I am on 5 mg slow release buprenorphine want ... - Pain Concern

Pain Concern

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I am on 5 mg slow release buprenorphine want my pain to go away should I put another patch on started this Monday. ..also on tramadol amytri

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trudyl65
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32 Replies
trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

I mean 10 mg won't harm me

What is your dose rate and how long do the patches last ?

BOB

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

I am currently on 5microgram/ hour .. one week patch

biddy75 profile image
biddy75

Be careful with patches i was on butrans 20 weekly, i started vomiting and was for 4weeks when dr realized it was the patch

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

Im ok no sickness but thinkin maybe if put anothrr on am only on butrans 5

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch in reply to trudyl65

Please don't increase your dose or frequency unless your doctor has said you can - you could find yourself being considered a drug-seeker if you are using more pain meds than prescribed.

bodicea profile image
bodicea

Sorry to hear you are on a lot of pain. I can understand where you are coming from . When I have uncontrolled pain I could do almost anything to stop it. Your patch should last you seven days and because they are slow release and allows a certain amount of the drug into the system at any one time you wouldn't get much benefit from changing it for a fresh one. Have you checked that the patch is still adhering to the skin; as absorption of the drug can't happen if its not? You say you have tramadol - do you take these regularly for break through pain? Keep a pain diary and show your doctor, he will be able to judge whether he needs to increase your patch strength or start a new medication. Ask your doctor about seeing a Pain specialist. They can help you find ways of coping with your pain. It is awful being in pain, and I do hope you find something that helps you whether its meds or other stuff. take care of yourself and good luck xxx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to bodicea

Thank you bodiceca if you read all my other posts you will see why I am on the meds . Thanks

bodicea profile image
bodicea in reply to trudyl65

I can see why you take medication and I hope you find something that works. I too went through the mill trying different medications trying to find the right cocktail. I have rheumatoid arthritis (and other chronic illnesses)and recently had prolapsed disc in L4/5, and I was in agony but after trying so many different meds, and using my diary my doctor gave me gabapentin and it really helped me. and I am now on methotrexate for my inflammatory arthritis (it is a cytotoxic drug like chemotherapy).I am also on loads of other stuff. He has started me on Tapentadol SR twice daily for pain and Tapentadol 50 mgs for beak through pain. I had allergic reaction to the patches as well as some of the other meds

I hope I did not offend or upset you. Please take care of yourself and hope you find a resolve.

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to bodicea

Oh dear must be awful feel for you .. yes I also take pregablin / Gabepentin ... 600mg day but knocks me out .. so take 150 with 75 .. what did they do about your l4l5 prolapse .. did you have any surgery xx

bodicea profile image
bodicea in reply to trudyl65

Hi Trudy, thank you for your rely, we all have these problems and its good to talk to people who have the same/similar things. I must be lucky with the gabapentin as I don't seem to have any side effects (well I do have a dry mouth at times) I haven't had surgery but my doctor said that's the next step but like everybody I am really trying to avoid it. So I make sure I try some gentle exercises and make sure I take all the meds I should. I take 3x3=300mgs of gabapentin, I did try to reduce it but the pain, electric sensations and the numbness down my legs came back. GP said I had no pulse in my foot a few weeks back but this seems resolved now???? I can't do much and had to give up work in December, and I have just moved to a bungalow because of it all. My GP tried me on noratryptaline, but had really bad side effects. sometimes I just can not move. I take Tapentadol for my pain as well as co-codamol 30/500 mg. Ohh I also use powergel on my back and joints and I find it really good. its ketoprofen in a gel with lavender and neroli oils (smells lovely). I rub it in0 and apply some warmth. (because I am on methotrexate I can't take NSAID's. I really hope you find something that works for you, so take care and keep you chin up.xxxxxxxx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to bodicea

Can you buy this ketaprofen bodicia ? How old are you if you don't mind me askin . I understand its trial and error . I was active and working til last November .. was goin gym exercise .. metafit zumba .. and was planning my weddin which is aug .. but since all this has happed its on hold never felt pain like it im 48 btw ... and initially said it was sciatica .. but as it wasnt gettin any better they gave me spinal injections 4th feb . I feel it is much worse .. my right side from top of hip and all buttock is swollen .. my last mri in aug 2012 . Is outdated it showed disc protusion but was just impinging on nerve but then I was ok after 2 weeks .. but now I can no longer stand . Sit . Walk . Without persistent pain I have to plan things in advance. But hahad mri on 27th march an they rang me day after mri to say cs wants see me in 2 weeks I have appointment for 17th april I am worried about mrian what they find . I was hopin to go back work . But atm the pain im in I cant . But consultant reckons that because what im showin ie movement pain ect the disc has now completely on nerve . And said discectomy will be probably but what is needed .. but until findings an 17th . I cant plan much . But today I will rest for as long as I can before shower ect as we are goin out for meal which is testin but try to do things as not giving in to pain grit my teeth an get on with it xx

GRUMPYA profile image
GRUMPYA

Buprenorphine works by blocking any other opiates that why it is also used for those coming off her pin and codeine addiction. So tramadol won't get in your blood stream and is pointless when using patches.

Try putting your next patch on a different part of the body, everyone's skin is different, you need it somewhere with very little hair and where the skin is not toughened by sun light. That means the outside of the arm is not the best place. It's about balancing the risk of a reaction to the glue with the best absorption.

It takes 3 days for the drug to get fully in your system, DO NOT DOUBLE UP YOUR PATCHES see your doctor after a month or y weeks on them which is how long it takes to get used to them and to be able to judge it.

Take Paracetamol with the patches it opens up the neurological pathways to allow the Buprenorphine to work. It's is amazing how much better the results are if you take Paracetamol yet people think it's a nothing drug and won't take it. Take 2 Paracetamol 4 times a day and see how that works over the next week. Also keep warm as the patches work best when you are warm.

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to GRUMPYA

Hugs brains goin an gettin twitchy xx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

I asked the doctor about all other med she said that theres no problem takin what I am takin but I am slowly . Comin off tramadol as she did say wont need as i am on butrans ..but as am currently on 8 too 10 a day of tramadol .. I have to wean myself off ie 2.. 2. .2..1 then 2..2..1 ..1 ,, until am off them as your body gets too used to them ie addiction your bodycsweat ect . . But still take amytriptaline I also meant can I put another patch on even tho got one on ie double up xx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

GRUMPYA yes I put one patch on 5 mg .. I was asking if I can double up or if anyone else has x

GRUMPYA profile image
GRUMPYA in reply to trudyl65

Don't double up try taking some Paracetamol it will improve the uptake rate. You are on far too many drugs to double up without medical supervision. Try the Paracetamol I know they don't sound like they would do much but it is a proven thing which they use on in specialist hospitals that Paracetamol opens up the neurological pathways to allow the Buprenorphine to work 100% better.

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to GRUMPYA

Thank you I will try that see how I get on thank you fot for all positive help hugs xxx

chriswinkle profile image
chriswinkle

Hi Trudy,

I had lower back pain, very severe, 5 Buprenorphine patch didn't touch it so Dr put me up to 10, also then on liquid morphine (10) Tried me on Tramadol but that made me very sick so couldn't take it. MRI eventually showed age related wear & tear of facet joint, also bad Chiropractic treatment caused pressure on nerve. Had steroid injection into nerve root last June and now so much better but need to treat back carefully.The Amitryptylene also helps with nerve pain. Do hope you have some good help, always consult GP first.

Love, Chrissy

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to chriswinkle

Thank you for reply awaiting to see cinsultant 17th april .. pain does get you down I find this forum helpful as knowin others understand the pain we feel .. and you feel so alone sometimes and angry . Xxx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to chriswinkle

I also am on amitriptyline . Yes taken paracetamol too . I am so swollen from top of hip and all round buttock thats why I wanted to put another patch on as in it would be 10 bupnorphine suppose I bettet wait til monday the burning legs and numbness is permanent . I had spinal steroid injections on 4th feb since all this burnin numbness in legs started an pain is worse I dont know if they damaged a nerve xx

chriswinkle profile image
chriswinkle

Oh, I am so sorry, Trudy, will you have a follow up appointment as they need to know what has happened? I was sedated and my injection was done under Xray so that the Consultant could see exactly where to put it. I do still have some numbness and pins and needles in my left leg but it is bearable. I also often have cramp in it too during the night although I usually take a quinine tablet before bed. When it wakes me I find a swig or two of neat brandy helps to get rid of it - something an old friend suggested although I do not drink spirits normally!! Just keep a small bottle by my bed in case I need it. Tesco's Napolean Brandy is the most acceptable!! But be careful if you are driving the next day!

I hope for your sake you can manage until you see your Dr on Monday and that he will give you the extra help you need for the pain, it does make life so miserable. I could not stand or walk for more than 3 minutes without needing to sit down before I had the injection so life was more or less at a standstill for many months. Thanks to the injection and also the prayers of my friends at my church I can do so much more now.

I will be praying for you, Trudy, do let us know on this site how you get on.

Love, Chrissy xx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to chriswinkle

Yes chrissy follow up appointment is 17th April will let you know how I get on . I did go out yesterday . Was good yy get out an socialise but after 4 hou I was crying in so much pain . Just wanted to get home and be safe lying on couch .. xx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

I am thankful that I coult do 4 hour's xx really by 3 was getting irritation .. Nd up an down . But I defy this thing to beat me xx

chriswinkle profile image
chriswinkle

Good for you, Trudy, you are trying not to give in to the pain and you are doing your best to socialise, which is positive. I just pray you will get some relief soon.

Chrissy xx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65 in reply to chriswinkle

Thank you chrissy... mad really cos was with family and dont like to harbour on about it . But had few ciders . An couple brandys . But you know what its like no one understands . I should of listened to my body an left alot earlier . But hey ho . . Managed a dinner today .off bed shortly not to bad . I think maybe need to get brandy at bedside an when wake have swig xx he he .

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

Roll on 17th april get answers to mri scan xxx

trudyl65 profile image
trudyl65

Night night pick up tomorrow xx

Mum2kialandkyran profile image
Mum2kialandkyran

Dont use two patches at once with out talking to ur gp,,,at the mo I'm on 5mg and 10mg patches which works wonders ,,,I have used tramadol didn't do much for me so got given extra patch,,plz see doc before u put on another patch

unhappy74 profile image
unhappy74

hi i am on these patches as well,go to your doctor before upping the dose,i am now on a 72 patch with pregablin and duduxolin and oramorph to name a few,i do not know what your health problems are but you have to go up slowly on the patches,take care and i know how it is when you are in chronic pain but dont rush things x

I also use these patches. I use a 35. Maybe for now you can increase your tramadol. But do not go over the 400 mg a day. A faster thing that will help right away is a hot water bottle. As ever, it is always best to see your GP.

I would try and ask about subutex. An oral form of Buprenorphine, at only 2mg works for hours. Not only this, it will work in 5 - 10 mins - as it is taken in the mouth and absorbed. If you have a flare up, this is a life saver. Have a word with your doc if you pain gets worse. I used the patch but got off it after switching. Buprenorphine is not addictive for most of us. This is also how I was bale to just stop the patch.