Percocet To Fetanyl

[randomdays]

Im going from 140 MG of percocet a day to 25 mc of Fentanyl every 72 hours... does this transition seem about right?  I dont need anyone to tell me how addictive it is i know all about that, i just need to know if that transition is about right.

[geminigirl1963]

I also am not totally sure about the exact equivalence of the percocet to the fentanyl, but like sandee said, it's a typical practice for doctors to start a patient off with the 25 mcg fentanyl patch to see a) how the patient can tolerate the medication b) if that level of pain control is adequate c) hopefully avoid some side effects of going to such a strong narcotic.  Even those of use who have been on narcotic pain medication for a long time can sometimes have trouble switching to a stronger one.

Your doctor will probably request that you give the 25mcg some time to basically build up in your system before deciding whether an increase in the dose is required.  Sometimes they will allow or prescribe you to take other types of narcotic pain medication for "break-through" pain -- BUT DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR DOCTOR.  If your doctor does allow or prescribe this to happen, it may be that they also will change you from percocet for the break through pain to something else.

Remember, the fentanyl patch is not designed for "instantaneous pain relief" - it is designed for controlling chronic pain, so it's important to not expect immediate results from it like you might from a pill form of a narcotic.  Again, this is one reason your doc might tell you you can take a short acting narcotic such as the percocet or vicodin or something like that to help you through until the patch can start working for you.

I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted.  If I can answer any more questions, please let me know.

[sandee1818]

Hi,
I am not sure of the exact conversion rate but Fentanyl is 40 times stronger than morphine so taking that into consideration it sounds correct.
Also doctors normally start Pt's out on the 25mc of Fentanyl and then titrated up as needed. Rarely is a Pt started out on higher doses. This way your put on the lowest amount that will treat your pain. Tolerance issues being considered the lowest dose is the best.
I hope this answers your question. You will receive other advice and someone here may know the actual conversion rate:)

[randomdays]

Im hoping that the 25 mc every 3 days translates less than the 140 MG of percocet, would i be right in assuming that?  i know its not an exact science but anyone have any ideas?