roro
05-17-2005, 04:34 PM
I have bad reactions to everything. I am having trouble with the vicodin, when I first take it I am laid up for about an hour (I have to lie down, dizzy, sick) then I get up and I am fine for several hours. I haven't been taking it regularly, they said at the pain clinic if I take it regularly, those side effects go away after a while, but I have not had the patience to do that. also I think it gives me headaches.
so they want me to take the patch, because then THEY have more control over how much I get, its stuck on me and will release the 25ug every hour. plus they said since it releases more slowly i wont get the big rush like with the vicodin gives me the first hour I take it.
my pain is causing me a lot of stress and depression and anxiety, so i know I have to do something
so the patch sounds like a good idea. I just am worried because I read stuff about it and I am afraid I might OD on it or something.
I only take about 7.5 mg vicodin, and the patch is 25ug. they dont make anything weaker than 25. I dont know if thats stronger than the vicodin or not. I dont know the equivalent dosage.
any experiences to share baout it?
so they want me to take the patch, because then THEY have more control over how much I get, its stuck on me and will release the 25ug every hour. plus they said since it releases more slowly i wont get the big rush like with the vicodin gives me the first hour I take it.
my pain is causing me a lot of stress and depression and anxiety, so i know I have to do something
so the patch sounds like a good idea. I just am worried because I read stuff about it and I am afraid I might OD on it or something.
I only take about 7.5 mg vicodin, and the patch is 25ug. they dont make anything weaker than 25. I dont know if thats stronger than the vicodin or not. I dont know the equivalent dosage.
any experiences to share baout it?
Sponsor
Director
05-17-2005, 05:23 PM
Hi Roro...I think the people at the pain clinic are correct in saying you'll probably get use to taking the medication. In this case the patch (is Fentenyl), which is the strongest pain medication on the market. That's why they measure it in micrograms, rather than milligrams, like all other pain meds. They prescribed the 25 ug for you, which is being cautious to see your reaction to the med. When I started on it, my doctor started me on the 50's. I had a pretty high tolerance level, due to the fact I had been on Oxycontin prior to the Duragesic patch. I eventually went up to the 100 ug patch and had Roxicodone, 30 mg for break through pain. I think you'll do ok on the patch if you just give it a little time. Wear it and see how you do on it, but don't be afraid to call the clinic if you think you are having some kind of reaction to it.
Luvs2Tan
05-18-2005, 05:31 PM
Hi roro, WELCOME to the boards. You will find a lot of knowledgeable people here. I know you said you are taking vicoden, and yes the patch is a little stronger, however, they do make a 12ug patch. So maybe you can ask your Dr. about that. If you do a search, not at the top of the screen, but the search button in the blue column and type in 12ug patch, there is a post from Shoreline that will tell you all about the 12ug patch. I hope I was of some help, and again WELCOME to the boards! I hope and pray you are all pain-free.
Hugs,
Luvs2Tan
__________________________
stage 3 ovarian cancer
Hugs,
Luvs2Tan
__________________________
stage 3 ovarian cancer
jenjordan
05-19-2005, 12:28 AM
Hi and welcome. I am currently taking (4) 7.5/500 lortab a day. I had a bad fall in Nov. Leaving me with herniateds dics at l-4 and l-5 sciatic nerve pain, as well as having a pinched nerve in my neck. My doc also has me on muscle relaxers and anti flamatories (sp) as well. I have my first appt with a spine specialist next week and i am hoping for a LA drug like duragesic patch......I know everyone is different but could you keep me posted on how the patch ends up for you. The Lortab does not even touch my pain when its a "bad" day.
Gee I hope i made some sort of sense and did not just ramble. I wish you luck I know there are alot of different pain meds out there just getting the doc to prescribe them sometimes is hard enough. A compasionate doc is so rare it seems to find anymore .........So i hope you find what works the best for you Ps I am not familiar with the patch but I believe 25 i a low dose so od probally wouldnt be a worry as long as taken as prescribed ;)
Prayers J
Gee I hope i made some sort of sense and did not just ramble. I wish you luck I know there are alot of different pain meds out there just getting the doc to prescribe them sometimes is hard enough. A compasionate doc is so rare it seems to find anymore .........So i hope you find what works the best for you Ps I am not familiar with the patch but I believe 25 i a low dose so od probally wouldnt be a worry as long as taken as prescribed ;)
Prayers J
CancerDad
05-19-2005, 01:37 AM
Hi RoRo:
25mcg is an extremely low dose of fentanyl, and IS the recommended starting dose for people beginning Duragesic therapy. Duragesic 25mcg is the lowest available strength in the US. I don't know where you are from. You may feel a little nauseated and perhaps get a headache in the beginning, but that will disappear within a week. In all liklihood though, you may find that you don't even get sick, because it is a steady stream of meds at a low dose going thru your skin at 25mcg/hr. Because it's consistent, a lot of people are able to avoid that nausea feeling, and because it doesn't go in your stomach, you are less likely for side effects. I'm on 125mcg now, and didn't feel anything bad. So, hang in there. I think you'll find you are happy with Duragesic. It quietly takes away a lot of the pain.
God Bless,
CancerDad
25mcg is an extremely low dose of fentanyl, and IS the recommended starting dose for people beginning Duragesic therapy. Duragesic 25mcg is the lowest available strength in the US. I don't know where you are from. You may feel a little nauseated and perhaps get a headache in the beginning, but that will disappear within a week. In all liklihood though, you may find that you don't even get sick, because it is a steady stream of meds at a low dose going thru your skin at 25mcg/hr. Because it's consistent, a lot of people are able to avoid that nausea feeling, and because it doesn't go in your stomach, you are less likely for side effects. I'm on 125mcg now, and didn't feel anything bad. So, hang in there. I think you'll find you are happy with Duragesic. It quietly takes away a lot of the pain.
God Bless,
CancerDad
bryan25503
05-19-2005, 02:55 AM
Not to long ago the FDA approved a new 12.5mcg/hour patch, below is the FDA info on it...........Brian
Drug Name and
FDA Application
Number Dosage Form/Route Strength Marketing Status Company
DURAGESIC-12
(NDA # 019813) FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE; TRANSDERMAL 12.5UGM/HR Prescription ALZA
Go to this website to see the info on the Durgesic 12 (12.5UGM/HR):
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=DURAGESIC%2D12
Drug Name and
FDA Application
Number Dosage Form/Route Strength Marketing Status Company
DURAGESIC-12
(NDA # 019813) FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE; TRANSDERMAL 12.5UGM/HR Prescription ALZA
Go to this website to see the info on the Durgesic 12 (12.5UGM/HR):
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=DURAGESIC%2D12
Drewtn
05-19-2005, 10:18 AM
Hey Roro :)
I am on the 100ug patch right now. I was taking oxycontin and it was making me very nauseous. With the patch it is so much better. The medicine is constant and doesn't mess with your stomach. I think it is great!
As long as you stay away from hot tubs, direct sun and hot pads you should be ok. I think when your body temperature gets to 102 that is also reason for concern. I haven't had any trouble with mine. You just have to watch what you do and be careful. I would try the 25 and just see how it goes.
BTW you aren't the Roro from LCF are you?
I am on the 100ug patch right now. I was taking oxycontin and it was making me very nauseous. With the patch it is so much better. The medicine is constant and doesn't mess with your stomach. I think it is great!
As long as you stay away from hot tubs, direct sun and hot pads you should be ok. I think when your body temperature gets to 102 that is also reason for concern. I haven't had any trouble with mine. You just have to watch what you do and be careful. I would try the 25 and just see how it goes.
BTW you aren't the Roro from LCF are you?
sgibson
05-19-2005, 12:39 PM
Hi. I just have a couple comments. I have been on the Duragesic patch for about 3 years now. I have read a couple of comments about the 25ugh being an extremely low dose of fentanyl. Yes, it is a low dose, but what needs to be remembered here is that fentanyl is an extremely potent narcotic. In fact, the strongest narcotic on the market. I believe Director touched on this subject. Please remember that this is a very strong narcotic. Those of us that have been on it for years do think that 25ugh is an extremely low dose, but that is because we are on 4 and 5 times that amount, but we have been titrated up over the years. In my humble opinion, the jump from an occasional 7.5 vicoden to 25ugh fentanyl is a big jump. Just my opinions here. Take care.
God Bless,
Sherry :wave:
God Bless,
Sherry :wave:
CancerDad
05-22-2005, 09:51 PM
Not to long ago the FDA approved a new 12.5mcg/hour patch, below is the FDA info on it...........Brian
Drug Name and
FDA Application
Number Dosage Form/Route Strength Marketing Status Company
DURAGESIC-12
(NDA # 019813) FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE; TRANSDERMAL 12.5UGM/HR Prescription ALZA
Go to this website to see the info on the Durgesic 12 (12.5UGM/HR):
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=DURAGESIC%2D12
Bryan:
News to me. Thanks for the update. I was relying on my 2005 PDR.
Thanks again,
CancerDad :angel:
Drug Name and
FDA Application
Number Dosage Form/Route Strength Marketing Status Company
DURAGESIC-12
(NDA # 019813) FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE; TRANSDERMAL 12.5UGM/HR Prescription ALZA
Go to this website to see the info on the Durgesic 12 (12.5UGM/HR):
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=DURAGESIC%2D12
Bryan:
News to me. Thanks for the update. I was relying on my 2005 PDR.
Thanks again,
CancerDad :angel:
roro
05-22-2005, 10:06 PM
thanks everyone!
I just started it today, and I feel great! I can't remember the last time I had a day with such little pain. It took about 6 hours to kick in, and when it did I did get a little headache and nausea, but it passed quickly. I went grocery shopping, planted my garden, got caught up with the laundry. Its so nice to be able to function. I still have mildf pain, but its not even anything, just a feeling of "uncomfortable" if I try turn my neck to far, like a reminder that its still there. I am shocked, I really thought this medicine was going to floor me. so far so good.
Drew, yes I am the roro from LCF!! I hope to see you in TN in june!
I just started it today, and I feel great! I can't remember the last time I had a day with such little pain. It took about 6 hours to kick in, and when it did I did get a little headache and nausea, but it passed quickly. I went grocery shopping, planted my garden, got caught up with the laundry. Its so nice to be able to function. I still have mildf pain, but its not even anything, just a feeling of "uncomfortable" if I try turn my neck to far, like a reminder that its still there. I am shocked, I really thought this medicine was going to floor me. so far so good.
Drew, yes I am the roro from LCF!! I hope to see you in TN in june!
Drewtn
05-23-2005, 11:07 AM
It IS YOU!! :wave: :D LOL Good to see you here! This place is really helpful! I hope to see you in June too!! :)
Glad the patch is working ok for you! I think they usually say it takes a couple patches to get used to it and get rid of some side effects. The only change I had to make was changing mine every 48 hours. If you track your pain level you will know if it lasts the full 3 days. For me the last day was really hard. Good luck and keep in touch!
Glad the patch is working ok for you! I think they usually say it takes a couple patches to get used to it and get rid of some side effects. The only change I had to make was changing mine every 48 hours. If you track your pain level you will know if it lasts the full 3 days. For me the last day was really hard. Good luck and keep in touch!
roro
05-23-2005, 11:40 AM
OMG I could not sleep at all last night :(
I was so restless, kept waking up every hour or so.
I woke up this morning really sick, nauseous, dizzy, chills. I had to call in sick from work. I slept about an hour, and I feel better now, I think I will go in to work after my pain management class at lunch time. I don't know if it was so much the side effects, or having an empty stomach, or if it was just cuz I got no sleep. i guess this is going to take some getting used to.
I was so restless, kept waking up every hour or so.
I woke up this morning really sick, nauseous, dizzy, chills. I had to call in sick from work. I slept about an hour, and I feel better now, I think I will go in to work after my pain management class at lunch time. I don't know if it was so much the side effects, or having an empty stomach, or if it was just cuz I got no sleep. i guess this is going to take some getting used to.
Drewtn
05-23-2005, 03:23 PM
You are now on day two of the first patch right? It is probably the side effects and your body isn’t used to it yet. Give it at least another patch before you decide anything. The dose is probably just now topping out. It will get better.
Could you be going through withdrawal from your other pain meds? Have you stopped them completely??
I hope you feel better. It is rough figuring out what is going on when you will get back to normal. I hope you get it figured out and can stay on them for a little while longer. Good luck!
Could you be going through withdrawal from your other pain meds? Have you stopped them completely??
I hope you feel better. It is rough figuring out what is going on when you will get back to normal. I hope you get it figured out and can stay on them for a little while longer. Good luck!
roro
05-23-2005, 04:48 PM
I didn't think of that, maybe I am withdrawing from the vicodin. I just figured since this is so much stronger I would be OK.
I am afraid to take anything else. I have xanax too, but I am afraid to take anything else.
I think this is putting me in a manic state, this happened with SSRI's, ultracet, and sudafed too.
I am afraid to take anything else. I have xanax too, but I am afraid to take anything else.
I think this is putting me in a manic state, this happened with SSRI's, ultracet, and sudafed too.
Drewtn
05-23-2005, 05:07 PM
I take 1 mg Klonopin (like xanax), 20 mg of Lexapro along with the patch. If you stop taking your normal meds your body is not going to be happy. If you are nervous then take only half of your normal xanax dose. If you feel comfortable then maybe move up to normal. You might want to call your doctor to see what they suggest you take too. When I converted over I took my old pain medicine for a few days until the patch was built up in my system. (My doctor suggested this) I still take all my normal daily meds too.
Hope you are feeling a bit better now. ((HUGS))
Hope you are feeling a bit better now. ((HUGS))
roro
05-23-2005, 06:26 PM
thanks Drew!
I called the pharmacist and they said I can take the xanax. hopefully I will get some sleep tonight.
I called the pharmacist and they said I can take the xanax. hopefully I will get some sleep tonight.
Lost in Pa
05-24-2005, 02:03 PM
Has anyone heard of the fentanyl patches made by Geneva. This is supposedly another generic form of Duragesic. I have not heard a mention of this brand and that is what my pharmacy carries...Help!
JCF
05-26-2005, 10:25 AM
Hey Roro,
Like you, I too get headaches from hydrocodone ( Vicodin). Went on the patch (75) an while back and found it worked very well. I remember getting up from bed and no pain!! Side effects were minimal if any.
No knows your body like you do, but learn to put some trust on your Dr. " The patch" may be the anwer for you.
JCF
Like you, I too get headaches from hydrocodone ( Vicodin). Went on the patch (75) an while back and found it worked very well. I remember getting up from bed and no pain!! Side effects were minimal if any.
No knows your body like you do, but learn to put some trust on your Dr. " The patch" may be the anwer for you.
JCF
JCF
05-26-2005, 10:28 AM
If you are concerned as to the dose, the prior post indicated there is a lower dose patch you can suggest to your Dr.
roro
05-26-2005, 05:03 PM
thanks everyone! so far so good. I am doing really well on this. side effects are minimal. It may be a little strong, but not too bad. I still have some pain, I have been taking 800mg motrin for the breakthrough pain.
It does make me a little hyper, last night was the first day of the 2nd patch, and I had to take the xanax to sleep. but that is a side effect I can live with, compared to the horrible side effects with other meds.
I love waking up pain free, and not having to worry about eating enough food to take the meds with.
I heard about the 12.5 patch, but the pharmacist doesn't even know about it yet. i will ask the dr when I go on the 9th.
It does make me a little hyper, last night was the first day of the 2nd patch, and I had to take the xanax to sleep. but that is a side effect I can live with, compared to the horrible side effects with other meds.
I love waking up pain free, and not having to worry about eating enough food to take the meds with.
I heard about the 12.5 patch, but the pharmacist doesn't even know about it yet. i will ask the dr when I go on the 9th.