What are the long-term side affects of Fentanyl use?

Answer 1

Supposedly there isn't any long term research data on Fentanyl use or other opiates.

However, I can tell you that after 9 years of using 100 micro patches at doses of 100 and 200 (2 x 100 patches) that I don't have any problems with it. I also use a rather large quantity of Percocet 10/325's for breakthrough pain (120/150 per month) and I have no ill effects from that either. I've used both for the same period, and use other less potent opiates prior to using these.

Answer 2

Having used Fentanyl (Duragesic) patches for over 10 years, I can say that of course opiate dependence is the primary effect. As I write this, I am going through my second voluntary withdrawal in the past few months, the need for it no longer exists. It is not easy at all - I've been steadily dropping my dependence levels for 6 months, and from dosages of 200mcg (2 100mcg patches) and up to 150 Percocet 10's per month. To say I've been catching up on my Supervisor work here at WA is an understatement, as the mental distraction really helps.

Other than dependence and the increased tolerance level it brings, if you tolerate opiates well there aren't any real other problems I've incurred, aside from the occasional bout of constipation, but any opiate patient learns to deal with that. I will say though, that one thing that surprised me was that it was hard to realize when I fully recovered from my last spinal surgery (check my bio page for the full skinny) that the pain I was having was actually from withdrawal and not my back.

This second period is longer than the first one - previously, I was only able to go 5 days before requiring another patch, the hold was just too much. This time, I've gone over a week now and believe I've made the switch back to pills, which are much easier to get off of. I've cut down my Percocet to 5mg and 2.5's so that I can do gradual reduction.

Fentanyl in any form is a wonderful drug if you absolutely require it, but it should only be used in a Quality of Life decision. For myself, there was no other option until 3 years ago and until now. However, with it comes responsibility and essentially slavery to the drug and the system - as a Schedule 2 opiate, you're required to get new prescriptions every month, and only 30 days worth.

Answer 3

well fentanyl is just like any other opiate except its a synthetic and it is the most potent type of opiate out there but as far as long term damage its the same as any other opiate witch is withdrawal's for up to 6 to 10 days but with fentanyl being so potent the withdrawal's could go past 10 days and they my be more intense then heroin or Oxycontin