Now I have a ?? about conversions..Sorry! - Pain Management Message Board

ozzybug · 05-22-2007, 03:42 PM

Hello Everyone-
As always, I hope this day is being good to you. I have to ask about conversions, if these meds are even "convertable"...

Norco 7.5/325 mgs (two tablets per dose) compared to Duragesic 12 mg patch?

My doctor wants me to try the Duragesic and agreed to start low. Is this a big jump? I've always heard that Fentanyl is a pretty potent medication, but also have absolutely no idea how potent the 12 mg patch is.

Is there anything major I can expect when I first use it? I know everyone respsonds differently to meds, but I really do NOT want to be knocked off my rear end. I do know that I am going to wait until the weekend to start them because I don't have to be in the office and my husband will be with me. I am hoping that any possible side effects will be minimal since the doctor assures me this is a very low dose. Any kind of information will be appreciated as I always get a bit nervous when adding a new med to the mix. Don't get me wrong, I trust my doctor, but I also appreciate input from people who know first hand from using the patch.

Take care everyone! Have a great evening

BrittleBones · 05-22-2007, 05:40 PM

Hi Again - I think I've answered this question in your previous post about Back from the Doc. I hope so anyway. KathyMac

Laenini · 05-22-2007, 06:07 PM

There are conversion factors and tables that are used to calculate equivalent doses of one opioid analgesic to another. Before anyone could do that math though they would need to know how many tablets per 24 hour period you average of the Norco. The 12mcg/hr patch is the smallest dose of the patch made. If you are rating your pain as a 4-5 while on the Norco, I don't think you should worry that this patch will be too strong for you.

Good Luck!