Fentanyl and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Mik...
• January 23, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I have a rare disease called trigeminal neuralgia. It’s said to be the most painful disease on earth. Fentanyl has literally saved me. I’m a car salesman, and it literally makes my life worth living. I can love my family and work 70-hour weeks selling cars. As far as brands of fentanyl go, the Mylan by far is the best, second is probably Alvogen. Apotex is the worst by far. Mine typically only work for like 50 hours or so. I do start to withdraw, but luckily my doctor has me on 100 mcg/hr every 72 hours, and he gives me a box of 25 mcg for when the patches don’t last the full length or when I have bad breakthrough pain. Couldn’t be happier."

• Anonymous
• April 23, 2012

Fentanyl 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."

• 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."

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

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I suffer from psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. My pain doctor recommended this when I became opioid tolerant. This drug works fantastically and fast for pain. Please be aware, though, within six months, my doctor had to increase dosage several times for the same effect, and higher doses caused 'narcolepsy attacks' and severe panic/anxiety attacks. I ultimately decided the pain control was not worth the side effects. 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 in a normal life, please think twice and tread carefully."

• wm0...
• November 21, 2013

Fentanyl 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

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 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

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. 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."

• jop...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 2, 2015

For Chronic Pain "I was on fentanyl for 9 1/2 years, and four months ago, I decided I wanted off. Initially, it did wonders since I had been forced to work with a work injury. After about eight years, I started feeling withdrawal symptoms before my three days was up on each patch. I wanted to cut my time down due to the withdrawal, not pain. When I decided to wean off, it was one of the worst times of my life, but now that I only have a few more days of withdrawal after getting down to no patch, it is one of the best times of my life. The first step down, I started sleeping better. The next, I had more energy. And now, I even have less pain than when I was on the patch. If you can make it with other pain management, please do it. Withdrawal is not fun!!"

• Enu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2016

Fentanyl for Chronic Pain "I have found that at least one out of each box of 5 has little or no medication on it. This has put me back in horrible pain and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. I was given the 25 mcg change every 72 hrs to take the place of my deactivated morphine pump that malfunctioned (overdosed & under dosed). Diagnosis: severe scoliosis, degenerative disk, etc."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2009

Fentanyl for Pain "I could not live without my patches, but I took the bus to Kansas to see family, and my suitcase managed to disappear. I had the worst withdrawal I have ever been through. I ended up in the hospital and had to fly home."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2017

For Chronic Pain "I was on 12.5 mcg, but I started metabolizing it too fast. I was in withdrawal after 48 hrs. I moved up to 25 mcg, but after just a couple of months, back in withdrawal in 48 hrs instead of 72 hrs. My insurance refused to pay for 48 hr changes and only wanted to continue to have the doc increase from 25 mcg. It helps great for pain, but at what cost?! Don't become dependent on this drug. It's not worth it. The withdrawal trying to come off this cold turkey or even with clonidine is inhumane. I had to check into detox to help get off after just 9 months. Please don't take this unless you're in end-of-life care. Doctors don't explain what it's like to get off this medicine. Once I got off this and Percocet, over-the-counter meds work again."

• Liv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 21, 2016

For Chronic Pain "Have used a fentanyl or Duregesic patch for 11 years following spinal fusion from T-2 to the sacrum. Started on 50 mcg every 72 hours. After five years, stepped down to one 25 and one 12 every 48 hours. Then two years ago, stepped down to just one 25 every 72 hours. The patch works best for me if I wear it on my lower abdomen area, otherwise, I have problems with it coming off. Manufacturer also makes a difference. Sandoz brand is the best, but I have found it hard to find. Most pharmacies use different manufacturers. Mylan brand is the worst. They will not absorb into my body, and I go through withdrawal. All the other manufacturers work just okay, but again, not as good as Sandoz brand."

• bet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2018

For Chronic Pain "Three levels of the lumbar spine have been fused, and I've had a spinal stimulator for about 6 months. I was on fentanyl patches, and given all of the political controversy surrounding the drug, I decided to come off of it and use hydrocodone for pain control. The supply in drug stores was being rationed by their distributors, and I couldn't count on my required dosage always being available. The drug has become a political football in the state where I live. I came off of fentanyl in stages, dropping the dose each time by 50%--and at each transition experienced withdrawal symptoms. In retrospect, fentanyl was very effective in pain control. The alternatives at this point are meditation, exercise, injections, RF probes, and lesser drugs--all of which I'm familiar with. Interestingly, when I inquired of my physician as to the use of cannabis-based approaches, I was advised that I would be dropped from his care after two months if I chose to pursue this alternative."

• Pai...
• August 25, 2009

For Pain "For those of you whom the patch does not last the whole 3 days, or if your dose doesn't seem constant-try the MYLAN generic brand. It lasts the whole 3 days, and I never have any withdrawal symptoms! I take the 75 patch, and it is the ONLY brand that worked for me. I do also take 2 tramadol 50 mg every 4 hours also, but this is for the pain from my muscle spasms, which the patch never helps (for me). I also take muscle relaxers for the spasms, but I hate to take them because they make me drowsy. I have disc degeneration and nerve damage, and the pain wraps around my upper back to my chest area. On my worst days, I wanted to die. Thank God for this Fent Patch! PS-use rubbing alcohol to clean your arm first; major stickiness helps!"

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2017

For Chronic Pain "I've been on Fentanyl patches for over a year. Even at 100 mcg, I'm still in pain. I was on Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) for breakthrough pain, but it did not help because I was tolerant to it. I currently take Opana (Oxymorphone) instead, which does help some. I do not believe my pain can ever be fully managed, since I am in severe pain in over eight areas. They say they have me on the two strongest medications, so they can't do anything more. I've been told to switch doctors since most of the people at the office quit, but I'm afraid the next one will be worse. A problem with Fentanyl is on the third day I went through withdrawal symptoms because the medicine only lasted two days for me. Another problem is the strong chemical smell when you sweat."

• ste...
• April 19, 2011

For Pain "I injured my back about 6 years ago. I was put on all kinds of medicines until I met the best doctor in the world. The doctor put me on the patch, and it was the first time in 6 years that there was no pain at all. But now the doctor is gone, and no one else wants to write a prescription for the patch, so I was left to suffer withdrawal for the first time in my life. Great medicine, but it will make you go through withdrawal, and trust me, it isn't fun. Many doctors are afraid to write the prescription for this medicine."

• can...
• July 14, 2010

Fentanyl for Pain "My quality of living without constant pain has been great... now the downside... attempting to go off the medicine... withdrawal, etc. I was up to 100 mcg... I am now down to 37 mcg... will attempt to continue to decrease the dose... wish me luck!"

• bil...
• June 2, 2009

Fentanyl for Pain "If this medicine works, it's great, however, a good amount of the time, the patch was as full when it was time to change it as it was when I put it on. Then the side effects they list don't even come close to everything you go through. However, ER staff have stated that most patients taking this drug usually go back on it as the withdrawals are hard to handle."

• Spe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 3, 2023

For Pain "I have been on a fentanyl patch of 75 mcg for over 20 years now. It has been the only thing that has worked. I’ve tried pills, but they never gave me constant relief. Unfortunately, the government wants to reduce the dosage by half. If that worked, I would be using that amount. I expect the pain to increase significantly and fear the withdrawal symptoms."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2008

For Pain "I have a disease called IC. It is very painful. I finally got relief from the patch, although on the third day the withdrawal is really rough. I wish that the change was every two days, but since it's so addictive, I doubt my doctor or health insurance will agree to that. I am glad to have it as opposed to living with pain all day, every day."

• abs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2016

Fentanyl for Breakthrough Pain "This drug merely gives a feel-good factor and feeling of energy to do things that never happen. It is highly addictive. The withdrawal symptoms are awful, and the NHS do not know how to treat patients withdrawing from this. It should be used at the end of life or for inpatients only."

• Anonymous
• January 10, 2010

Fentanyl for Pain "I have partial seizures and take medication for that. The first 24 hours were frightening. I almost went to the emergency room. After 3 days of tremors and high anxiety, the pain was back. A week later, I began having seizures day and night, every day. My hormones went crazy with hard, swollen breasts and facial breakouts. My entire chin was covered in blisters and painful acne. After a month, I couldn't function with the seizures and my veins were bulging and bright blue on my chest, neck, and face. It has been so scary, and the withdrawals are just as bad. I've taken Soma and Lortab for chronic fibromyalgia for 8 years. I am disabled by the pain and very disappointed by all the medications I have tried."

• IRO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2014

For Anesthesia "The patches wore out usually in 24 hours or less. I would go into withdrawal symptoms prior to the next patch. I had very bad thoughts, pain, shakes, and severe breathing problems, which seemed to be a side effect. Not a good experience, I am trying to go cold turkey to get off it. I felt way better on 3-4 Vicodin than 75 mg release fentanyl."

• Jas...
• May 4, 2015

For Chronic Pain "As effective as this drug is, I beg people not to take it! The withdrawals from this drug will kill you! I am fighting every month to be on time with these patches! I am dropping to 25 mcg tomorrow, and it has been such an unspeakable fight! This will take your life away! Please seek alternative pain relief! This drug should be for hospice only and special cases!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 16, 2012

Fentanyl 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."