Posted: 06/09/06 - 17:50 Post subject: Lowering the dose of Duragesic
What is the correct way to discontinue taking Duragesic patches? How frequently can the dose be lowered? Are there any commonn problems to going off the Duragesic patch?
Posted: 06/25/06 - 12:41 Post subject: Reducing dosage of Duragesic patches
I have been on the patches for chonic back pain for 3 years- along with epidural injections. I have reached a point where I don't want to be dependent on the patches and have asked my doctor to help me get off the patch. (he is helping but is not sure it is a good idea)
I started on 50 mg, reduced to 25mg for a month, and now I am on 12mg for a month. I do have some breakthrough pain and am taking hydrocodone when needed.( I try to keep it down to 2-3 times a day 5mg to 7.5mg). I have started to get some withdrawal pains and I am now using a clonodine patch to help. Today is my first day on this patch. It is for high blood pressure, but is also used to help withdrawal from nicotine and other drugs. I am still on my journey to get off the drugs, I know I will have to handle the pain again, but want to try some methods that are not so addictive. I hope your journey is a smooth one.
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