Okay, my grandma was recently put on a fentanyl patch (no, I don't want to steal it) and I was wondering something...

She's spent the past year or so in a drug induced haze (popping T3s like candy among other things), but she's gotten 100% better since she's gone on the patch. I was wondering how long this can last. I mean, she'll obviously have to be on it the rest of her life, but will her clearheaded-ness last? Or will she slip into a haze again? I hope it will stay for a while atleast, and I'll just have to treasure it while I can. Anyway, thanks for any info.

And just to clarify, this is all assuming she uses it as directed. I'm optimistic that she will, because I know she likes being normal again. And my grandpa will watch her more carefully too.

[This message has been edited by Sick_Boy (edited 08-10-2003).]

The duragesic patch that your grandmother is on should prevent the narcotic haze permanetly if she hasn't already developed it since being introduced to the patch. The real problem might be rescue doses of weaker narcotics such as oxycodone, morphine and such. These drugs, when mixed with fentanyl can cause very intense opiate effects, causing the haze to return for the duration of their action.

The great thing about the fentanyl patch is that it dispenses a steady dose of the narcotic continuously. There are no spikes in peak plasma concentrations past the 18 hour mark. Also, as tolerance builds and dosage increases, the effects of the fentanyl won't increase to the point of causing the haze to return.

Okay, that's a relief. Thank you so much.

quote:Originally posted by Sick_Boy:

Okay, that's a relief. Thank you so much.

yeah and make sure she doesnt strap more then one of those suckers on her arm. damn that would suck to have a junkie gradma.