I've used the patch for years too, and yes, they do tend to make me sleepy at times. Especially when I take another med along with it. But I agree with the others, you should tell your doctor, especially if the problem seems severe.

Idealist

Liz...how stupid of me. I forgot that I should not use a heating pad. My pain has been so much worse lately that I have been using it!!! Guess that is why my dose doesn't last as long either!!!

I have been using fentanyl for 6 years now. In the beginning I could nod out anywhere doing anything without ever feeling it coming on. After a few months it evened out and that no longer occurs.

If your dozing continues maybe try a lower strength?

Hope it all levels out for you soon...

Sally,

Has your fatigue gotten better since you stopped using the heating pad?

Has the dose been lasting longer too?

I hope that stopping the heating pad has helped to relieve your fatigue and give you longer lasting relief.

Take care,
Liz

In the beginning I had the same problem. I slept quite a bit on the patch. I didn't get the sleepies as you call them but I was drowsy all the time. I think it didn't help that I took very hot showers in the AM because it helped with the pain. But because I used them on my arm, using heating pads weren't an issue. But I did have a problem with heat because at the time because of meds my body was a little heat source on its own. My husband used to call me the human heater.
I stopped taking them a long time ago when the 50s didn't help anymore and my doc wouldn't up the dosage at all. So I just had enough and ripped it off my arm and never used them again.
I hope you have better luck on them than I did.