Temgesic and Anxiety

[Biscuitface]

I am now taking 700mcg Temgesic and the anxiety that started 5 months ago has reapped. I am awake from 3.30am. Can anyone advise? I also take ferrous bisglycinate. Nothing else.

[SueJohnson]

Try another opioid if that isn't working for you - like tramadol.

[LotteM]

I am sorry the anxiety has returned. Does the 700mcg work to control your RLS? And how do you tale it, all in the evening?

I successfully switched from 200mcg Temgesic in the evening (and extra doses during the day to offset withdrawal) by a patch of 5mcg/h. This adds up to 120mcg/day. This is a huge dose reduction and I think it is effective because the level of buprenorphine/Temgesic in my blood is now constant.

I know you were on a patch before, but on a way too high dose of 52mcg/h (or something around that amount). That is 10x as much as my dose. You may need more than me, if your current dose of 700mcg is effective for the RLS. But a patch of 15mcg/h may suffice and reduce the amount of buprenorphine in your system enough to keep the anxiety in check. Would that be an option? Please consider and if you feel it is, discuss with your doctor. Finding the right dose is always a balancing act between wanted effects and unwanted side effects.

[Biscuitface in reply to LotteM]

Hi LotteMThankyou for replying. I was on the 52.5 mcg patch for about 3 weeks when I developed breathing problems and anxiety . Following this I went to 35mcg then 25, 20 then 15. The 15 mcg worked re RLS but I still had anxiety. It was thought that the patch was the possible cause so my Consultant trialled Temgesic tablets. I starred on 400 and have had to increase to 700 .mcg. it is working for my legs but I still get panic attacks and anxiety same. This disturbs my sleep greatly. I was awake this am at 3.30.

[LotteM in reply to Biscuitface]

It may well have been that your anxiety at lower doses of the patch was still owing to the earlier higher doses. You came down fairly quickly, if I remember correctly, and buprenorphine has a very long 'terminal' half life of several days. Therefore, effects may linger for a period of days to weeks even. Depending on your personal breakdown rate. Buprenorphine has very variable kinetics (activity).

[Biscuitface]

Hi LotteM The 700mcg controls my symptoms but I sometimes get breakthroughs early evening or if I am travelling anywhere. I take 100mcg . Then 200 at 8 and the rest in small pieces around 10pm. I have no problem getting to sleep but I wake so early. Not with Restless legs but with anxiety symptoms, intrusive thoughts etc

[LotteM in reply to Biscuitface]

You may want to try to reduce a bit again. Finding a balance between some leftover RLS symptoms that can be walked off in say 20-30min and an acceptable level of anxiety. It is an art!

[Poppip]

Hi there sorry to hear that. That seems like a very high dose. I have suffered with RLS for 20 yrs and tried everything to no effect. Now I’m on 200 ug in the evening and it’s a huge relief and success. Did you start on a lower dose and increase? Might be worth try taking less but talk to your doc first… hope you get sorted. It’s a terrible condition. I’m in a much better place now thankfully

[Biscuitface in reply to Poppip]

Hi Poppip. I started on 200 mcg Temgesic. Had to increase to 400 after 2 weeks as symptoms bad. Now on 700mcg which includes 100mcg for daytime symptoms. I did sleep 7 hours last night which was amazing.

[Jelbea]

Hello again, I see what Poppip has said and I do wonder if you and I were started on much too high a dose which precipitated all we are going through. Certainly from what you say you were on an extremely strong patch and my GP should have started me on the 5 mcg patch and worked up but instead due to his ignorance he started me on the 20 mcg and worked down very quickly causing extreme withdrawals. As you I have PM you but then saw this message.

[SueJohnson]

A safe anti-anxiety medicine is buspar (Buspirone) which may also help your RLS symptoms.

[Biscuitface]

Thankyou Sue

[waltraud1]

Had a test from Neurologist and referral to nother one.I now finely have my B/P under control and at night bath hot and rub my leggs with some Cream I bought for Pain and hot Milk and sleep pain lessen ..right now.