Anxious, Nervous, Uneasy, etc

[mark43brewer]

I have been on a 25 microgram fentanyl pain patch for a year now.  I am really going through a tough time every 2nd to 3rd day (48 to 72 hours).  The patch is to be changed every 72 hours.  Anyway, I want off the patch.  I have read the possible withdrawal is pretty horrendous.  Any ideas about how to do this without going beserk.  I want to go to some medical detox program but I cannot miss work, especially in this economy.  Any words would be helpful....thanks in advance.

[Jacqui805]

You're welcome Mark.  If there's anything I can do for you, please give me a shout.  I'm only too happy to help.  Without the help I received here when I was in w/d, I don't know how I'd have gotten through it.  Let us know when you decide to quit the Fentanyl and we'll talk you through the whole thing.  

I think talking about it helps for a couple of reasons.  Number one, like you said, knowing you're not alone does wonders!  Knowing what to expect, helps you to prepare for it.  Talking to those ahead of you in recovery, helps to give you hope, and strength.  Talking about it is a great distraction believe it or not, and I came here and posted or talked to people CONSTANTLY when I was w/ding.  I was very thankful there are other nightowls besides myself too, lol  I found that talking to folks here, with my headphones on and tunes goin' (after the initial jumpiness was gone) was great.

[mark43brewer]

Thanks for the encouraging words.  I wish I could say this is my first time dealing with an addiction issue, but that would not be the truth.  I found myself in the same position a few years ago with Hydros.  The thing is that the w/d was not that bad.  However, I missed a few days of the patch trying to cold turkey and that was hell.  I have to muster up the courage to go through the anxiety, the restlessness and the sleepless nights.  I don't remember dreading something as much as I do this necessary step to live my life.  Anyway, thanks again for the kind words of wisdom.  This site is very helpful and knowing you are not alone does wonders for the spirit.

Thanks,

Mark

[Jacqui805]

Hi Mark.  I remember going through the exact same feeling as you are, every 2nd & 3rd day.  I was on 200 mcg and that feeling is one of many reasons I wanted off of 'em too.  It really scared me, and I was already on a very high dose and no one, including me, would want me on any higher.  Some people change theirs every two days, but my insurance wouldn't cover it, and I'm not sure I'd have wanted to do that either.  

In any event Mark, this can be done.  Like I said, I was on 200 mcg.  It was a daunting thing to be sure, but I weaned off by dropping my dose by 25 mcg each month.  By the time I got to 25 mcg in January of 2008, I was in full-blown withdrawl.  I had intended on dropping to the last dose, 12 mcg, in February, but I couldn't see the point since I was already in w/d pretty bad.  I just dropped off then.  Since you're on 25, maybe YOU could go down to the 12's.  

There is NO way to avoid w/d.  None whatsoever.  For some, there are things that HELP them get through it, such as Clonidine, Klonopin, amino acids and such, but nothing helped me personally.  Once you are SURE you want off, you simply must commit to the decision b/c it will be hard.  Your will to get through it, is the main thing dude.  That, and the help and support you receive by others.  That is what got me through..coming here, and my own will to be done with it.  

You are on a much lower dose than I was, and I got through it.  I was on my dose for four years, and that makes it harder too....so the higher the dose, and the longer you've been on it, makes a difference.  Is your doctor aware you want off?  You really should talk to him/her.  They should be aware, and they should be the one to prescribe the lower dose of the patch for you...and anything they or you, think would help you through it.  For me, the runs and nausea and whatnot, were the EASY part of the w/d.  By far, the worst symptoms are anxiety/restlessness, sleeplessness, and increased pain.  The increased pain can be a tricky symptom too...b/c you start to think you really need to be on that patch b/c the pain is so bad....the medication has caused your brain to desire it though, so when deprived of it, your brain freaks out and you feel in increased sensation of pain.....BUT.....NOTHING lasts forever dude, nothing.  All of the symptoms, ALL of them, DO go away.  You have to keep that in your head the WHOLE time you're going through w/d.  I viewed it as the proverbial tunnel situation, and I wanted to get to the light at the end of it.  I viewed my recovery as walkin' through that tunnel, however slowly, towards the light....feelin' better as I got to the end.  

You can do this, and I'll be happy to help you along the way.

Jacqui