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Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an odorless,rapid-acting opioid,it can alleviate pain without causing any loss of consciousness. It is powerful,nearly 80 times more than morphine.
503 Questions
How do you inject transdermal Fentanyl patches?
"Transdermal" means "through the skin". These cannot be injected.
What happens when someone is on methadone and smokes Fentanyl?
it depends on the dosage of methadone but the combo of thetwo is very deadly but if done right could be a very good high!!
If you are in a methadone program, fentanyl is one drug that doesn't show per say. If you wear it, eat it, or smoke it, it won't show up as a regular opiate as it is synthetic based and for whatever reason is confused with alcohol. That's why they always ask you when you pee if you have had anything to drink - the fentanyl and alcohol show as the same. So.... if you had reported that you didn't have anything to drink that day they will then classify it as a dirty sample. If you have taken fentanyl just make sure you tell them you had a couple of drinks that day or late the night before. From experience, you will show as clean.
When should you take off the birth control patch if you want to get pregnant?
A month or two before you start having sex, drink plenty of water also to flush out the birth control.
The hormones in BCP are processed in the liver, drinking large quantities of water won't effect how quickly they leave your system.
It is best to use a backup method (like condoms) until after your first period when discontinuing oral BC, just for the purpose of dates of conception and due date.
Is hydrochlorothiazide a pain killer?
No. Hydrochlorothiazide (H.C.T.Z) is not a pain killer. It is a Diuretic. This means that is removes access water from your body via urination. It's commonly used to treat high blood pressure as it removes access water from around the pericardium (sack that contains the heart).
Can you get Duragesic patches at cvs?
You can, but most pharmacies, especially chain drug stores, typically don't stock them regularly. If you want to get them there regularly, you'll need to establish a good relationship with their pharmacists, and allow time for ordering / delivery after you get your 'scripts.
The other problem with CVS and others like Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, etc., is that they change pharmacists more often than I change my socks and underwear. When dealing with Schedule II opiates, you need to have a pharmacist that knows you and your medication history, not some bumpkin right off the boat whose only knowledge of you is what he sees on a computer monitor.
For that reason, I always use a local pharmacy that has only one or two pharmacists. My pharmacy, which I've used for over 20 years, would order my Duragesic and other meds after I called them and let them know what my 'script dosage/quantities were going to be (usually the same each month). Of course I had to give them the 'script, but it cut down the time before I got my meds. It usually only takes a day or two.
My point is that by using a pharmacy that has regular pharmacists, you can build up that trust and rapport needed as a Schedule II opiate patient.
Does Fentanyl patch increase blood pressure?
Fentanyl, like most opiates, actually reduces your blood pressure. Being both a vasodilator (opens the blood vessels) and a depressant, opiates relax the body, and with the blood vessels open wider, blood flows more easily. This is also why you feel cold when the dosage gets low - the blood vessels are constricting.
Of course if you have serious issues in your arteries or veins like plaque, etc., or have high blood pressure to begin with, it might not help, but in most cases it won't affect it unless the patient isn't tolerant or is allergic. That's rarely the case since Fentanyl isn't prescribed for those who aren't already using a lower dosage of opiate by oral means.
How much Fentanyl is in a Lidocaine dermal patch?
There is no fentanyl in a lidocaine patch. It is a lidocaine patch not a fentanyl patch.
How can you make Fentanyl patch work quicker?
You can't - the only thing you'll do by increasing the delivery rate is subject yourself to an overdose if you're not careful.
If you want to cut down on the drop off between the last patch and a new one, put the new one on 6 hours before the one you have on is supposed to wear off. Over time you'll know when it's supposed to wear off.
How do you detox from fentanyl?
As a high-dose opiate patient for many years (Duragesic, Percocet, Demerol, Morphine, etc.), I've had to raise and lower my dosages many times, and withdrawals are a daily part of life. I spent 8 months of steady withdrawals and 1 month of hard withdrawals to finally stop using Duragesic after 9 years. It takes everyone a different period of time to do it, but mental as well as physical preparation are important. I never did it until I felt that I was ready to do it.
The keys to tapered withdrawals are:
1. Time - Make sure you have time to do it (no work, school, activities, etc.). It helps to have a family member or close friend around. Depending on how long you've been taking it, and the dosage, it typically takes longer to taper off. The dose combination you're on isn't that much, but of course everyone is different. If you can't take time off, start on a long weekend or holiday, as the first few days and the last couple of days are the worst.
The reason you should have someone around is that in the beginning you typically are pretty weak, and about the only thing you feel like doing is heading to the bathroom & back to bed. Warn family and friends that your mood is going to be less than pleasant also.
Don't underestimate the amount of time it's going to take, especially if you've been using patches for some time. It isn't easy, and you're not going to feel like doing anything.
2. Hydration - As you've already discovered, you sweat buckets when you're withdrawing. Water and Gatorade/Powerade are my fluids of choice. Gatorade and Powerade replace the electrolytes you're losing, and help with your cramps as well.
3. Heat - Opiates are vasodilators, which means they open the blood vessels. When you stop taking your normal dose, the vessels constrict, and that's why you get so cold. I used to do mine during warm months, but anything to keep you warm helps. Expect to change clothes a few times too, as you'll be sweating a lot. Have some clean bedding handy as well.
4. Mental distraction - There's a good reason I have a large movie and game collection; they take your mind off the pain and discomfort. Computer work, anything that keeps your mind focused on something other than the discomfort. Gaming has actually been sanctioned pain therapy for me for about 12 years. If I could figure a way to deduct it on my taxes, I'd be set.
5. Music - Personally, David Gilmour's BD
" Remember That Night - Live from the Royal Albert Hall
" is my favorite for withdrawals, but any favorite music you have that calms you mentally is a real help. Any Pink Floyd is great, but regardless, have a good selection handy and ready to go.
6. Sedation - When things get really bad, I'll take something to knock me out for a while. Flexeril or Valium if you have it, but Benadryl will work in a pinch.
If you've got enough Percocet or breakthrough meds around, keep them handy and refilled. If your doctor is onboard with your situation, it's a lot easier. The trick with patches is to keep extending the time between changes; if you have smaller patch doses, it's easier, as you can taper down to the point where you're down one patch dose, and you're working on the next.
Once you've dealt with the patches, there's the breakthrough meds to consider
In tapered dose reduction, what you do is cut the pill in half or in quarters. First try taking half your normal prescribed dose, and see how you deal with the withdrawals. If it's too strong, then start with only a 1/4 reduction in dosage. Stretch the time between doses a little more each time. Take it for a week (or until you feel you can drop further), then drop another 1/4. If the withdrawals are too strong still, then stay at 1/4 dose reduction for another week, then try again. When you can tolerate the withdrawal, then reduce by another 1/4, and repeat the weekly process. Keep doing it until you're completely off of the drug.
It also helps to take an OTC med to compensate and ease the withdrawal pain. Two of my favorites are Tylenol ES Rapid Release Gel-Caps, and Bayer Back and Body Aspirin. I also use prescription strength Naproxen, which is available OTC as Aleve. 500mg is prescription strength.
The OTC meds will help compensate for some of the withdrawal pain you'll experience, and they do help. The other thing you might consider is asking your regular doctor for an anti-anxiety med and an anti-nausea med. An anti-anxiety drug will help you get through some of the rough patches, and an anti-nausea drug helps during the last push before you're through. Most doctors are happy to help, knowing that you're taking steps to withdraw from opiates.
You're also going to feel weak through the process, and after the final push when you drop the last dose. It'll take a few days for your body to regain its strength.
The time it takes may be sooner or longer, as everyone is different. Keep in mind also to be aware of any pain not associated with withdrawals as you taper down, as the pain med will mask it. One of the reasons for my last major withdrawal period was that I needed to assess my true pain after my 3rd spinal operation, and you can't do that while on higher doses of opiates.
The whole process is similar to a bad case of the flu that won't go away, with the additional discomfort of shaking and anxiety. But as I said, if you first prepare yourself and know what to expect, it's not as hard as it seems. Uncomfortable as hell, yes; impossible, no.
If you have any specific questions, message me at the address above my profile page.
Will the Fentanyl pach work if its exspierd?
Yes - as long as the patch has been kept cool and dry in its original packaging, it's okay to use, though the dosage effectiveness may be reduced depending on how much time has passed.
What are Brand Names of Fentanyl patches that adhere to the skin best and longest?
Patch adhesion has less to do with patch brands than skin preparation and skin real estate - location, location, location.
I've added a link at the bottom to my long answer about how to keep your patches applied (How do you keep Fentanyl Patches applied?), and even reapplication if they come off or you have to remove them temporarily. Like many, when I first used them, I had trouble keeping them on. But over the course of 10 years, it got to be pretty simple. There are several tricks to keeping them on, but once you get the hang of it you won't have problems.
Check the answer out - if you still have problems, you can email me directly from my Supervisor Bio page. You wouldn't be the first I've helped with this particular problem.
How do you know if a Fentanyl patch has gel in it?
It's usually pretty obvious; once the gel is depleted, the gel reservoir becomes flat and wrinkly. If you press your finger on one edge and smooth it out to the other end, you'll see how much, if any, is left.
Is Fentanyl stronger acting than morphine?
Fentanyl is the strongest opiate, and is approximately 100x stronger than morphine.
why in the world would you want to eat the gel in the patch? Let me guess you want to get high..I hope you know that can be extremely dangerous.If you want the real answer to your question call the Poisson control..i just hope some one else doesn't have to do that for you because you were being a complete idiot!!!
The above respondent was right. Eating a Duragesic patch is pretty damn dangerous, especially to your liver. I've been using Duragesic 100 mcg/hr patches for nearly two years now, for severe spinal damage from a fall and I have a couple of mates who tried eating my used patches for a buzz, and they both did serious damage to their respective livers..not recommended at all!!
Is it safe to use Fentanyl patches in the hot summer?
You can, but you must be aware and extremely careful that you don't become overheated (body temperature) or let a patch become exposed to sunlight. The patch dosage is regulated by body heat, and if core body temperature rises or if the patch is heated externally, the dosage delivery rate increases significantly. If you're not aware of what's happening or what to do, you can easily find yourself in a confused or delirious state, or worse if you're not that tolerant to high doses of opiates.
It's important to understand the effects to recognize the symptoms when they first occur, and to also educate family/friends on what to do if you start acting confused and it appears you're overheated. While it affects each person differently, I can only describe it as like being in a loop you're stuck in but can't get out of. You know what's happening, but your mind can't process enough to help yourself. Feeling completely helpless is a good description.
In such instances, the key is to both cool down your core body temp, and to remove the patch immediately (you can reattach it later as long as you don't fold it over on itself) to stop the dosage delivery through the skin. It takes about an hour or so before you're feeling fairly normal.
Over the years, it's happened to me several times when working around the house when it's hot during the summer, and it overtakes you pretty fast if you're not aware of what's happening. I have an extremely high opiate tolerance, so respiratory depression has never been a factor for me, but the mental confusion that comes with it is very unnerving to say the least. If it comes at a really bad time (operating equipment or driving) it can be much worse for you and others.
If you're working outside, make sure the patch is covered by clothing so it's not in direct sunlight, and that you keep well hydrated to maintain normal body temperature. Don't forget that increased activity will increase sweating, so if you've got problems keeping your patches on keep that in mind as well.
Why are you getting a headache with your Fentanyl patch?
It depends on how long you've been using them, but generally if you've been using long enough to become tolerant without constant headaches and other side-effects, then it's likely your getting headaches from increased dosage regulation.
Duragesic and other Fentanyl patches are regulated by body heat; normal dosage is transferred through the skin to the bloodstream when the body's temperature is normal. However, if the patient becomes overheated (fever, sunlight exposure, increased activity) the dosage regulation increases, and so does the side-effects. Along with headaches, if the dosage gets high enough (no pun intended), you'll also feel dizzy, disoriented, and sweaty. That's why the literature specifically tells you to keep the patch from direct sunlight or heating pads.
It is not something to take lightly if this is what's happening; the easiest way to deal with it is to take the patch off (by the edges, and don't fold it - you can re-attach it later) and cool yourself off inside and out to get your temp back to normal.
If this isn't what's happening to you (you'll know if it is or isn't) then I'd suspect either another drug you're using in combination with the patch. You have to be opiate tolerant to be prescribed Fentanyl anyway, so if you've not had problems with other opiates it's unlikely the patch is the culprit. The key is whether or not your headache is constant or occasional; if it's constant, the patch could be contributing. If not, then you need to look at what you've taken prior to the headache. Keep in mind also that Fentanyl won't deal with a headache; even as high dosages as I've used, I still got serious migraines, and had to use Fiorinal w/ Codeine to deal with them (been using it for over 20 years).
On another note, there's always the possibility if you're using a generic patch that it's the patch ingredients themselves. Generics are "chemically equivalent", bu they're not always "quality equivalent" to the brand name. I've had problems in the past with both generic patches (when they first came out I had been a Duragesic patient for about 8 years) and generic Percocet as well. To this day, I always pay more for brand meds, because I know the quality and potency will be what I'm used to. For long term opiate patients, drug consistency is a bigger deal than doctors tell you.
fentanyl is a strong opioid and falls into the same drug group as diamorphine (Heroin, actually the brand name of a childrens cough mixture that contained Diamorphine in the early 20th century) but contains no "heroin"
