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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jerrympls on March 13, 2004, at 1:05:32
My pdoc wants me to try the transdermal Duragesic (fentenayl) patch to see if it helps my treatment-resistant depression. It was either that or Oxycontin - but they (I really have two psych docs) thought the patch would be better because it lasts for 72 hours and is smooth - no ups and downs. Fentenyl is a schedule II med - more potent that morphine from what I've read! I'm somewhat amazed they choose it. However, I haven't noticed anything - but the literature says it can take up to 24 hours for the first patch to kick in.
My docs have come to the conclusion that my endogenous opioid system is out of whack so they want to "hit as many receptors as possible." I told them the Oxycontin helped my mood when I've taken it in the past - but they're stuck on trying out this patch.
Has anyone had any experience with it -for chronic pain or anything? Does it really take a while to kick in? I've noticed some reduction in my anxiety but that's it. I put it on at 9am this morning and it's now 1am Central time.
Any experience would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Jerry
Posted by SLS on March 13, 2004, at 7:58:56
In reply to Psych doc put me on Fentenyl for depression!, posted by jerrympls on March 13, 2004, at 1:05:32
Just wanted to wish you luck...
- Scott
Posted by noa on March 13, 2004, at 8:03:04
In reply to Re: Psych doc put me on Fentenyl for depression!, posted by SLS on March 13, 2004, at 7:58:56
The only thing I know about it is that my mom had the patch for severe pain (broken vertebrae). It was sedating for her, which was ok because she was unable to do much anyway, but it also caused severe constipation, which was a problem. But it did provide pain relief to the extent that any pain reliever could in her case.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 13, 2004, at 9:02:12
In reply to Re: Psych doc put me on Fentenyl for depression!, posted by noa on March 13, 2004, at 8:03:04
I used the 5mg Duragesic patch for a short while to ease fibromyalgia pain -- I wasn't at all impressed with it to tell you the truth. I put one patch on and waited 24 hours, felt no relief, and so added on an extra patch. The next day I felt some negligible pain relief, but no CNS effects at all. It wasn't until I actually chewed up one of the patches (out of frustration) that it really worked for my pain -- and this of course would be a fatal overdose for many people! I just kept nodding off in between periods of being somewhat alert and pain-free, but certainly not euphoric or anything. I've felt the same effect taking 10 *Darvon* capsules, if that tells you anything. I find this stuff to be very highly overrated (both for pain and for recreation).
By the way, I was not opioid-tolerant when I began using the patch -- I had been taking 400mg/day of Ultram for quite a while, but that stuff just barely posseses any opioidergic qualities worth mentioning.
Posted by jerrympls on March 13, 2004, at 22:22:22
In reply to Re: Psych doc put me on Fentenyl for depression!, posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 13, 2004, at 9:02:12
> I used the 5mg Duragesic patch for a short while to ease fibromyalgia pain -- I wasn't at all impressed with it to tell you the truth. I put one patch on and waited 24 hours, felt no relief, and so added on an extra patch. The next day I felt some negligible pain relief, but no CNS effects at all. It wasn't until I actually chewed up one of the patches (out of frustration) that it really worked for my pain -- and this of course would be a fatal overdose for many people! I just kept nodding off in between periods of being somewhat alert and pain-free, but certainly not euphoric or anything. I've felt the same effect taking 10 *Darvon* capsules, if that tells you anything. I find this stuff to be very highly overrated (both for pain and for recreation).
>
> By the way, I was not opioid-tolerant when I began using the patch -- I had been taking 400mg/day of Ultram for quite a while, but that stuff just barely posseses any opioidergic qualities worth mentioning.I'm on the 25mcg patch and I feel nothing. It's supposed to be super potent - but I feel nothing. Perhaps a slight reduction in anxiety - but nothing for mood. Ithink it actually gives me a headache!?
I'll keeep you all posted.....
Jerry
Posted by jerrympls on March 16, 2004, at 0:25:52
In reply to Re: Psych doc put me on Fentenyl for depression! » Ame Sans Vie, posted by jerrympls on March 13, 2004, at 22:22:22
I'm on my 2nd (So it's been four days on the patch) patch and nothing. This morning I did kinda feel a slight intoxication effect - slurring of some words, unsteadiness. One of my friends over the phone asked me if I was drunk! It does seem to help lessen the crash when my Concerta wears off - but hasn't increased my motivation, creativity, apathy, etc - which was/is the goal of adding a narcotic to my med cocktail.
...to be continued.....
Posted by green hornet on March 18, 2004, at 12:11:27
In reply to Re: Psych doc put me on Fentenyl for depression!, posted by jerrympls on March 16, 2004, at 0:25:52
> I'm on my 2nd (So it's been four days on the patch) patch and nothing. This morning I did kinda feel a slight intoxication effect - slurring of some words, unsteadiness. One of my friends over the phone asked me if I was drunk! It does seem to help lessen the crash when my Concerta wears off - but hasn't increased my motivation, creativity, apathy, etc - which was/is the goal of adding a narcotic to my med cocktail.
>
> ...to be continued.....
>
> Vicodin 750X 1 or 2 daily ....best antidepressant I ever took!! Sadly, the meds are gone and the knee is healed!! Green Hornet
This is the end of the thread.
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