Duragesic is the brand name in the United States of the generic drug fentanyl in the form of a transdermal patch. This means the medication is absorbed into the body from an adhesive patch placed on the skin. Fentanyl is a narcotic analgesic or pain killer that may be used to relieve pain that is continual or chronic. Because fentanyl is an opioid, the greatest danger of this long-term use is dependence and addiction. When the patch no longer is used, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Pupil Dilation
Among many withdrawal symptoms that may occur when a person stops using the fentanyl patch is an abnormally large dilation of the pupils in the eyes. While this may not immediately be thought of as dangerous, he should consult his doctor immediately for medical help if he notices this symptom, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Quitting the fentanyl patch also may produce symptoms that mimic the flu. For example, the person suffering withdrawal from the medicine may run a high body temperature or fever. She may have a runny nose, and she may sneeze. She may have general aches and pains throughout her body, as she would if she did have influenza. She also may tremble and shiver without apparent external causes. These symptoms all require medical help.
Tachycardia
Without the narcotic the body is used to in the person's system, he may experience the heart arrhythmia called tachycardia. This is a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute in an adult. Tachycardia may lead to serious problems such as heart attacks if untreated, so he should consult his physician immediately if he feels his heart racing.
Psychological Symptoms
Once the person has stopped using the fentanyl patch, she may experience other common withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of narcotic use. These can affect her psychologically. For example, she may be irritable and snap at those people around her. She may feel restless and nervous without some external cause. These problems also may make it difficult for her to sleep well or to sleep at all. She should talk with her doctor about any such problems immediately, the Mayo Clinic states.
