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Actiq /Fentanyl Withdrawal

Posted , 3 users are following.

Actiquser
Actiquser

Hi I finaly have got an actiq reduction programme from my pain Dr to reduce the dose rather than the quantity of doses per day so start the new regime on Friday so hope it works . Seems to be I was reducing too much to start with. Once of the Actiq then its the Fentanyl patch. Tough times ahead. 

3 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • susan56123
    susan56123 Actiquser

    Posted

    Slow is the best way.  I will be completely off actiq and fentynal this Friday.  If I can do it after 15 years you can too.  Just take time and reduce slowly.  When you go to reduce patches use scotch tape and mask a portion off wot lower dose every two patches.  If life stressor are heavy stay at same level a month or two.  Most doctors will work with you.  Mine have since it was my idea to come off.  I knew it was no longer reducing my pain but my body was addicted.  Best of luck!
    • Actiquser
      Actiquser susan56123

      Posted

      Well done.

      Thanks for the words of encouragement i need them.

      What dose were you on ?

    • susan56123
      susan56123 Actiquser

      Posted

      I was up to 125 mcg at one time but I worked down over a few years to the 50 mcg.  Was at that vel for five years.  Have taken 9 months to get to zero.  I would stop depending on what all was going on with my health and the death of my Mother and then father in law.  My doctor has been very happy with my progress.
  • melissa7471
    melissa7471 Actiquser

    Posted

    What is the reducing schedule?
    • Actiquser
      Actiquser melissa7471

      Posted

      Down to 4 Actiq a day tomorow for 2 weeks.

      Then keep at 4 Actiq a day and reduce the dose gradually to lowest dose. Will take 8 weeks.

      Then 3 a day

      Then 2 a day then 1

      Then jump.

      Have a rest then start on the Fentanyl Patch which is currently at 50.

      WHOOOO

      Not bad because I was taking 10 Actiq a day BAD only 8 weeks ago.

    • Actiquser
      Actiquser

      Posted

      Posting again because when I see it written down and I read  Melissa's taper programme I know I can do it .

      It seems achievable and I am excited about that.

      I just cannot wait to be Fentanyl Free. The sooner the better. I have achieved a lot in 8 weeks although it seems like months. It seems to take forever and ever.

    • Actiquser
      Actiquser

      Posted

      Sorry Melissa it was Susans Taper programme not yours.

      Melissa you start yours in October, if I am of Actiq by then I might start the patch reduction too or might have a rest. We can swap notes then and support each other too.

      Susan did increadibly well despite a lot going on in her life. Well done Susan.

    • susan56123
      susan56123 Actiquser

      Posted

      That is wonderful...keep up the good work.  You have made great progress!  Keep us update good news or bad so we can support each other in this battel!  
  • susan56123
    susan56123 Actiquser

    Posted

    that  is wonderful to have your doctor to help guide you.  This medicine is powerful and has to be reduced slowly.  Keep all your appointments so they can monitor your blood pressure and other vitals.  You can do this but it does not come overnight.  If I can do it I know you can.  I depend heavily on God also and he has never given me more than I can bare. 
  • Actiquser
    Actiquser

    Posted

    Its interesting you say keep all the appointments to monitor my vitals as no Dr has done that yet !! I feel they are groping in the dark.

    You know more because you have done it and succeeded. If it took you 9 months to reduce from 50 to nil i know what time scale I should look to.

    I had thought about 4 months but that was a guestimate. I have the Actiq to beat first. I thought to do that in 4 months. I've halved it in 6 weeks biut struggling a bit now so will slow down.

    I am really greatful for your help and advice. 

    • melissa7471
      melissa7471 Actiquser

      Posted

      Actiq -

      I haven't even started yet. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I'm on 100mcg of Fent every 72 hours. My dr wants me off by Jan starting to trend down in Oct by 25 mcg increments per month. I'm SCARED TO DEATH. If I said keep appts to monitor vitals it's because of the baby. I'm fighting for you from afar. That's it! I haven't started my journey and I'm learning from everyone else. My dr didn't devise the step down plan - I did. Idk if I can even do it!! I have a little medical knowledge but NOT in detox. I did work in Labor & Delivery as an EMT MANY years ago. I worked on an ambulance and ER. But that was long ago. I just want to wrap my heart around you and this baby......,

    • melissa7471
      melissa7471

      Posted

      I'm sorry - that wasn't for me-I thought you were writing to me. I didn't see the previous post! ??

    • susan56123
      susan56123 Actiquser

      Posted

      Hang in there I was addicted for 15 years so it seems to reason it would take me sometime.  I am 60 years young and that has something to do with things.  I do everything slow now days.  Ha aha

      Glad to hear you are doing the Actiq first.  You will do this and it doesn't have to be awful.

    • susan56123
      susan56123 melissa7471

      Posted

      thats ok it is on an open forum for many to see.  That way we don't feel so isolated.  It is amazing how many people in the US are on this medicine.  That is why they call it practicing medicine I suppose.  It took time to realize how much this med is used.  I really don't think it has done anything for my pain in years but I just didn't realize it.

       

    • melissa7471
      melissa7471 susan56123

      Posted

      I think it has helped my pain. But the plan is, once I get off this medicine I'm going to a pain mgmt dr. My PCP just decided a couple of months ago he was going to stop prescribing narcotics......so....... He referred me to pain mgmt dr and the night before the scheduled appt the pain dr called and said he didn't want to waste my time or his, that he doesn't prescribe the patches period. So, that left me to my own devices.

    • susan56123
      susan56123 melissa7471

      Posted

      Bless you, what a nightmare.  I had that problem when I first moved to Virginia.  The CDC has put out new directives that have a lot of doctors stopping these prescriptions.  It is very hard on my colon.  That was the main reason I decided to get off and it had stopped helping my pain.  I take physical therapy and steroid injections and that works best to live with my pain for now.  Future unknown.
    • Actiquser
      Actiquser melissa7471

      Posted

      Hi Melissa,

      It seems wires are crossed its Brandyln thats having the baby not me. I've had all my bits and more removed due to cancer and severe radiotherapy damage. I was thought to be terminal as Grade 3c at diagnosis and have defied all the odds, ended up severely disabled and on very high dose Atciq along with the Fentanyl patch. Then my husband  who cares for me died suddenly last year and Drs decided I need to stop the Actiq. Sensative or what.

      How lovely it would be to be starting again with a new baby and life ahead of me. Thanks for giving me that thought.

      I've got the Fentanyl patch to cope with after the Actiq.

      It seems Drs put you on this drug, then the recommendations for it change and they think you can come of it at once with no ill effects. Its sad that you are not getting support from the Drs but you'll get support here. Lots of hugs and good wishes when you start your taper let me know how you do.

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