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Suggest Treatment For MS And Headache While On Fentanyl Patches
Question: Hi, I am a 50 yr old hispanic female diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and I have a history of asthma. I also suffer from insomnia. I snore a lot during the night as well. I do have a cpap but don't use it. I take Breo Ellipta for the asthma, Atenolol 25mg for hypertension, 12.5 mg of HCTZ, Cymbalta, Xanax 0.5 mg prn for anxiety ProAir for a rescue inhaler. Recently I went to the Dr. for c/o of continuous generalized pain. I have tendinitis in both elbows, and my left achilles heel. Both my knees hurt almost all the time as does my back. I'm in constant pain. I normally just put up with the pain, but it is getting worse and my quality of life is definitely suffering. I've been given Toradol IV in the past as well as corticosteroids for the pain but of course the pain relief doesn't last long. I normally take Aleve and Tylenol arthritis together just to take the edge off. I HATE the idea of using opioids because some of them have given me horrible headaches in the past, and the idea of addiction terrifies me. My Dr. has since prescribed Fentanyl patches 25mg. I admit that I have had them for almost a month, and have not used them. I'm very very anxious about it. I've read about them on the internet and so far nothing I've read sounds good. But....I'm in PAIN and don't know what else to do. I know taking to much Aleve and Tylenol isn't good either. I would love any suggestion/reassurance you may have for me. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
The risks are justified in your case.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
As I suppose you have read during your research Fentanyl is an opioid, a class of medications which carry potential for addiction. It is mainly for that reason that their use is not preferred and are chosen only as a last resort. So I can not reassure you by saying that it is a completely safe medication. The patch form is the safest one though, is absorbed really slow so no risk of overdose.
Looking at your history and other medications you have tried though, it seems your doctors have already trie other options. You're already under Tylenol and an anti-inflammatory like Aleve. You are taking a chronic pain drug like Cymbalta. Since as you admit you live in continuous pain it is obvious that they are not effective enough and yours are chronic issues, they are not to disappear by waiting.
So I would say that an opioid medication is a logical next step in your case, its use is justified and I would recommend it as well. Personally I try first Tramadol though, an opioid like drug, which is said to have less addiction potential (but still possible).
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
The risks are justified in your case.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
As I suppose you have read during your research Fentanyl is an opioid, a class of medications which carry potential for addiction. It is mainly for that reason that their use is not preferred and are chosen only as a last resort. So I can not reassure you by saying that it is a completely safe medication. The patch form is the safest one though, is absorbed really slow so no risk of overdose.
Looking at your history and other medications you have tried though, it seems your doctors have already trie other options. You're already under Tylenol and an anti-inflammatory like Aleve. You are taking a chronic pain drug like Cymbalta. Since as you admit you live in continuous pain it is obvious that they are not effective enough and yours are chronic issues, they are not to disappear by waiting.
So I would say that an opioid medication is a logical next step in your case, its use is justified and I would recommend it as well. Personally I try first Tramadol though, an opioid like drug, which is said to have less addiction potential (but still possible).
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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