Fentanyl Patches for Chronic Pain Conditions
Feb 29, 2016
Fentanyl pain patches are a form of treatment for serious chronic conditions. They are typically used only when all other treatment methods have been explored and exhausted. In this article, we are going to talk about pain patches and when they should and should NOT be used to treat pain.
A pain patch (also called a Fentanyl patch) is an opiate (or narcotic) analgesic. They work by changing the way the brain interprets pain signals sent from other areas of the body. These patches are placed on the patient’s skin near the location of the pain. Once applied, fentanyl seeps into the skin over a period of 24-72 hours and reduces pain.
Fentanyl patches are most effective for treating chronic pain in patients who need consistent pain treatment, and who cannot explore other treatment methods. Pain patches should not be used to treat acute pain conditions that will resolve on their own, or pain that can be better treated with alternate methods. These patches have a host of serious potential side effects, including:
Since fentanyl patches are categorized as narcotics, they are extremely addictive. As a result, there is a significant risk of overdose and possibly death – especially if the patient does not follow the exact application instructions. For that reason, it’s essential that you follow your doctor’s prescription and instructions exactly when using a fentanyl patch to treat your pain.
If you are living your life in pain from an injury, condition, or illness, a pain patch may be able to help you return to a pain-free existence. The pain management doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have been treating patients in Edina and the surrounding suburbs for over 20 years. Contact our clinic today to set up your appointment and get to the bottom of your pain.