duragesic patch - Pain Management Message Board

roro · 05-17-2005, 01:34 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?

RetiredDirector · 05-17-2005, 02:23 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, 02:31 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

jenjordan · 05-18-2005, 09:28 PM

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

CancerDad · 05-18-2005, 10:37 PM

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