Fentanyl Patch
 

Hello! Its been a while since my last post as I have really been struggling just to maintain my daily duties but I have a quick question and hope that someone actually replies....

I was recently started on a fentanyl patch originally at 25 mcg then quickly raised to 50 mcg. I am having some strange symptoms that im not sure are related to the patch or maybe just the disorders since more pop up every day it seems.

Anyhow, I have been experiencing lightheadedness, dizziness, heart palps, increased anxiety attacks, severe pain, redness, and heat at patch location, extreme sweating and/or cold sweats....I have discovered that wearing my patch outside in the heat increases the symptoms so I have started removing the patch when I know I will get overheated but when I do I have an overall feeling of pain, nausea, hot/cold sweats, and just an overwhelming sense of...dread...

Ive been reading up on this patch and have come across some horror stories and honestly im pretty nervous to continue using the patch. However, the patch does seem to help with the perpetual pain...although its not a huge help any bit of relief is still relief!

PLEASE tell me your experience with this drug and if there is anything I can do to help ease the symptoms...Ive heard of different patch placement, using tape to help adhere the patch vs not using tape, etc....ANY advise would be very welcomed!! Thanks and God Bless! :hug:

Hiya,

I never used that patch, but I did have chronic pain for about 18 years. It can be really rough. I found a lot of help by reading the books by Dr. John Sarno and TMS. My pain was so bad I couldn't type or be active in any sort of way, but now I feel as if I got my life back. I think the key is to try to get rid of the fear related to your symptoms.

Heavy sweating increases the dosage, one of its drawbacks

You DO have to be careful about wearing the patch in the heat/sun. That causes it to release MORE of the drug, and you can actually overdose.

it sounds like you're sensitive to the adhesive on the patch, if you're getting redness & heat at the patch location. Also, with the symptoms you've mentioned, it sounds like the drug just doesn't agree with you. I would certainly talk to my doctor as soon as possible.

I hope things have improved for you. Please let us know how you are. God bless. Hugs, Lee

I could not wear the Fentanyl patch because it cause a painful red rash that actually bled if left on long enough. I talked to my doctor ASAP and he recomended the generic, Duragesic. He was reasonably certain that the problem was the adhessive. I made the switch and had no probems what so ever. It stayed on better too. Talk to the doc. Have a great day.

I had problems with the adhesive and we simply use baby powder on the outer edge of the patch and then put a transdermal patch over it. One of 2 things might be happening. You may have a patch that doesn't have enough of the meds in it (happened to me a couple of times) or the patch is releasing too much med. sweating does cause the patch to release more meds. But you can keep from sweating by using a cool pack on your neck.

Hi, I have bin wearing a patch for about five years now. I can't help you too much with your side effects but I do know some patches stay on better than others. I find the Mylan brand works best for me, they feel more like skin. Some brands are like hard plastic. Hope you the best!

Hi, can't help to much with your side effects but I know some brands stay on better than others. I tried three kinds untill i found one that stayed on and didn't give me a rash. I found the Mylan brand to be the best for me. Wish you the best, hhahn

Afraid to start patch
 

I've just been prescribed Fentanyl 25 MCG/HR PATCH for chronic OA because Hydrodrcodone 10/325 hasn't worked, taking 1-2 pills every 6 hours with Tranadol when pain breaks in between. The hydro were starting to effect my stomach. I have missed many family functions because of the pain. I have a daughter who was steaming at me over the phone because I missed Mother's Day because I was having a bad morning and they were getting together at 10:30. Now anyone with arthritis knows mornings are hard.
When I went to my Dr. (I see him every month and he doesn't even charge me because of financial hardship), I explained about my pain still being terrible and not having a life. I'mnot a candidate for surgery. I was told back in 2003, I need double knee replacement. I have no insurance, so even if they would do the surgery, I can't afford it. I have bone on bone with bone spurs all over the knees.
After reading many post concerning the patch, I'm afraid I may be biting off more than I can chew. I have such a sensitivity to drugs, that I'm afraid to even start the patch. The withdraws scares the Bageezees out of me. Any comments? Sorry this is so long.

I feel for all of you going through this pain. People who don't have this problem, just don't understand how miserable we feel, as if we enjoy not doing all the things we use to. Very sad. :-( ~ crying as I write this.

Hi
 

As discussed so many times, we are all different and respond differently to the meds and various treatments. The Mylan duragesic patch worked like a charm for me. It stayed put and never caused irritation. The delivery of the medication was consistant. Best wishes. ;)