Buprenorphine Patches

[Davewm]

Just a quick post for advice if possible.

I’ve recently been prescribed Buprenorphine Patches for Severe Spinal Stenosis. ( Heart Failure also so can’t take traditional pain relief)

Is anyone who’s had experience of using these patches able to advice me how long they take to give relief. I’m also experiencing slightly worsening breathing which I have in any case.

Any help really appreciated.

[Longlegs012777]

Hi there, I guess it all depends on when you find the right dosage. I was prescribed these a little over a year ago after being on oral morphine and it not touching the chronic pain I was experiencing (undiagnosed atm). My doctor prescribed me these on top of my other painkillers/ nerve blockers and anti-inflammatory drugs. I started on a 5mcg/hr patches and started to increase by 5mcg/hr each time until I was getting enough relief to at least function each day. I’m currently on 25mcg/hr patches and I’m still getting a fair amount of breakthrough pain. I’m reluctant to get my doctor to increase them more as I get extremely drowsy to the point of literally falling asleep which means I still can’t function much each day. Things may be different for you. If you’ve been started on a low dose you may want to see how things go for a week and if it’s not easing your pain enough then maybe ask your gp to increase them until you find the right levels for you. Good luck 🤞🏻😊

[Davewm in reply to Longlegs012777]

Thanks very much for the reply.

It’s really useful to hear how other people are coping with the distressing effects of being in constant pain.

Once again, thank you.

Kind regards

David

[silverbadger]

I have been on Buprenorphine Patches for some years, 35mcg/hr. At the moment, I change them once a week, but this can vary depending on what make I am using; some makes need to be changed every four days.

For me, when first starting, it took a few days before I noticed a reduction in my pain levels. I now find that two days before I am due to apply a new patch, I see a slight increase in pain levels. This is not something unmanageable, but it does undoubtedly leave me more uncomfortable.

I am reluctant to change to a higher dose as I would rather be in a little pain than have ‘Brain Fog’ from a higher dosage. 😶‍🌫️

I use Buprenorphine Patches alongside other pain managing tools such as Mindfullness, Meditaion, Gentle exercise etc…. and very occasioanaly oramorph for breakthrough pain.

My personal ethos is one of ‘dull the pain but not the brain’

[BertoBishop]

Hi Dave,

I think I felt a difference in a few hours with my patches. They helped but the pain I felt were still severe, I’d say it helped to keep the stabbing pains I feel at bay.