Yep, I did call the pharmacist and told him that I'm having a heck of a time adjusting to the matrix, and that withdrawals begin exactly as day 3 rolls around. He said he's heard that from several others.
Thankfully, he said that they ran into a shortage on 'my' kind of patch, the reservoir, and that's why I ended up with these.
He was very nice about it and said he'd make sure he'd have in stock for me the ones that I've been using for the past few years.

Oh my Lord! When I looked online for info on the patch, there were so many sites talking about how to get the best 'high' from these things ... they call it "cheeking". I can't BELIEVE how many sites/forums there are out there just for junkies to talk about how they get high from prescription drugs!

So THIS is what we're up against. These idiots run rampant! It gave me a much clearer view on why the feds have cracked down so much.

Thanks for all the good input everyone

Rae

Setting aside the fact that it is foolish to abuse fentanyl, this statement is entirely false. The matrix patch can be chewed. It cooperates quite nicely in fact, transforming into a wad of gum. *edit*

That statement was not "entirely false." Watson brand had no gel reservoir. Thy was true. No reservoir means a harder time trying to abuse a patch. Yeah the matrix can be placed in the mouth, but the BA is so low it would be a waste of medication on top of plain foolishness. I'm not saying the matrix is abuse proof, but read posts more carefully before you claim it is entirely false.

Please allow me to re-direct the initial intension of this thread.

I was hoping to get input from those who have used both the matrix and the reservoir type patch. I'm wondering what people prefer to use and which is more effective. The brand I have been using successfully (the reservoir) for the past few years was switched to a different brand (the matrix type) and I'm having a very difficult time with this type.

I'm not interested in getting tips and info on how to misuse these things.

I am 60-years old and have used both Watson reservoir patches and Mylan, Sandoz, and Mallinckrodt matrix patches. I was born with a congenital birth defect affecting my bones, Ollier's Disease, and have osteoarthritis to boot. I have had lumbar surgery to repair a fractured spine and two herniated discs, and have broken nearly every bone in my hands and feet twice, and including hips, tibia, ankles, you name it. I currently use (20) 100mcg/hr patches each month as well as other narcotics to manage chronic pain. I do know what I am talking about, but I regret not specifically addressing your question.

I have used both the reservoir and matrix patches in the 100 mcg/hr strength.

I did not care for the Watson reservoir patches because I felt that the delivery of the Fentanyl was inconsistent and I had a heck of a time making them stick for longer than a few hours. As for the matrix delivery system, I have used Mylan, Sandoz and Mallinckrodt. Of those three, I found the Sandoz to be the most potent and long-lasting. My tolerance is quite high, but even so I can get at least 48 hours of significant pain relief from the Sandoz patch. Not so the other two. The Mallinckrodt are by far the least potent in my humble opinion, with the Mylan coming in 2nd. All three seem to adhere just fine though.

And of course, having found one I prefer, my pharmacist now tells me that he cannot get the Sandoz patches. Go figure. I am currently using the Mallinckrodt and I am not happy, not at all. I imagine that I will be changing pharmacies.

Hope this helps a bit.

Yes, thank you, unclereggie. Very insightful.

Sorry to hear you won't be able to get the Sandoz patches any longer.
Sounds as tho the Mallinckrodt is worthless past the 48-hour mark.
Did you get full-on withdrawal symptoms at this point? I did. And, as we know all too well, it's hard to get on top of the pain again once the medication completely wears off.
I have hydrocodone for breakthru pain and even THAT wouldn't get me back above the pain

I appreciate your input!

Rae

I have used both kinds and prefer the matrix type. They seem to stay on better and I don't have to worry about piercing a gel pac which could lead to overdose. Since I live in South Texas, I was having trouble with the patches staying on even with a tegaderm adhesive over it....I couldn't go outside without sweating it off so my dr. approved a higher dose (150 mcg)...taking it off after 48 hrs so I could go outside for a while without it. This has been working well for me and I don't have to feel like I'm imprisoned in my home!

Sorry for falling off the thread. Yes, I begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms as the patch wears off: cold sweats, body/joint aches, depression, etc. I now have several months experience with the 100 mcg/hr Mylan and Mallinckrodt patches. They both stink, to put it bluntly. Both pretty much expire past the 36 hour point. No help in sight. It would cost me a $1400 co-pay to go to the Duragesic patch - not going to happen.

The VAMC system has switched from Actavis to Mallinckrodt patches. These new patches are not as effective as the old and I am so angry at the addicts who keep causing the drug companies to change their meds to they (the addicts) won't die or be able to use the drugs.

I hope I'm able to get to the new pain doc (outside the VA system) and get my old patches back.