Anyone on or have tried Butrans film for chronic pain??

Posted by montgomery41 @montgomery41, Sep 15, 2018

Hi everyone! My name is Michelle and I'm 41 y/o. I have had chronic pain since my original Gastric Bypass Surgery in 2003. I had a revision to my bypass in 2006 and then a reversal in 2015. I have gastroparesis and Vagus Nerve Damage. I also have a history of Fibromyalgia, Migraines and cervical stenosis. I have been on all the narcotic pain medications out there and different combinations of them, some more successful than others but over time I just required higher dosages of the narcotics. I had an appointment with a Pain Management specialist who started me on the Butrans film that you place on the inside of your cheek, 75 mcg twice daily. This medication has given me my life back. Of course, it doesn't entirely take all the pain away but at least it's a tolerable level for me. Has anyone else had success from this medication? I know I can google most anything to research this medication, but how does this particular medication differ from the "regularly" prescribed opioids? I find that massage helps me and NSAIDS, but of course, as a Gastric Bypass patient I can't take NSAIDS and I have a long history of chronic gastric ulcers that use to only develop at the anastomosis site but have since lined my esophagus and stomach leading into my small intestine. I'm fairly new to this board and just curious what other individuals have found that's been beneficial, not short term but long term.
Take Care!
Michelle

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

Hello @montgomery41. I think you may find the following discussion worth reading through in addition to this one, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-meds-for-gastric-bypass-patients/. It is great to read that you have had some moderate success with this pain medication. I know you mentioned that you could Google the description, but I thought this simplified description from Mayo Clinic is good, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/buprenorphine-transdermal-route/description/drg-20074363. As it states there, it does belong to the narcotic class and can be habit-forming long-term. I'd like to invite @krissylamb, @layladixon, @m_rod, @chinasmom, and @fonda to share their experiences with butrans patches.

@montgomery41, while we wait for others to share their experiences, have you experienced any side-effects with this medication? From what I read, it seems like this medication is meant for longer-term use and should not be used as a short-term pain medication (i.e. after surgeries). Is that what your provider explained as well?

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All I know is doctor uped me on pain med. From Tramadol to hydrocodone. I went thru withdrawal from Tramadol now for 3 days. Now if I want to quit hydro again withdrawal. It is The worst thing to live with pain, but withdrawal is worse.

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I want my Marijuana. I may have to suck it up and move back to my wonderful Oregon.

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