What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Fentanyl Patch?

Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 18 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 5 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I AM 64 YRS OLD, PULMONARY FIBROSIS AND HAVE BEEN TAKING 50MG FENTANYL PATCH FOR 6YEARS. i HAVE HAD TO PUT AN EXTRA PATCH ON AFTER ONE FELL OFF AND NOW I AM PANICED THAT I WILL GO INTO WITHDRAWLS. WHAT SHOULD IDO ? IS THERE A MEDICINE I CAN TAKE THAT WILL HELP?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

You need to call your pulmonologist immediately to let them know you are low on patches. However, you will not go into withdrawal from the incident you described. In the very rare event you experience withdrawal symptoms, opioid withdrawal is not deadly. You can take over-the-counter ibuprofen to deal with muscle aches until you can contact your doctor.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (15 minutes later)

Thank you for your response but I have had withdrawls after being 1 day short on my patch and it was AWFUL!!!!!!!! I have 750mg Robaxin, and Zanax and neither of these did anything for my very painful muscle aches. is there anything else I should take or just call the Dr. and hope he will give me another prescription ?

Thanks, XXXXXXX

SEE PREVIOUS FOLLOW UP QUESTION. THANKS

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
There is nothing other than resuming the Fentanyl medication that can help you, unfortunately, other than ibuprofen. I would call your doctor immediately.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad