Fentanyl withdrawal is inhumane
Posted , 53 users are following.
I am currently on day 22 of a fentalyl detox ... after the forst 3 days of punching my self in the face and wanting to end life a drup called lofexidine took away a percentage of the pain. It takes 16 weeks to get righ again if your renal system has not been damaged by the dependence. I had a year of chemo, radio and surgery in 2011 causing this to be prescribed and this withdrawal experience has bee worse than that entire year. Fentanyl should only be used in palative care or to end of life use, If you can stand the paranoia , innumeracy, and alarming spending habits it creates. Actually I never found it to be a great painkiller but its hard to admit during the intial euphoria it creates. which you quickly get used to. DONT TAKE FENTANYL it is so pure and strong it will destroy your natural happy systems forever. The NHS knoe how to prescribe it but no idea how to get you off it, Forget the fliue like withdrawal systems its brutal and dangerous and flue very pleasant by comparison. I hope taking the time to do this stops just one person taking.
7 likes, 253 replies
Kris69 harvey81891
Posted
harvey81891:
Thankyou for your kind and inspiring words. I Quit smoking, barely drink anymore, dumped all friends who drank to oblivion and used cocaine and street drugs to socialize, quit oxy's just before starting fentanyl, and now I've quit that too. Did this alone. My spouse cheated on me in 2006, we split after 10yrs, I continue to raise our son who is a millineum baby. He's 16 now. I am so proud of him. He has witnessed awful painful predicaments, and could have taken essily got into smoking, drinking, meth, pot, cocaine pills too of course. But he didnt do any of those things. He must take after a distant relative,lol. School is not his cup of tea, so we argue in the mornings.Things are slowly becoming so clear - and somedays I feel I am brand new, looking at the big wide world for the first time. I need to learn to take the reins and thrive with life and enjoy it with no paralizing guilt or shame or evil feelings of worthlessness and failure. Taking the reigns is so thrilling it scares me and warns me to stop. My body & brain will inform me when I'm ready to start a new life.... its been 2-3 wks being slowly weaned off the Fentanyl Patch after 4 years of it. Thank you for advice on treating and what to expect during withdrawal, info is so important to me & I don't feel completely alone with this harshness. I hope all is well with you, take care, ttyl.
Captainzero harvey81891
Posted
that really other veterans understand, however we all face the same
battle of getting off this horrible drug and I am quite amazed at the
courage of those who post here and their personal battles.
I have been on it for over a decade and now PMD wants me off it.
I have been on the same dose of 50mcg and dropped by 12mcg
a month ago and went down to 25mcg only today.
I have yet to experience any withdrawal but I am sure that will come.
I was prescribed oxynorm 2 x10mg for breakthrough and I am still
taking two a day, thats probably helping negate withdrawal so far, along
Xanax 1mg once a day but I figure that I will worry about getting off both
the xanax and oxynorm when I can, hopefully, beat the fentanyl.
The next few weeks will be a challenge but the personal journies I read here
Are inspiring..
Kris69 Captainzero
Posted
Hello!
I hope you're doing ok with the fentanyl, and haven't had any severe withdrawal symptoms. One thing I noticed was I would go into withdrawal within very little time if I didn't change my patch right on the 72 hr mark. I didn't realize that was what was happening until far into the 4 yr experience. I started to set the timer on my phone to remind me to change it. It kept the breakthrough withdrawals at bay. It hasn't been quite 40 days off of fentanyl, having some wonky stomach issues (no nausea tho) but other than that, I feel so much more clear headed than I have in years. The pain still tries to creep back but I hit it with topical cannabis oil and it has been working! Having my mind back is worth going thru misery any day. Take care and good luck to you
Pointer99 Captainzero
Posted
All the very best with your journey getting off Fentanyl. Given your experiences up to now (at the time you posted the above), I will stick my neck out and say, you MAY not have too bad a time of things. I sure hope this is the case. But I hope you read my reply to Harvey, it is below somewhere, which shows it can be done, and may not be as bad as you think! Hope you take time to dig out my post.
All the best. Mark.
lesleymargaret1 harvey81891
Posted
I just wanted to reply to you as I see this was a while ago and wanted to see how you were doing , I am in the uk and have been on fentalyn patches 50 mcg for over 2 years I have 4 children and due to the pain I suffer my employer ended my contract of 18 years due to not being able to carry out my normal duties I am in process of taking them to court in several weeks the judge ruled a 7 day hearing . I am so sick of these patches not working and not sticking I am now trying a detox of my own as they are ruling my life completely , I am so sick of te withdrawals that I can't see to my kids or my house it's killing me , my 6 yr old son said the other day mum remember when we used to go to the park that kills me I really wish this drug was never given to me as I hate it , I lost my mum 6 mths ago very suddenly , unexpected and young and I feel I can't even grieve for her the way I should be , I totally believe this drug should only be used in end of life care as once you start it you want your life to end , the stress of the court case has made it 10 times worse . I really think it should be banned or explained how bad the withdrawals can be before you start regards Lesley cxx
harvey81891 lesleymargaret1
Posted
I suggest you let somebody else carry the stress of your courtcase because for the sake of yourself and your children you need to quit this drug. I know you already know this but fentanyl will provide you with many reasons not to do it.
I do not beleive in tapering for reasons i have descibed here before... simply put the body needs to be free of any opiates in order to fire up the correct hormones to counteract the withdrawals. 36 hours of hell and a very tough month.... you can do it.
It is not dangerous as some people say (alcahol withdrawal can kill but opiates not) but I suggest you have your partner of someone stay with you for the first 2 weeks non-stop as support. Cut off the supply of any opiates and warn those around you it will be a tough time.
You can do it!
Harvey xx
Pointer99 lesleymargaret1
Posted
Hello Lesley,
I'm so sorry you are having such a hard horrible time with the Fentanyl. Nearly every post I read agrees with you, and so do I this drug is horrendous, dangerous (easily lethal, in fact) and belongs only for people with end of life conditions, or other extreme circumstances. I pray God a patch never touches my skin again. I relate to nearly all your experiences. I too lost my job, and often felt suicidal either due to withdrawals, or not being able to partake in family events, social things, etc. Whilst at my worst, my sister had two beautiful baby boys, 18 months apart, and when they stayed, I was often too ill to hold, see or play with them, and this kills me to this day. One birthday, my parents, sister, her partner and the boys paid a lot of money to take me to a very exclusive, famous venue for a small family party. I was half-passed out and nauseated the whole day due to the fentanyl, and it kills me just to remember it. There were dozens more similar episodes too.
But please dig out my post below, how i got off this demonic stuff,, it is possibly, it can be done, i am proof of that. I hope this gives you even a crumb of hope and encouragement. The one thing i cannot relate to is the loss of your mother, for which i am truly, truly sorry and offer my most sincere condolences. WHEN you DO get off the patches, and you WILL, i hope you are able to grieve your loss properly.
best wishes,
Mark.
billytom Pointer99
Posted
It is so so sad what this poison has done to us all i am about to give up my fight after all i feel as if i am dead anyway
good luck to all
god bless you may you all find peace and be free of this poison patch
Pointer99 harvey81891
Posted
Hello Harvey, I know your post is over a year old, but I still wanted to say a couple of things, I hope you may pick this up....
First up, I really hope you have beaten the Fentanyl withdrawals by now and have found some alternatives which help you. As you say, Fentanyl is a super-potent chemical, of pharmaceutical-grade purity, and I agree, should only be used in end of life situations, etc. Also too right - the NHS are quick to prescribe it, but have no clue about withdrawals. Even the most senior, seasoned docs seem to think its is like having the flu for a few days. Mind-boggling.....
BUT Harvey, here's my second point: I had been on 150mcg/hr ttotal Patches for just over 5 years. Due to a combo of events, I decided, and was also persuaded/nearly forced, to come off them.
Here is what I did. NOTE: I am NOT recommending this method to others, nor suggesting people try it, nor guaranteeing it will work the same. I am simply relating my story to you all:
I happened to be in hospital at the time, for completely different reasons. I knew my stay would be several weeks long, so thought this would be my best - and safest - chance at withdrawing.
I stopped the patches, dead. The doctors wrote me up for OxyNorm, 20mg, which I could request when needed, but with at least two hours between doses. Also they gave me some clonazepam, as needed, to ease things. I used this mainly at night times.
I was petrified at the start. But to my amazement (and the Pain Specialist Nurse said, "INSIST on the Oxy EVERY two hours, it WILL help if you let it build in your system) so I did, every two hours to the minute.
The result? I felt near-nothing. Nada. Zilch. I had what felt like a cold for a day, not even flu, and I vomited once on the second day without. I could not believe it, and even after two weeks or so, was convinced the "real" withdrawals were about to kick in any moment. I decreased the Oxy by 5mg every two weeks, and went to 3, the 4-hour-gaps. Again, nerar zero adverse effects.
So all I'm saying is, there is hope out there for getting off Fentanyl, please don't be too scared. But yes Harvey, I do agree, it is a gruesome drug that should only be used in end of life situations, or other extreme cases.
All the best Harvey & everyone,
Mark
harvey81891 Pointer99
Posted
Mark thanks for the note.
This scenario is very encouraging for future withdrawers. From my point of view it's hard to relate to given what I experienced and learned about the recovery of a dormant hormonal system switched off by chemical replacement.
I suspect that your success with this was a combination of your own physiology and robust endocrine system and a well administered combination of meds in a safe environment.
Can I encourage you to share your experiences with the drugs charities who have full time doctors in order that they may learn from your experiences. I will share this with the aspire charity in peterborough.
Thanks for sharing
Harvey
Pointer99 harvey81891
Posted
Hi Harvey,
Yes I agree absolutely. Sadly my experience is not a "typical" one, having read the many other withdrawal stories, and the factors you mention must have played a part, hence my "disclaimer" near the start, re: this not being a recommended course of action, just a share of my story. Everybody is different.
I would say, one factor not mentioned, may also have been my psychological approach. I do believe (sorry, i cant get it to go off the italics now!!! Tried everything!!) that positive thinking does help, and I have had some CBT in the past and applied some of what I learnt, which was a big help.
But the worrying thing was, in my view, that it was I who was more or less telling the Docs what to do!! Obviously they wouldn't have just given me anything, but the plan etc, was almost \directed by me! This worries me, docs on the NHS prescribe readily, but have very little clue when things go wrong or people want/need to come off the meds.
I try and share my story when I can, i'm glad you mentioned that you will too; please 'share away'; the further and wider, the better.
Mark.
carol77581 Pointer99
Posted
Hi Mark
I'm not familiar with the drugs they gave you during detox, OxyNorm?? I was on 50 mcg and went off cold turkey while home for six weeks with major sprained ankle and torn ligaments. They had me on Percocet and anxiety meds so I figured this was my best shot. I also stopped the Percocet and went on vicoprofen which I have a pretty much monthly standing renewal script for and would help with the swelling. So here my issue. It's been since 11/3/16 that the withdrawal started with mostly awful leg pains. I have to take the vicoprofen every 4 hours but it doesn't last
Each day is a struggle not to just go back to the patch because I can't live every day like this and I have to return to work in 10 days. It seems a total impossibility.
Thanks for answering. Your thoughts suggestions. Like you o have to tell my doctor what I want
Carol
barbara686745 harvey81891
Posted
I made arrangements to go through a medical detox for being on 75mcg fentanyl patch for over 10 yrs. How do u think that'll work??
carol77581 barbara686745
Posted
I'm sure it will be better than cold turkey like so many of us did. They will wean you down and give you other meds to deal with the withdrawal. I wish you much success and hopefully an easy transition. I've been off 50 after 17 years since since November. Still struggling but improving. Best of luck
melissa7471 carol77581
Posted
I am finally getting over the hump after going through this process since July 17th and completely off since Nov 17th. I am finally getting more and more sleep and can finally say I'm almost there. Still restless legs a couple times a week but not every.single.day.and.night. Barbara, I was on Fent 100 for 12 years. Are you doing inpatient or outpatient if I may ask? Carol, I really miss talking to you but wanted to have something positive to finally write about LOL The Cymbalta is really helping. I had 8 injections in my back and i think it DID help with RLS. At first I wasn't sure......but it's gotten better. Let me know how you are. Anything from Actiq? I haven't gotten anything and I'm concerned.
a big virtual HUG!
melissa7471 barbara686745
Posted
Hi Barbara!
I was on Fent 100mcg for 12 years. I was able to get off by myself and after 8 months I'm finally feeling better. I am looking forward to hearing about how the medical detox does for you. Is it as an outpatient? My primary care physician was absolutely no help whatsoever, so if it wasn't for this group I would never have made it. Taping was much easier than dropping 25mcg at a time. My real problems began with the last 25mcg. But I'm doing better now. I still have a few residual effects but much much better. Im also seeing a pain management dr that is helping tremendously. Please let us know how you are doing. You'll find people on this group really do care.
Melissa
billytom melissa7471
Posted
God bless you so happy you are free 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻I was on 18 years I'm clean one year now but on pain pill hoping to find a way off all poison but the pain is very bad
may I ask if you take any thing at all for pain ?
carol77581 melissa7471
Posted
That is wonderful news. It's been along journey and we both thought it would never get better. Like you I am sleeping better and less restless legs but still have issues every day. This is mostly due to sitting at work for 8 hours. I try to get up and move but it's not enough. I'm still on the vicoprofen but I'm really making progress. Wow what a journey we took together. I'm getting ready to take a trip to Peru in about 10 weeks so I really need to work on strengthening my ankle. It's stiff and sore but not painful. More an awareness.
No word from Antiq. I feel so bad for him as his journey and issues are so much worse than mine. Now my goal is to get off the 15 pounds I put on due to in activity.
I am truly so happy for you and things will continue to improve. It doesn't always seem that way but if you look back theee months ago we have really made progression. Wishing you continued progress. Hugs to you
melissa7471 billytom
Posted
Yes ma'am, I take Lortab for pain if I need it but I've recently started seeing a pain management doctor who I absolutely love (most compassionate, caring dr I've ever seen), and he started me on Cymbalta and also did a series of 8 injections in my back (4 two weeks in a row - they were not epidurals, they were facet injections) and the pain is better and I've not had to take very much. I don't have near the history that you do so there's a big difference. My pain came from Lupus joint pain (I used a walker for a while), Fibromyalgia, sciatica, etc. The nerve pain from withdrawal was brutal until he started me on the Cymbalta. It has helped. Don't get me wrong. I'm still in quite a bit of pain at times and fatigue is horrible (I also have chronic fatigue), but I'm stubborn and so afraid of another drug dependency that I'll stay in pain and not take the Lortab. My main issue from withdrawal is restless legs and insomnia because of it. That too has been better but I still have it, and I also have sores on my trunk from withdrawal. The restlessness effects my arms also. But at least I can see the light and the tunnel. Carol and Actiq have been my rocks for sure, everyone has been great on this forum. If it wasn't for them, there's np way I could have done this. Just today though, I've started using cannabis oil and tonight I will use an essential oil recipe on my legs. I'm anxious to see how it goes.
Thank you for your kind words. I can finally say, it DOES get better.
Melissa
melissa7471 barbara686745
Posted
Please let us know how things go. Carol and I've been on this journey a long time. No support from my doctor - he just decided he wasn't going to prescribe pain meds in any form to anyone for any reason and basically gave me a deadline. I'm over the hump but still having issues every day but they aren't as severe. I've been doing this since July 17th after 12 years on 100mcg. Anyway, if you can, please keep us posted. Is this inpatient or outpatient, by the way, if you don't mind me asking? Hang in there!
Melissa