My Experience with Fentanyl - a Potent Pain Killer

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid analgesic that is 81 times more potent than that of morphine, but it's a great medication for chronic pain sufferers. People may not be that familiar with fentanyl, which is to be expected- but many people are probably aware of a transdermal patch that is used in chronic pain management. This patch is known as a Durogesic/Duragesic transdermal patch that is usually applied once every 72 hours for continuous pain relief. Fentanyl patches work by releasing fentanyl into body fats, which is then slowly released into the bloodstream over 48 to 72 hours. Fentanyl is usually used when other opioid medications do not work, and while it is a great drug for patients who have chronic pain issues, it can also be quite dangerous.

I have been on narcotic pain killers for the last six months due to complications from surgery I had on my left big toe. Many people are probably thinking to themselves- 'TOE!?' 'How can that hurt, right?' Well let me tell you that it's very painful and I wouldn't be on potent painkillers if it wasn't.

I started using fentanyl patches three days ago (when I was prescribed it), and at first I was quite nervous to try something new because I had heard a few bad stories about this patch, but there are horror stories with every medication out there, so I tried it. I am on the 25 mcg strength, which releases every hour. Typically the fentanyl patch that I am on kicks in within 8-12 hours, but I felt it within 30 seconds. I haven't felt nauseous or had any poor side effects so far, so that's definitely positive. I take a medication by the name of Roxicodone 30mg as well for breakthrough pain (the fentanyl patch works every hour, but at times pain might be more severe).

Possible side effects of the fentanyl transdermal patch include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, somnolence, sweating, exaggerated sense of well-being, euphoria, loss of appetite, etc. There are more serious side effects that may occur in rare cases as well. More serious side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, depression, confusion, urinary retention, excessive dizziness, excessive drowsiness, fainting, fatigue, fever, hallucinations, memory loss, muscle rigidity, seizures, changes in skin color, tremors, weakness, slow heartbeat, etc. I know there are many side effects, but they need to be noted before taking any type of medication, it's safer for the patient. Call your doctor if you experience any side effects that you aren't comfortable with.

As for the negative reviews that people have been posting regarding fentanyl, it's a drug that is subjected to a lot of abuse, so of course there are going to be negative side effects. People who don't use their medication as prescribed will suffer the consequences, and that's just the way it is. The main side effect of fentanyl abuse is respiratory depression, which makes it somewhat more dangerous than heroin to some users. Since fentanyl comes in different strengths, it may or may not be many times more potent than street heroin, but that also depends on the strength of the heroin. Fentanyl provides a euphoric 'high" similar to heroin, but the sedative and analgesic effects are stronger.

I hope the fentanyl patch continues to work as well as it is, because it would be a shame as I am in no pain right now. I don't abuse my medications, and I also don't recommend anyone that does either- it's a long, dark, and lonely road. This article is simply to help others understand what the fentanyl patch is, and how it works on me. If anyone is ever prescribed it, feel free to email me here, and I will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding the medication.