My dr had prescribed Fentanyl patches and then I was allowed 2-3 Vicodin for break-thru pain. I started on 12.5mcg of Fentanyl patch that i changed every 3 days and 3 years later my dosage was 75mcg patched every 2 days. My dr had to keep increasing the dosage. He explained to me that it's a vicious cycle. Pain, then take pain meds, then they become less effective so more pain, increase dosage, etc. I did finally go down on patch and then totally stopped. No pain meds since 2019. I learned healthy ways for me to deal with the pain. It's not for everyone but for me, it's the best option.