Disaster after the plaster. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms in a curable hospice patient.

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Title:	Disaster after the plaster. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms in a curable hospice patient.
Author(s):	Maathuis, M.H.; Dijkstra, D.D.
Publication year:	2011
Source:	European Journal of General Practice, vol. 17, iss. 4, (2011), pp. 229-232
ISSN:	1381-4788
DOI:	http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/13814788.2011.602966
Annotation:	1 december 2011
Publication type:	Article / Letter to editor
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item : https://hdl.handle.net/2066/97826
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Subject:	NCEBP 7: Effective primary care and public health
Organization:	Primary and Community Care
Journal title:	European Journal of General Practice
Volume:	vol. 17
Issue:	iss. 4
Page start:	p. 229
Page end:	p. 232
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.