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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > How to Ease Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith
Date: 6/27/2006
Subject: How to Ease Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Question
My husband had been prescribed Fentanyl patches after a back injury for which he was awaiting surgery. He started at 25mg in January, moved up to 50mg in March, up to 75mg in May, but went back down to 50mg two weeks later due to the side effects. He had his surgery 2 weeks ago and has now (as of 4 days ago) been lowered to 25mg as he begins the process of weaning from the patches.
Our question is this - he has been experiencing some withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, being short-tempered etc. and we are curious to know what he might be able to do or take that would help him through this process. We are also wondering for how long he can expect to experience these symptoms.
Do you have any suggestions?
Answer
Dear Kristin
Depending on where you live the options can be different but usually when fentanyl is used for pain weaning off it is not so difficult as when it is abused. Your husband's withdrawal effects are more mental than physical which means that it is sometimnes more difficult as the physical symptoms although indicative of a more serious addiction are sometimes easier to control. To start treating mental symptoms usually uses other drugs which in themselves are addictive. Stay clear of coffee and I am sorry but the best thing is to try to weather the storm which is uually short-lived, much less than with nicotine withdrawal. I woiuld say no longer than a week, if it is too difficult, a drug called buprenorphine can be used which will abolish the withdrawal symptoms, and although it is still addictive is less so than fentanyl and weaning off it is easier. However, I believe cold turkey is best, although it needs good willpower and encouragement from you but not for long.
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
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