The Duragesic pain patch carries a black box warning, the most obvious indication that the opiate pain medication could pose serious problems for users. Duragesic warnings are designed to prevent complications. If the warnings are ignored, patients could suffer serious health consequences, even death. The medication is intended for persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain that doesn’t respond to other pain treatments. The fentanyl transdermal patch is subject to misuse, abuse and diversion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2005 that said Duragesic should only be used by patients who are already tolerant to opiate medications. People who use the patch but aren’t opiate tolerant risk overdose. Duragesic contains a high concentration of fentanyl, which is potent and classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. The risk of fatal overdose is very real, especially for those who use too much Duragesic and those who mix it with other substances.
Duragesic Warnings of Overdose and Addiction Are Real Issues
An overdose can be caused by respiratory depression. Duragesic and other narcotics depress the central nervous system. People who combine the drug with other substances that have this effect risk serious complications. These include alcohol, other opiates, tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics and sleeping medication. Addiction is another big concern. Patients who have had issues with drug or alcohol addiction in the past should not take Duragesic as they are more susceptible to developing a dependency. Using cut or torn Duragesic patches can result in dangerous levels of the drug flooding the system and absorption of a potentially fatal dose. Patients who wear the patch and expose it directly to sources of heat also risk overdose. This can include saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds and electric blankets. Addiction to powerful narcotics can happen quickly once regular use extends over a period of time. With opiates, there is a tendency for a tolerance to build once the drug builds up in the system. At this point, patients may decide to increase their doses, which can cause addiction.
Duragesic Addiction Can Be Wiped Out Quickly and Effectively
Waismann Method has a compassionate and humane treatment program for Duragesic addiction. We use intravenous medication to cleanse the opiates from patients’ receptors, wiping out the addiction once and for all. This takes less than two hours and patients are lightly anesthetized during it. The procedure accelerates withdrawal and patients awake from the procedure without the awareness they even experienced withdrawal symptoms. This managed withdrawal gives patients a dignified recovery and allows them to return to the life they deserve quickly. Patients stay in the hospital 3 to 6 days and can return home once discharged. If they feel they need to extend recovery, patients can opt to transition in our Domus Retreat aftercare facility.
