then they start to taper off, and this is what you need to explain to your physician. Show paperwork & pain diary. Hope that helped."

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

Fentanyl "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."

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

Fentanyl "I was on 25 mcg/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."

• bra...
• January 3, 2017

Fentanyl "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 breakthrough 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."

• Mag...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 30, 2019

"I have been using fentanyl for the past 7 years for chronic pain. By far, it has been the most effective against my pain. Before using it, I was on all other strong medications, none of them worked for me. I use a transparent adhesive to help hold it in place, and it works. Because of people misusing opioids, my pain management doctor felt it was better to have me change it one day sooner instead of increasing my dose. I’m currently using 50 mcg every 48 hours."

• Pai...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 22, 2016

Fentanyl "Been taking this medication for over 13 years responsibly! It has helped tremendously to control my pain but not without side effects of not being able to sleep well ever and constant sweating 24/7. Much safer to use than oral meds and no stomach problems."

• Ded...
• June 23, 2015

"I used to take 180 10/325 Norco for my chronic pain issues. I am bone on bone in my neck, left shoulder, and left knee. I had a very serious operation in 2010 on my back, all kinds of hardware put in, etc. I have been going to pain management for 2 years, and my doctor would not up my meds or give me anything else. Finally, my doctor wasn't there one day, so I saw a nurse practitioner. I was telling her my story, so she gave me a 12 mcg fentanyl patch with 3 Norco 10/325 a day for breakthrough pain. I tell you this medication has been a lifesaver for me. I sleep better at night. My pain isn't 100% gone, but it has been drastically reduced. I am so happy!"

• Me ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2015

"Using fentanyl for spinal stenosis and colon cancer. I really can't say enough about how well it works. I have no side effects. Fentanyl gave my life back to me, I lived on the couch for 5 years. It's just enough to make the pain bearable without getting high. 50 mcg/hr. There is one thing I want to pass on. I can't speak for any other state. I have random urine tests and have no problem with the tests. But I came to find out I am on the VT narcotic users database. Who cares, right? Wrong. When looking into this database, I am listed with all the druggies. There is not a separate list for prescription users. As far as this list goes, being mixed with drug abusers is just wrong. And nothing can be done to change this database."

• Gat...
• July 9, 2014

"I was in a bad motorcycle wreck June 20, 2013, broke 6 ribs, shattered clavicle, fractured pelvis, and lots of crush injuries. They tried Percocet alone, it would not stop the pain. Many months of suffering with no sleep, till they gave me the Fentanyl 100 mcg patches. I was finally able to get relief and sleep. This is a great medication and life-saving for me. The crush injuries alone were a living hell, and no sleep for months on top of that is enough to drive anyone insane. This medication is safe if taken right and has kept me from losing my mind and has given me a better quality of life. It's just a shame I had to suffer all those months without it."

• Lil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 21, 2012

Fentanyl "My doctor put me on the patches about 8 months ago. I was taking Norco 10/325 and Lyrica 50 mg three times a day. I was still having pain at night and when I had to walk for any distance at all. This medicine has changed my life, I can sleep all night without waking up from pain, I can walk through the mall now and not limp as badly. I still take 6 Norco a day and my Lyrica 3X a day. But combined with the patch, I feel like I have a new lease on life. The only side effects I have had are a tendency to nod off if I sit down for long and a decrease in my appetite, which is good for helping me lose some weight."

• Ali...
• February 14, 2013

"I find it helpful for the 48 hrs. I think maybe I need a higher dose or my body temp runs too high, and I just need to change it every two days. This medication, though, like I have seen some say, has helped so much, and once we get the dose right, I think it will really make a difference in my life. I have not slept in over ten years like I have since starting the patch due to pain. No insurance, I just turned 27. I pretty much just dealt with it all up until almost 2 yrs. ago now. Anyway, I would recommend it for continued around-the-clock relief. It takes some time to figure it out for you, but it's worth it if it works for you. Blessing to all. Hope everyone can find the help and relief they deserve."

• TJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2021

Fentanyl "I have dealt with chronic back pain for 15 years. After being on several different long-acting opioids. My new pain management doctor (well, he was new to me in 2017!) put me on Duragesic patches. Can’t say enough positive things about the quality of life I have now. Yes, I still have bouts of breakthrough pain, but no longer take it as often. Also nice not to have to worry about “Do I have my meds?” when leaving the house for work as one patch changes every 72 hours. Boom. Done. I do have auto shipment of Tegaderm (on a roll) delivered every couple of months, as no matter what brand the pharmacy prescribes - NONE of them are without coming loose at some point!"

• Swe...
• June 18, 2017

"I was on 50 mg of the fentanyl patch for 12 years. Four months ago, I finally spoke up saying it just isn't working anymore, so my doctor switched me to OxyContin 40 mg. It has not touched my pain! I was getting more relief on the 50 mg patch than on OxyContin, so I'm going to ask to go back to the patch and have it upped to 75 mg. I am also on 8 mg of Dilaudid three times a day for breakthrough pain. I do hate that I have to buy the bioclusive tape to keep on the patch for me works much better. I never really have had any side effects from the patch, the only time I had side effects was when I first tried it 12 years ago. It made me loopy and very out of it, but that went away. The way they had me taking the patch was to put a new one on every 2 days."