Tramadol versus Buprenorphine Patch.

[Davewm]

Just a short post as I’m getting very depressed by constant pain from Severe Spinal Stenosis. I had a Laminectomy which failed (Triple Bypass and Mitral Valve Repair also) now diagnosed with Heart Failure so no “normal” painkillers.

Pain Management have advised me to try Tramadol prior to possibly using Buprenorphine patches.

Anybody have experience or advice of either. Which is best?

Thanks in advance

David

[Badbessie]

Both my wife and I have been on tramadol but now use the patches to very good effect. Basically they base the dosage of the patch on how much tramadol you take. Both of us hated taking the tramadol which both of us found difficult to come off.

[Davewm in reply to Badbessie]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Brucer2244]

I started on Tramadol but after some time I was advised by the hospital Pain Clinic to change to the patches I’m now on the 20mg ones and find them brilliant. For me no side effects and excellent pain control plus the added benefit of one patch lasts one week. Good luck.

[Sunlover56]

I have failed surgery syndrome and used to have a spinal cord stimulator for years. Unfortunately it went wrong and had to be removed. I started off with Tramadol and then bit by bit, as my body got used to them, I had to have patches as well. Currently I take 100mg modified release Tramadol twice a day and have a 35 buprenorphine patch. 5 weeks ago I had another spinal cord stimulator fitted, this time with paddles due to scar tissue and have been advised that I need to gradually reduce both in tiny steps, with changes every 2 weeks as both can cause terrible withdrawal symptoms. I found both really effective but your body does get used to them and the spinal cord stimulator enabled me to be off all opioids and drive etc. last time. Due to the amount of scar tissue, I may not get the same amount of relief as before and unfortunately I have a setback with an infection in the battery pocket but I’m keeping everything crossed. I really hope they work for you.

[Davewm in reply to Sunlover56]

Thanks for your reply that’s very helpful.

All the best for the future with your new SCS.

[Sunlover56]

Thank you ☺️

[WeeBarbie]

Hi Dave, sorry you’re in so much pain. I was prescribed Tramadol 4 times a day. I was concerned at the amount of this drug I was taking with little relief (back and hip pain ). I was then prescribed the buprenorphine patches. They helped a lot. I was using them for about 6 months then suddenly my skin reacted badly possibly to the chemicals making up the patch where it adhered to my skin. I had to stop using the patches and was prescribed buprenorphine sublingual tablets - not as effective and caused tooth decay! Hope you find this useful. Good luck.

[Davewm in reply to WeeBarbie]

Thanks for the information. It’s such a problem - I just don’t know the way forward! Anyway thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Betsy50 in reply to WeeBarbie]

Interesting I use morphine patch and my Painmanagement consultant told me to spray beconese nasal spray on my skin and I font react believe me I have very sensitive skin thought you might like to know

[WeeBarbie in reply to Betsy50]

hi, Betsy, thanks for your reply. I didn’t know about that! I was told it was due to the metal in the adhesive rather than the medication that was the problem. Makes sense! Might be helpful for Dave.