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Husband just stopped fentanyl patches

Posted , 4 users are following.

Krug22
Krug22

79 year old husband decided on Saturday to just stop his patches - he is on 37.5 and has been on this dose for around a year. I did suggest tapering and he actually rang the pharmacist who also said he should not just stop. My husband is not an easy man. No way dare I phone the G P without his permission although I am his carer.

He has had diahorria on Tuesday and today - accidents all over his dressing gown. He has also been sleeping a lot and not eating much or moving around or drinking much.

I am just leaving him be frankly. He can talk when he is awake. I am worried given his age that he is a danger to himself by suddenly stopping yet as he has 'mental capacity, there is nothing I can do and no way, will I put myself in danger unless I feel he is really in danger himself.

I have read a few posts about how hard it is to even taper. Has anyone else just stopped and how long did the symptons go on for? He has 2 bed sores and says they are more painful now and he cannot easily get up and down or move around . I could see no sign of infection and district nurse checked yesterday.

REally I just want to know what the warning signs are if he is in trouble and I do need to intervene against his will.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • robert15797
    robert15797 Krug22

    Posted

    HI, I have spent the last 12 months weaning off these patches, i was on 75mcg for ms pain. You really need to try to get a doctor to help him with this, they are horrible things to stop using and i think that the effect it has will continue for long time.

    I hope you can get some help sorted.

    Best wishes

  • karenlh23
    karenlh23 Krug22

    Posted

    Hello

    I was on fentanyl for 15 years. I have been off this drug for 2.5 years now.

    Im in my 50's, i was under a doctors care for the withdrawl side effects and taper and it was extremely hard. Took me a full 2 years to feel 100%. HARDEST 2 years of my life.

    The first 3 months are rough, and i was on withdrawl side effect medication.

    The first 6 months is pure hell and im a pretty tough person. I have had JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS since I was 6, and have had extreme pain.

    FENTANYL detox is nothing to mess around with, your husband needs to be under a doctors care.

    THIS IS NOT ABOUT BEING A STRONG PERSON-DANGEROUS WITHOUT DRS CARE!!

    best wishes!!

    GOOD LUCK!!!

  • lesley25749
    lesley25749 Krug22

    Posted

    i really hope your husband is now ok , i was put on fentanyl 100 mg patch 6 yrs ago for chronic pain by GP but although it took my pain away i didnt feel normal i felt i just didmt want to go anywhere or do anything , i was 37 with 4 kids and a wonderful husband , eventually weeks ago i just decided to go on a self detox and everything that your hubby wemt through is exactly what i went through although i had 6 days of complete insomnia , this drug was NOT designed for a mother of 4 , patches werent sticking , running out prescription early i hated it , already 3 weeks on and my mind already feels in a better place , my body my muscles not soo good , take care x

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