Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms (Page 68)

I'm trying to wean myself off the Fentanyl patch. I went from 75 micro-gms to 50 now I'm on 25. Having a problem and not sure it is related to the decrease in the med. It's been 20 days on the 25 micro-gm and I'm going crazy. I need to keep rocking, moving in any way b/c my body is very restless. Is this a symptom of withdrawal and what do I do? I cannot take it any more.

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Enonumus, thanks for the post, I cannot imagine being on a two hundred mcg patch, let alone trying to get off from it. Talk about psychological, makes me shake just thinking about it, so you have done extremely well to be where you are.

Yes I know they only last 72 term hours, but my body doesn't, so yes in my mind I think I am getting more than I really am. Last night I could have gone back to the fifty I was extremely restless and hurt all over, I fought it off by going on my treadmill for a half hour than kept busy until I went to bed today is better. Not sure what I am going to do about pain after I am free of Fentanyl, but I go see my pain doctor on the 13th of Feb and we will discuss what is next. Thanks for listening, just take it one day at a time, and don't fall of the wagon.

Just found out the wife has melanoma cancer, what could be next in my golden years. I have always said you never know what you will wake up with!!! Take care

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We'll looks like this tapering off fentanyl finally fought up to. Me feeling sick shaking bad head ach lots of pain in my back it has been bad now for two tays now very restless, staying on the twenty five until I feel better, I have an appoint with pain on Thursday hope things are better soon

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Ouch, you sound pretty miserable Rayman, I feel for you. Do what you have to do to mitigate and tolerate the withdrawals and the tapering. You know what your goal is and what your body is feeling like, and only you know how much you want to get off of the patches entirely. If you have to temporarily increase your level back to a previous point, so be it, but don't let it fool your mind into thinking it's impossible to taper off of them completely, as countless people have done it. Keep posting and updating if it helps. Btw, I'm very sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis. I hope she gets good medical treatment and they're able to remove the cancer.

As for me, I'm still at 100mcg, down from 200 initially, and I guess it's been about a month at this reduced dosage. I feel about 80-90% as healthy as I did when I was at 200mcg, and it gets slightly better with each passing day. I'm at a point where I could try another stepdown, but I've felt pretty yucky and haven't had hardly any appetite the last month on the reduced dosage, so I need a little time for my body to recover. Probably will wait 1 or 2 more weeks at this dosage then step down. Not sure if I'm going to drop down by half to 50mcg, or if I'll go down to about 75. I'll keep checking in here ever 3 or 4 days to see how others are doing.

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I have cut and pasted some info I found on another forum (a couple of different people's posts). I have not yet tried this Thomas Recipe. I think it would be worth a try...anything to help ease the withdrawals (except more fentanyl).

THOMAS RECIPE
Klonopin - prescribed for anxiety free or what insurance requires you to pay.

Xanax – prescribed for anxiety free or what insurance requires you to pay.

Water- To keep hydrated. Lots of it and any kind, free is what I used.

Sleep- as much as you can or need to.

Food- As much as you need or can consume. Cost varies but soups are encouraged. I already had Top Ramen soup so it was no cost to me. Ramen soups are 5 for a dollar at most places.

Sweets for snacks - due to one craves sweets during detox (Reese's PB cups minis $2.78, Reese's pieces $2.78, Hershey chocolate minis $2.78) total cost $8.34

Hot baths/ showers or Jacuzzi- for aches and pains, most of times free.

Imodium- generic or name brand over the counter at the supermarket for the runs. I used the fluid but you can also purchase pill form and I also used a generic brand (Equate) that has same ingredient. 4 fluid ounce bottle at Wal-Mart cost me $2.78

L-Tyrosine – 500 mg / 100 capsules at Vitamin World for Energy and mental well-being, $13.07 out the door.

Super B- Complex – I used Nature Made 140 count Tablets (contains B- 12, B-6, vitamin C and a few more ingredients) for energy. Cost me at Wal-Mart $6.94.

Multi- Vitamin- Brand is Nature Made Multi -Complete with Iron and calcium 60 count liquid soft Gels. For nutrients the body needs to be healthy. Cost at Wal-Mart is $6.94

Potassium Gluconate- (most times not found in the Multi- Vitamin) Spring Valley brand 100 caplets at Wall- Mart cost me $2.78

Valerian Root- To help aid in the promotion of sleep. The brand I used is Spring Valley Natural 100 capsules. At Wal-Mart cost me $3.94

Sleepytime Extra Tea- Made by Celestial to promote sleep and relaxation. Contains Valerian 25mg, Chamomile 600mg, and Tilia Estrella 160mg. Cost at Wal-Mart is $3.18 for a box of 20 count tea bag.

Total cost I paid for all ingredients for Thomas recipe to detox is $ 47.97 this does not include some tax so probably closer to a total of $50.00 all together and a lot of patients and time.
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper, Magnesium and Potassium (you may not find the potassium in the same supplement).

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Start the vitamin/mineral supplement right away (or the first day you can keep it down), preferably with food. Potassium early in the detox is important to help relieve RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). Bananas are a good source of potassium if you can't find a supplement for it.

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

Continue to take the vitamin/mineral supplement with breakfast.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

Thomas"

Thomas Detox Recipe

5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a cover up, hide behind a bad case of the flu.

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll nee

1.Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store). [generic brand anti-diarrheal is fine. Don't take it unless really uncomfortable]

2.L-Tyrosine* (500 mg caps) from the health food store.* [See Warning]

3.Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

4.Vitamin B6 caps. [or stress B-complex?]

5.Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available). [many gyms offer free trials]

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5.Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available). [many gyms offer free trials]

How to use the recipe

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate W/D symptom. [I like Epsom salts in the tub. Forces Magnesium into the muscles]

Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. DON'T TAKE IT, however, if you don't need it.[Diarrhea is the bodies way to aid in the detox so take Immodium or generic for the comfort factor, if needed]

Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine*. Try 2000 mg, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mg. Take the L-Tyrosine* with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine* will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine* can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate W/D, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine* is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. [*Read the Warning first! *L-Tyrosine* is great. *SamE 400* mg works for mood too]

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better. [Walking gets the blood and lymph systems working, helping you detox better.]

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you. [Very important note]

[WARNING If you are on anti-Depressants, use medical supervision on L-Tyrosine, SamE and all mood enhancers. There can be a risk if taking L-Tyrosine, 5 HTP if you are on a tricyclic or a MAIO antidepressant's ...It can cause a spike in blood pressure.]

I was on 100mcg Fentanyl patch every 2 days. After having another procedure I went without the patch and thought I was dying. A nurse friend figured out it was Fentanyl withdrawal and we texted my doctor who replied right away with put on a patch on or go to ER. Then I wanted off this Fentanyl, or as I called it poison. After that my doctor and I talked about weaning me off Fentanyl because I was obviously dependent. When I started on the 75's he had me on a Clonidine 0.1 mg/day patch/week for withdrawal symptoms. If I still had issues he gave me Inderal/Propranolol 10mg 3x/day for withdrawal.Then if there were still issues he said pick up OTC DMX Dextromethorphan 15-30mg every 6 hours. I just started on the 50's and I have only taken one Propranolol. My orthopedist also takes my texts and texts back very quickly. My doctor has had pain management issues with his back and I think he is empathetic which probably has made all the difference.

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We'll Enonomus,This fentanyl,is a butt kicker, that being said we are going to win this war going in my body. Fentanyl won the first battle I did add a 12 to my 25 for a day, but took it off in about 20 hrs feeling little better, haven't slep much in three days. I may stay on 25 for another couple weeks than drop to a 12 by itself and go from there. Meet with pain doc on Thursday sticking with her I feel she deals with this stuff all the time. If you can drop from 200to a100 I should be able to drop 50 and still live lol. Thanks for the support hope I can help you. It's one day at a time until we win the war. Time for bed guess I will go there ya never know I may fall asleep.

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Teacup, after reading your post on the Thomas receipt I can only say good luck and hope it works for you. It's not for me, but trying to get off the fentanyl myself I understand you need support and your asking for help just like everyone else. You need to start some place, but it does not matter what way you chose for yourself you will go through with drawl. How long does it take I do not know everybody is different. So my thought is are you trying to get fentanyl? Or are you just giving out ideas ? Iam not trying to be rude to you, just what to understand why are you stuck on this Thomas thing but your not posting what you are doing. Wish you good luck it's not easy that part I do know.

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Yeah some people copy n paste trying yo hawk stuff sometimes.

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U are in mild withdraw. Bring your dose back to 50 mcg. Change the patch every three days. When u can use the patch for three and a half days, continue doing so for two weeks. Next have your doctor write a prescription for one 25mcg. Patch and one 12 mcg. Patch. Wear the two patches together for an entire month. After following this procedure for at least two weeks switch to 25mcg. Now, after a month wearing 25 mcg u can try to switch to just 12 mcg patch. Once u start feeling normal on just the 12 mcg. Patch. Give it another week then attempt to take the patch off. If u start feeling bad again put the 12 mcg patch on and ask u physician to prescribe 5mg oxycodone without U can then remove the fentanyl patch and should take these up to 4 times a day as needed for the withdraw. Don't take them unless u need to. Last step, wean the OxyContin down by breaking the pills in half then eliminating a pill as tolerated. Remember this is not a race, take your time, u are on the strongest opiate on the market.

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My thought is those are symptoms... When I went 25 to 12 I had those symptoms and others... When I took the patch off last Fri... I have been sickly since last Wed. Day 4, Mon., without anything... the abdominal pain started and I have barely been functional all week. I wrote already my doc had me on Clonidine, Inderal, and Dextramathorphine. The lack of eating (abdominal pain) and insomnia are my two biggest issues. After more research I tried Amrix (Flexiril was what I read but I only had Amrix) and Melatonin with heating bad on my abdomen... I slept a little better last night. I touched base with my doctor and he was okay with my addition.

Thank you to those offering tips and support. I never realized so many people have/had this issue. My husband is a police officer and has gained insight into drug dependence and withdrawal behaviors. He said I have completely reinforced his desire to never use drugs.

I saw the other tips for me that instead of Amrix Valium was recommended. I debated and questioned if the muscle relaxer would offer a little more relieve on the abdomen. It did until mid-day.

Best of luck all!

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Thanks to every one who posted, one of the big things in coming down on your fentanyl patch is support, and people that have gone through it offer some good advice. some of the best advice is to take your time and we are not in a race here. I am doing better, got some sleep two nights ago, was good all day yesterday until I went to bed, got so restless couldn't sit still got into the rocking mode was up every hour on the hour, thinking when will this be over, than about 6am went to sleep for three hours, I was so happy. I dropped from a 50 to 37 no problem than. stayed on that for two weeks than went to a 25 that's when I started to have major problems. Went to my pain doctor yesterday and she gave me a prescription for 25 going to stay on that for three to four more weeks until I have no withdraw symptoms then going down to a 12 and stay on that for about a month or until no more withdraw from it. She was going to give me a transdermal patch to take care of the restlessness but I left with out it will call her Monday and pick it up don't remember what it is but will post it if anyone is interested. she did give me a prescription for Norco and that took care of my pain for now Take care everyone

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My pain specialist made a mistake on my Fentanyl 50mg patch &wrote 25mg instead. After several calls &emails he finally replied saying over the past 2 years he had suggested other options &I should try those as he wasn't going 2 write another script. Here in Australia I can only get 1 months worth at a time as I'm on a disability pension &can't afford the full prescription amount required with a 3 month script.
I'd just seem him recently when he had suggested I stay on the 50s as I had endured more recent injuries. I hav also tried every alternative given and had either allergic reactions or severe side affects. I also had severe stomach ulceration from celebrex after an accident 10 years prior. This is why he put me on these patches in the first place! Now I am left on my own 2 lower the dose without any help! I can't get in 2c my gp for another 10 days! I've lowered to a 25+12 patches 2 days ago. I hav inner ear aches, sore throat, anxiety, panic, numbness to tingling down my arms&hands, I can't sit still&am feeling the need 2 shake my head (not good with neck injuries) &can't sit still!
How can a professional pain specialist do this over an email? &then not even respond when you remind them of their own words&your allergies etc!

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FEEL BAD FOR YOU CKG, ITS NO FUN GOING THROUGH WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCEING. WHY NOT GO TO A DIFFERENT DOCTOR ONE THAT WILL LISTEN TO YOU . THATS BETTER THAN SITTING ON A DOCTOR THAT IS NOT GOING TO HELP YOU GOOD LUCK

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Thanks Rayman. I have such an involved case and going thru it all is very distressing for me. My gp is aware of all of this and 2c someone else will be traumatic going thru all the events that have put me here, including an assult by a horrible violent neighbor only weeks ago that exacerbated my injuries. I am hanging in there. It feels like every cell in my body is doing is own thing. I knocked myself out last night with 3 brufen tablets 2 try stop the pain in my jaw, face& neck. I will try the doctor again each morning 2 try get in on a cancellation.

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I have read these posts with great interest. after 8 years of being on 125mcg fentanyl patches that pain management doc's told me I could never go off of I'm in my second month of detox. My primary care doctor will only let me go down 12mcg a month so I am so envious of all of you getting off the patch so fast.
My pain has not been controlled for a very long time. I have fibro, chronic migraines, lupus, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, Sjogrens, Addison Disease, j just to name a few.
in addition to weaning off the fentanyl I am also taking myself off of a number of other medications I have been prescribed over the years.
thanks to fentanyl I developed central sleep apnea which I hope to reverse by getting off the patch.
My plan is to control my pain with trigger point injections and lidoderm patches.
I want to thank those of you who have shared your positive experience with detox. You are all such a blessing. I don't believe our bodies are meant to be poisoned by these awful drugs. Just because modern medicine invented them in no way means God had a thing to do with them. there are many things done in the name of medicine that are clearly not of the father.

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Deborah, good for you I call it the devil patch, it affects so many things in your body,and sleep being one of them.your doctor is right to only go down 12mcg at a time I was only on a 50and going down to 37 wasn't to bad but going down. To 25 gave me problems night mares, Terrible headachs shaking rocking just plain miserable. I have been on 25 now for three weeks going to stay here for another month than go to 12. It took a long time for your body to get use to it so take your time don't rush it you will feel better in the long run. I give people credit that can go cold turkey but for me I hate misery. I. Was on fentanyl for four to five years, my family doctor want me to stay on it my wife wanted me to stay on it. I feel so much better getting off it. Is your body you know what you can handle I am looking at the end of April to be free from it. You can do it just take your time take care RAYMAN

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I am on 100 mcg of fentenyl...I was at work and started feeling like everything was closing in on me and my heart beating fast...don't know what's happening.....I need off this stuff..had to leave work....I'm not sure what to do...

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Hi all I have been on the patch for 16 yrs with oxy ir for breakthrough pain. I have fybro and debilitating RA everywhere. Know I am having to get off the patch as it is causing perminent damage to my liver and causing short term memory loss. I am told that it will take a year to a year and a half and this will limit the withdraws. I am down to 50mcg every 72 hrs. Sleep is eluding me again, only getting about 4 hrs a night.
It has been a long time since I have felt the full brunt of the pain. I know memory can be worse than it actually was but it can also be better. I am very afraid. Just needed to talk.

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O.M.Gosh. you all have me petrifiied. I just started fentanyl about 2 weeks ago, and my docters never asked me if I wanted to be on it. Nor did they discuss anything at all about it with me. I mean yes, I have many non reversable medical problems, Im only 50 years old, and Im living with a 90 year olds body, because of degenerative disc dease, m.s. f/m to name just a few of my health issues. But wow, I'm reading nothing good about this drug. What should it really be being used for?????????

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Don't be afraid, just be mindful of going super high on Fentanyl levels. If you need it, don't feel bad at all I also have several back issues and some things caused by trauma. It's a very good painkiller, it just needs to be respected. All people not with terminal cancer or something like that, especially at our age... Lol... must have some serious pain going on, and had not had a history of drug or alcohol abuse. I know I had a long relationship with my Dr. And other issues with taking pills by mouth and absorption issues. I am sure you are on a very low dose at this point, just use this at the minimum level that you can, as aCCP WE BOTH KNOW WE'LL NEVER BE PAIN FREE...... we can have a life without constant increasing pain. Everything you see on here is generally people who have problems with taking high levels or misuse and abuse. Just use it as directed, on your skin , it is a medicine to be respected and kept out away some place like w gun would be, especially when the little ones come around!!! Like I said don't be frightened, is it working to help you well with your pain?

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I was On The 50 and mydr stopped it cold And I am having Sever Withdrawals.

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