Fentanyl and Sweating: What Users Say

• rus...
• April 29, 2009

Fentanyl 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

Fentanyl 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

Fentanyl 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

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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

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

Fentanyl 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

Fentanyl 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."

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

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "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."

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

Fentanyl 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

Fentanyl 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

Fentanyl 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."

• pat...
• May 20, 2008

Fentanyl for Pain "I have been on the Duragesic patches, 100 mcg, every 2 days for a little over 3 years for chronic pain due to a failed lumbar fusion surgery. Before going on the patch, I was taking 10-15 Loritab's a day, which tore my gastrointestinal system apart. These patches were a Godsend, with Norco as a breakthrough med. I usually only have to take it if I get a little overactive. The only reason I didn't rate a 10 was a few side effects: sweats and constipation being the worst. Gains beat that easy."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2010

Fentanyl 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."

• kwi...
• July 30, 2009

Fentanyl for Pain "I was put on Vicodin first for my chronic back pain, didn't work then the doctor said to try injections, they worked for about a month. Then I got pain so bad I couldn't get out of bed half the time, and my family doctor said he didn't want to give me anything stronger because of seizure medicines I was on. I tried everything for pain, then someone suggested pain management, finally, a doctor listened. He put me on the Fentanyl patch. I feel like I'm 20 again. I can work, do things I couldn't do before with my kids and grandkids. This patch is a godsend. I did experience heavy sweating, vomiting, and dozing off until my body became adjusted. Now I still get the nodding off effect occasionally, and itching where the patch is."

• pau...
• November 9, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I have been on fentanyl for more than three years now with great success, no major problems or side effects. Although about three months ago, I started having some real bad side effects from the drug. After about 24-36 hours of putting on the patch, I would start to get pain, agitation, sick feeling all over my body, fatigue, restlessness, very tired, neck and back muscular pain, and bad headaches, as well as confusion and the sweats, etc. All the classic symptoms of the patch not working properly. I am in the process of talking with my doctor about rectifying the problem with my dosage and time frame on how often to change the patch. If I knew how bad the feeling was to withdraw from this drug was, I would have never taken it."

• 60 ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 23, 2023

For Chronic Pain "It works for me. In the world of smartphones, you can set an alarm or reminder to change your patch every three days. I like to circle the date on the calendar, that works for me. Much better than having to take a time-released pill like OxyContin or something. Some people sweat too much, and the patch comes off, this may be why it did not work for some, but putting Tagaderm tape over it works. Also, clean the area with alcohol and let it dry thoroughly, and then apply the patch. Good luck. I hope that helps."

• oll...
• August 5, 2009

For Pain "I have been on different kinds of pain medicines for years for chronic pain resulting from a car accident and three back surgeries. When I was taking oral medicines, I was always waiting for the medicines to start working and watching the clock to take another one. I went to a new pain management doctor, he put me on the patch. I noticed a difference the first day. It was much better than my oral medicines. The doctor has just increased my dosage to 50 mg/h. It is great. The only real side effects I have had are dry mouth and I sweat more. But those side effects are well worth the pain control I receive. I am back to work, I don't have to miss any days or leave early because of pain. No more ups and downs. He has me changing the patch every 48 hours."

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

Fentanyl 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."

• jue...
• October 12, 2009

For Pain "I have been using the fentanyl 75 mg patches for 2 months after gradual increase from 25 to 50 to 75 mg, changed every 72 hours. I have degenerative bone in my cervical spine, and I am having tests for inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid). I do notice the pain coming back on the third day, a few hours before I need to change it. The sweating on the first day I awake, and the dry mouth are not pleasant at all but a small price to pay for better quality of life. I have gone from active horse owner and working to being on disability. I was in so much pain I was having days of work and many days unable to get up. I am unable to do my horse anymore, but I don't feel as much pain, and that is what counts."