Fentanyl Patches with tramadol and Zomorph

Folara
Folara Member Posts: 568
edited 4. Jul 2012, 03:50 in Living with Arthritis archive
Heya all

Finally got new prescription from Pain Clinic. I have Fentanyl Patches to use now instead of the Zomorph. Doc said that as patches take a while to get up to speed to continue with the Zomorph but slowly cut it down over a week till I am not taking them. However he didn't say anything about the Tramadol. Do you think I just carry on taking them as normal?

Bit of a quandary over this and not feeling confident that I will get any better relief.

Fols x

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm not sure this is a question for us Folara, I think you should ring NHS Direct or chat to your GP. I know that things went a little wonky for mumoftwoboys very recently, something to do with a patch and other pain dullers, she put a thread on here about it so that might be worth a read. I would advise sticking with what you know until you have clarification on this. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hmmm think you might be right, I might give the pharmacist a call tomorrow and see if she can ask my doc. Not sure I want to be totally out of it.

    Fols x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Pharmacists often know without asking docs. They're a good source of information. I do think you need to ask someone in the know though, Fols. Whatever you do or don't take, I hope it works for you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    at the hospital the other day I was offered tramadol, I'm on fentanyl patches.. So it's probably ok BUT I'd still check with the chemist first.
    In the end they gave me 10mg oromorph and 10mg diazapam..
    Good luck with the patches. I've had zero ill effects from them. I'm on anything between 25mcg/hr and 75. Depending on the pain.
    Right now a fifty is just about helping lol.

    Best of luck mi dear. :D
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • Colin1
    Colin1 Member Posts: 1,769
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes i agree talk to the Chemist
    Colin
    WHEN GOD GIVES YOU LEMONS MAKE LEMONADE
  • resusjan
    resusjan Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Someone posted a problem with fentanyl and tramadol late last week, I'll try and find it. But, be careful, medications that are opioid based can cause respiratory depression if too much are taken. The Fentanyl will take a while to get into your system which is why the GP said its ok to continue with the zomorph for a bit, but as they are both opioids you must wean off the zomorph. Tramadol is also an opioid based analgesic so I'm not sure if all three together would be safe.

    To be sure, ring the GP out of hours service, NHS direct or speak to your GP tomorrow or pharmacist.

    Please, please, please seek advise from the relevant people.

    Hope the fentanyl kicks in soon for you

    Jan xx
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks guys.

    Yep I can take tramadol still as I have already been taking them with the morphine anyway.

    Gosh, it's such madness sometimes with all these meds.

    Fols xx
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well I hope you gain some relief hun. :D
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks lovey,

    I'm sooo sick of it atm.

    Fols x
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    it can really get to you eh?
    Is this the first time you've used fentanyl patches? I've been quite pleased with them..
    Are they the three day things?
    Mine are, have to change it at the same time every three days too..

    The very best of wishes anyway hun..
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes it will be first time. The Zomorph, tramadol etc aren't working anymore and I'm pretty much housebound and going stir crazy so I really hope these help.

    These are 3 day patches too but I have to continue the Zomorph for a week, slowly lowering the level till I'm off them.

    Fingers crossed.

    Fols x
  • resusjan
    resusjan Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Glad you checked it out Fols, better safe than sorry.

    I hope the patches and other meds start to relieve some of your pain soon so you can get out into this "wonderful" summer weather we're having,

    I actually put the heating back on last night and the horses have all got their full neck rugs back on. Hope it brightens up a little soon

    Take care,
    Jan xx
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Jan

    I really hate not being able to see my gees. I'm missing them more than anything. I'm really grateful to my friends for looking after them and such but it's not the same as me doing them.

    I miss riding, I just want to cry about it all.

    Fols x
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    stay strong mi dear..
    And hopefully the patches will help you. Weaning off the morphine stuff is very important, going cold turkey with drugs like that really isn't fun. I know, I've done it.. Never again lol.

    Keep posting too...
    :D
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Tony - I will xx