Withdrawals switching from one opiate to another

[nubbin1954]

Do you suffer withdrawals by switching from one opiate to another?

[Jkdoglover2]

Why is there withdrawls switching

[backhurtz]

There usually isn’t. If someone has been on opiates for a while, switching to a different opiate simply requires the doctor to convert the daily dose of the current med to another opiate. They usually reduce the new dose by 10-20% for cross tolerance, which simply put means the new opiate requires a lower dose to achieve the same level of pain relief from the previous med. It allows lower mg dosing. Most patients never know about any cross tolerance reduction.

[Dee1956]

Hello I believe it is possible, you could call your doctor, maybe there is something they could give you to help with this problem or perhaps they need to increase your current dose.  
Wishing you the best.

[namnam46]

Ni nubbin,

The reason that you are suffering the withdrawals is because you were put on way to low a dose of the Fentanyl.  When you have been on the mthadone 40 mg's for 15 years and are switched to 25 mcg's of Fentanyl Patches you are way under-dosed.  :(  If your doctor had done it properly you wouldn't have had nearly the trouble and withdrawals that you are going through now.

I'm so sorry that this happened to you!!

I hope that you will find a new Doctor that is willing to work with you and take much better care of you than your current Doctor.  

Again, I'm sorry that you are going through this and I hope that you get the correct help that you need!!..........Sherry  :)

[mellie4]

If your doctor does it properly, there should be no withdrawals.  It was a big fear of mine as we switched meds a lot.  But they have a conversion chart they use so it's not usually an issue.  Also, talk to your pharmacist.  They have a wealth of knowledge and can help allay an fears.  Having a good relationship with your pharmacist is nearly as important as having a good relationship with your doctor.

Which narcotic are you coming off and which are you switching to?  

[Jkdoglover2]

From hydrocodone to oxycodone

[mombojombo]

Hi!  Do you have a question Jkdoglover?  Welcome, by the way.  Feel free to start your own thread and we will try to help.

[Jkdoglover2]

Will I withdrawl

[backhurtz]

Jkdoglover,
Your doctor should be able to convert you from one opiate to another with little to no problem and minimal if any withdrawal.
Typically , they convert your current dosage in total daily milligrams to an equivalent amount in the new opiate. They may reduce the dosage slightly for cross tolerance. All this means is that most people will require a smaller dose of the new opiate, and to minimize any side effects. Most never notice the slight reduction.
I’ve switched from one opiate to another many times and never had any issues or withdrawal.