fentanyl pain patch question

[Guest guest]

With my recent DX of gastroparesis and SOD along with the fibromyalgia

and migraines I asked my doc about something else for pain. Ihave been

taking loratab and demorol by the feeding tube but it wasn't working or

lasting long. He gave me a script for fentantyl patches 25mcg/hr. The

first day I was asleep couldn't even keep my eyes open for an hour at a

time. I was also vomiting. Not sure if the latter was from the

fentanyl or just my usual. (I had given in and eaten some potato chips

bad idea). Any how my question is will the side effects wear off as I

am on it longer or should I be worried? Today is the third day and I

am supposed to change the patch tonight will I get super sleepy again?

Today is not as bad but I desperatley want to take a nap.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

,

That drowsiness that you've been experiencing with the start of the

patch should wear off after the first week or so, once your system has

become more accustomed to the new meds. After becoming adjusted,

you shouldn't notice any difference in your awareness on the days

that the patch is changed. If you were to go up to an increased

dosage of the patch, you may notice some initial sleepiness again,

which you should adjust to quickly.

If you are using the generic version of the Duragesic patch, I would

suggest that you ask your doctor to change the script to Duragesic

patches only, (no substitution to generics), if you plan to be using

them for a longer period of time. I mention this because there have

been reports issued to medical personnel that there have been

problems with the generic version, both leakage problems and

inconsistant dosaging.. My Pain Management Physician is the

doctor that alerted me of these problems, and he won't write any

scripts for the generic patches any longer.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.