No, they are not narcotic (controlled substance), and there is no risk of addiction/dependence. They are Lidocaine (sorta like Novicaine) in a patch format, in a gel suspension which is absorbed through the skin over a 12 hr period. There are narcotic patches, but those contain Fentanyl, which is a wholly different drug class completely.

Hope this helps some.

Theresa

I have been using the patches for about a year now. I am scheduled for a 2 level lumbar fusion on Nov 1st. I am only using 1 patch per night on my lower back. Being on time released morphine I am not sure if they are helping me or not. I have noticed lately that my skin is burning in the morning when I take the patch off. I leave it on for about 10-11 hours.

HI,I JUST STARTED THE LIDOCAINE PATCHES A FEW HOURS AGO. mY DOC PRESCRIBED THEM FOR ME TO TAKE ALONG W/MY PERCOSETS. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE MOST RELIEF I'VE FELT IN MONTHS. I'M SCARED THAT CAN CHANGE BCUZ I'VE BEEN ON NARCOTICS FOR OVER 10 YEARS NOW AND BECOME IMMUNE TO THEM EASILY AND THEY QUIT WORKING. I'M 30 AND I HAVE ALOT WRONG W/ME. i'VE HAD FIBRO FOR 7 YRS NOW,RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FOR 18 YRS,HRYNIATED DISCS,ANNULAR TEAR AND MUCH MORE. THE ARMY IS TRYING TO GET ME IN W/A NUEROSURGEON ASAP. ANYHOO,LOL,I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS BUT I TEND TO BLUBBER. IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN GIVE ME SOME TIPS ON WHAT THEY DO FOR PAIN RELIEF? THERE ARE SO MANY DAYS I CAN'T EVEN WALK AND MY 2 GIRLS GET SO ANGRY CUZ THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND MOMMA'S SICK. I NEED SOME ANSWERS SO I CAN TRY TO MAKE MY HUBBY AND GIRLS UNDERSTAND BETTER. THANK U ALL!

I am learning to use a computer,the things confuse me,lol. I have some severe problems at 30 yrs old and it's starting to bring me down. I'm on narcotics for about 10 yrs or so now and today i started lidoderm patches. The patches along w/my percosets actually seem to be working. I can walk after having the patch on 4 2 hrs. Earlier i couldn't even stand. Is there any suggestions of other things that could possibly help me. Thank u!

I started taking them for Shingles in September. They worked so well that it wasn't long until I was cutting them in half and putting them on my back. No, pain at all and I have had 7 back surgeries and a Stimulator. They did cost me $120, but can you put a limit on pain medicine? I had insurance but I go into the donut hole every year about August.

They work great folks, if your looking for pain relief and can afford them.
Fancylady

HI, I've been using the patches for right many years (a heart patient told me about them) after too many years of suffering severe itching on both arms which no dermatologist could help until I found one that did superficial radiation; then he passed away. Anyway, I have never heard that one could become immune. They keep working for me, using them on the same areas over and over. I do know that no more than three patches should be used in a 24 hr. period, no more than on for 12 hrs.; then 12 hrs. off. I have used four at the time twice. My doctor told me of a person who used many all over, all the time, and died! So, everyone, follow the instructions, please!

I take it your in the army?

Does anybody know what there made from-he-hee? Ric[/QUOTE]


Hi! I just recently started getting them for really bad back pain - L4 + L5 from a friend as she gets them for practically nothing through Medicaid. I do have insurance, but a high copay. Honestly, they don't help all that much, and if I put 2 or more on, I fall asleep, yet still wake up w/ pain. But some pain relief is better than none - know what i mean?!
Anyways... I was just randomly surfing the net and found you can buy lidocaine (the main ingredient) wholesale from several places. The one I even considered trying was in England for about $155 a kg. The others were about the same price but from China or Cameroon. As some other lady just posted it is not a narcotic, I am assuming this is legal??? However, it comes in powder form, so not sure how to transfer it onto a patch. Can't be that hard though as it gives you the ingredients right on the package. Will do some more surfing and try to find the "recipe". Food for thought anyways....

Hope you feel better soon!

Katt

This is not a wise idea. Lidocaine in the patch as it stands now is designed to release the drug at a certain rate. Over use of lidocaine can stop your heart. That is why it has limitations on its use. Patch technology is very fragile and complex. It is the most sophisticated dosage form we have presently, and you could never achieve safe results with making your own.

This link gives more details:
http://www.rxlist.com/lidoderm-drug.htm

Get a new doctor! If you have documented back pain which is not controlled otherwise, your doctor should prescribe adequate pain medication, narcotics included. Some physicians have no concept of pain management. Find a spine specialist or a pain management specialist if your own doctor will not listen to reason. Some MD are so frightened by news reports of drug addiction and others have this information drummed into them by their med school instructors. AGain. get another doctor!