AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. 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 Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question Hi, I am in month 3 after my second back surgery, 3 fusions to help with pain due to scoliosis. I have been on fentanyl patch 50 for over a year, lowered break through meds to percocet5/375 and citalopram for anxiety 60mcg. The past month I started feeling better, finally feeling like I am recuperating. Decided I want to go off fentanyl. I cut it in half to 25 mcg. I have been using hot baths for body aches with epson salt. Immodium ad for diarrea. But my pain has increased so considerable I am stunned. Do you think that this is just the by body playing tricks on my with the fentanyl withdrawal or do you think I should go back on the patch. I can come off of any pain med in the pill form pretty easily. And don't think to take them unless I am hurting and keep them out of reach so I have to conciously think about it before taking them. I am having increased anxiety, nausea and feel very badly. Any suggestions. I do go next week to see my pain doctor. I wanted him to be proud of me cutting down on the patch. My patches are mylan brand and therefore I can cut them in half. They do not have the gel, just in adhesive like nicotine patches.
Answer Dear Melissa
The main thing to say is that you cannot cut fentanyl patches in half to decrease the dose (in fact you may get nil delivery to the body by doing so). The Mylan brand is not available in Australia but doubt you can cut any brand in half. You must go onto the lower dose patch - there is no alternative with this form of the drug. Go back on the 50mcg patch and if you really want and think your pain will be under control ask your doctor to prescribe a lower dose patch. You should not play around with medicines like this and your doctor will not be proud. Sorry to be so blunt but I feel it is the only way to get my message across.
