AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 4th Edition published in November 2003 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith Date: 4/14/2008 Subject: pregnant and fentanyl withdrawals
Question For the last year and a half I have been prescribed fentanyl patches for a spinal cord problem I have. I was on 100mcg/3 days.
I recently found out I am pregnant (9weeks now)and am curious to know the PROPER way to wean a patient off of fentanyl (I was weaned off far too quickly most have said) and how long the withdrawals can be expected to last? I am going through sever anxiousness, restless arms and legs, unable to eat or sleep and feelings of my skin crawling all over my body.
Answer Dear Melissa
The symptoms you describe are typical withdrawal events from fentanyl and other morphine like drugs. These effects can last about a week or even longer in some cases. You may need some medical help here to taper the fentanyl dosage which will alleviate the symptoms markedly. There is probably not much or any danger to the unborn child at this stage of pregnancy. It is only towards the end of pregnancy that possible addiction of the child to the fentanyl is a probability. Please consult your prescriber to give you a programme of steady withdrawal over the next few weeks if this cold turkey method is unbearable.
