Fentanyl transdermal is a prescription narcotic medication indicated to alleviate moderate to severe pain in affected patients. This medication is applied as a patch directly to the skin once every 72 hours or as directed by a doctor. Fentanyl transdermal patch can cause side effects in certain patients; these should be discussed with a physician if they occur.
Mood Changes or Memory Problems
Patients using fentanyl transdermal patch can develop unusual mood or memory problems, explains Medline Plus, an online medical resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These side effects can include depression, confusion, nervousness, anxiety or euphoria. Certain patients can begin to see, hear or feel things that other people do not (hallucinations), or may experience episodes of memory loss or forgetfulness.
Abnormal Body Sensations
Certain patients can begin to experience abnormal body sensations as a side effect of fentanyl transdermal use. Sensations of tingling, burning, pain or numbness can develop in the hands or feel of an affected patient, which may contribute to periods of muscle or body weakness. Involuntary body spasms (shaking) can also occur in certain patients during treatment.
Stomach Upset
Fentanyl transdermal patch users can develop stomach upset side effects, explains Drugs.com. A patient may feel nauseous or begin to vomit. Bowel movement changes, such as diarrhea or constipation, may occur in conjunction with indigestion, heartburn, hiccups, dry mouth, or abdominal cramping or bloating. These stomach-related side effects can cause a decrease in appetite in some patients.
Sleeping Problems
Sleeping problems can develop during treatment with fentanyl transdermal patch. A patient may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night, warns Medline Plus. Difficulty sleeping can contribute to increased daytime fatigue, which can affect a patient's ability to remain active and alert throughout the day.
Difficulty Urinating
Fentanyl transdermal patch use can lead to difficulty urinating, explains the Mayo Clinic. A patient may notice that the amount or frequency of urination significantly decreases.
Application Site Reaction
An application site reaction can occur as a side effect of fentanyl tansdermal patch use. The skin at the site of patch application can appear red, irritated or inflamed, and may begin to itch. Severe skin reactions, such as the appearance of blisters at the patch application site, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Breathing Difficulties
Severe, life-threatening breathing difficulties have been reported in certain patients who use the patch, warns the Food and Drug Administration. Patients who have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other lung-related diseases should share this information with a physician before beginning treatment with this medication. Seek emergency medical care if side effects such as breathing difficulties, heart rate abnormalities, dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness occur while using the fentanyl transdermal patch.
Dependence
The use of fentanyl transdermal patch can be habit-forming. To prevent the side effects associated with fentanyl dependence, only use this medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor.
