How long does it take for Duragesic Pain Patch to work?

[yobo626]

Does anyone know how long it takes to feel the effect of the pain patch? Thank you

[Mollyrae]

Yes it is. Be patient. Like others have said, everyone is different.
Hang in there. I sent you a personal message.........

[Jaybay]

FYI - it's a real bad idea to put on a new patch sooner than the usual 72 hours unless your doctor writes that explicitly on the prescription.  If you run out too soon, you'll have a whole lot of explaining to do, and most pain docs will not be happy that you used this powerful of a medication inappropriately.  Taking more than prescribed of any pain medication can get you fired as a patient in some practices.

[Tuckamore]

Jaybay is so right. I know you are trying to be helpful. But please understand that at MedHelp we only take medications as our individual physician prescribes them. What your physician may prescribe for you, may not be right for Yobo.

It is never OK to change your patch early, increase your dose or take medications any other way than how they are prescribed. And as far as applying heat, it is not recommended in the packet instructions and therefore unless directed by her physician Yobo should not follow your well intended suggestion.

Take care, Tuck

[stnick_77]

Yobo asked how she could get more relief from her patch...I was not telling her to do anything illegal. I'm guessing you have never been on the fentanyl patch. Putting a new patch on at the end of 48 hrs is safe to do, and is recommended to do it that way by the majority of PM doctors. Because at the end of the 72 hr period when you remove the old patch, and apply a new one, it will once again take approx. 24 hrs for the new patch you jst put on to reach it's theraputic syrum levels of fentanyl in your blood stream, and people who really suffer from sever chronic pain that 24 hr waiting period is miserable. Also when you put a new patch on at the end of 48 hrs and leave the old patch on and then remove it at the end of 72 hrs. you are not double dosing, or getting more of the medication than you should beings that it takes approx 24 hrs for the fent. to get into your blood stream anyways. So by the time you take off the old patch at the end of 72 hrs, the new patch that you put on at the end of 48 hrs will just begin to start releasing the fentanyl into your system, therefore it does not increase the fentanyl serum levels at all. So...not to sound rude but before you try criticizing someone for giving advice that was asked for, you might want to make sure you know exactly what you are talking about, and get your facts straight.
-Nick-

[stnick_77]

....Also, by putting a new patch on at the end of 48 hrs. is NOT using more fent. than prescribed, beings that it takes 24 hrs for the release of the fentanyl in the blood, and nor is it using more of the medication than prescribed!  If you put the new patch on at the end of 48hrs and keep the old patch on, you will still be getting the dose of fent. prescribed from the first patch you applied, b/c the second patch is not releasing fentanyl yet, and will not release it for approx 24 hrs, the exact same time that you should remove the old patch at the 72hr mark! Therefore it is NOT over medicating nor is it abusing it in any way, shape, or form. I hope that you guys understand the concept of how the fentanyl patch actually works now.
-Nick-

[sandee1818]

Hi stnick_77,
    I believe the point that was trying to be made is that you should never take it upon yourself or from advice from someone else to alter your pain medication regime in any way shape or form from that in which the Dr has ordered.
I have asked someone who knows about the patch to stop by and clear up any misconceptions so I look forward to her input.
Thanks,
Sandy