Hi guys,

So I'm now on 25 Fetanyl patch down from 50. I'm suffering from all the side effects - sweating, shakiness, insomnia etc , I think the Aptivan I was on was prescribed for this reason and now Im not on the Aptivan anymore the insomnia is killing me. I'm seeing my MO on tues and thinking of going back on it so I can get some rest so i can wean myelf of the fetanyl patches. The temazapam I'm taking is giving me 4 hrs a night max. The question I have is - is it a good idea to go back on the Aptivan since it's so addictive and have side effects too? I know that some of you were on Aptivan so I was wondering how you wean yourself of it? I was thinking that maybe I would only take it once every 2-3 days since I need it purely to counter the effects of Fetanyl rather than for anxiety or depression. I'm happy to say I think I'm out if that big black hole! Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.

Eric, that's for telling me about those drugs website. I was thinking of weaning myself if the Fetanyl patch by slowly cutting a bit of it every time I change it but then I read on the website that this was dangerous and could accelerate the realease of it. Thank god I read it!! Thanx again

Minh

Hi Minh
Just short and sharp cos I am supposed to be elsewhere but lorazepam and temazepam are mostly the same thing - they are both benzodiazapines (benzos. Strikes me that you need something to keep you asleep rather than the short acting benzos.
I am not a doctor but a nurse from a very long time ago so don't take my word for it and ask your doctor about all this (it is too complicated for me).

Managing pain medication is really complex which is why they have doctors and nurses dedicated to pain managment. Ask if there is a "Pain Managment Team" at your hospital and see if they can have a look at what you are on and what you should be on.

good luck, will try to get back to you later.

Karen