title: Disaster after the plaster. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms in a curable hospice patient.
abstract: Opioids have been used for thousands of years for pain relief. Transdermal fentanyl (TDF) is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain. This clinical lesson demonstrates that TDF may be easy to start but sometimes difficult to stop. Like any other opioid there is a substantial risk of physical dependence and subsequent withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of the drug. Here, we present a case of a hospice patient who developed withdrawal symptoms after a first TDF tapering attempt according to the manufacturer's instructions. A second, more gradual tapering regimen did not result in withdrawal symptoms. The mechanisms and treatment modalities for physical dependence along with a tailor-made tapering strategy that is suitable for general practice are presented in this clinical lesson.
authors: Department of Primary and Community Care Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. h.maathuis@elg.umcn.nl
authors: M Hugo J
authors: MH
authors: Maathuis
authors: Daniel D P
authors: DD
authors: Dijkstra
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D057968:Transdermal Patch
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl