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Duragesic – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Monday, August 27, 2018 by

Duragesic is a prescription skin patch that contains fentanyl, an opioid pain medication. It is used for the treatment of moderate to severe, chronic, around-the-clock pain, and not for the treatment of mild or occasional pain or pain from surgery. This drug belongs to the class of drugs referred to as opioid analgesics, which work by binding nervous system proteins known as opioid receptors, thus preventing the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Duragesic is also known generically as fentanyl transdermal. It comes as a patch that is applied to the skin typically once every three days. Avoid getting exposed to heat when wearing a Duragesic skin patch, because heat can increase the amount of drug the skin absorbs. It should only be used by people who are”opioid-tolerant,” or those who are already taking opioid pain medications, such as morphine and oxycodone, regularly. Duragesic should not be used by people who are allergic to fentanyl, or those who have: a severe breathing problem such as asthma attacks; a blockage in the digestive tract; or those who are not already being treated with a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and are tolerant to it.

Known side effects of Duragesic

Duragesic comes with many side effects. It can slow or stop the user’s breathing and may be addictive. Misuse of narcotic medications like Duragesic can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially in a child or other people using the drug without a prescription. It may also cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in newborns when used during pregnancy. If used together with alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, it can be deadly.

The most common side effects of Duragesic include the following:

  • Anorexia
  • Drowsiness and dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling cold
  • Headaches
  • Increased sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea

Although less common, Duragesic may also cause severe side effects, such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abnormally slow heart action
  • Anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Fluid retention and swelling of tissues in the lower limbs
  • Muscle spasms and tremors
  • Tingling sensations
  • Urinary problems

In rare cases, it can also cause the following:

  • Eczema and other skin disorders
  • Euphoria
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Reduced sense of touch
  • Sexual and erectile dysfunction (ED)

Body systems that may be harmed by Duragesic

Duragesic may harm various body systems, such as:

  • Cardiovascular system, as it can cause severely low blood pressure.
  • Respiratory system, as it can cause serious breathing problems
  • The endocrine system, as it can cause adrenal insufficiency and androgen deficiency.
  • The nervous system, as it can cause physical addiction, dependence, and withdrawal when stopping the use of the drug.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Duragesic’s side effects

The following food items may prevent and treat constipation, a common side effect of Duragesic:

  • Castor oil
  • Coffee
  • Fiber-rich foods
  • Foods rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado
  • Ginger tea
  • Lemon water
  • Mint tea
  • Molasses
  • Prunes
  • Raisins
  • Sesame seeds

Treatments, management plans for the Duragesic’s side effects

The following are natural remedies for drowsiness, one of the common side effects of Duragesic:

  • Get exposed to sunlight for at least 15 minutes.
  • Splash some cold water on your face.
  • Drink green tea after waking up to boost your energy and stamina.
  • Drink lemon water in the morning to keep you hydrated and eliminate harmful toxins in the body.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast and snacks.

Where to learn more

Summary

Duragesic is a prescription skin patch that contains fentanyl, an opioid pain medication.

Duragesic is used for the treatment of moderate to severe, chronic, around the clock pain.

Duragesic commonly causes anorexia, drowsiness, fatigue, feeling cold, headache, increased sweating, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

Duragesic can slow down or stop the user’s breathing, severely lower blood pressure, cause addiction, dependence, and withdrawal, adrenal insufficiency, and androgen deficiency.

Sources include:

Drugs.com

MedlinePlus.gov

EverydayHealth.com

Healthline.com

RD.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com



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