I have been on the fentanyl patch for about 3 - 4 months. I started using it for temporary back pain but have unfortunately acquired a dependency for it. I have been using small doses on NORCO to calm my withdrawals but I am wondering if there is an alternative. Also my withdrawals have not excalated to vomiting. I do have the cold sweats, shakes, muscle tension and difficulty sleeping. Based on the time I have been using the patch how long will the withdrawl symptons last and any idea how bad they will be?

I don't have any idea how long the withdrawal symptoms will last but I recently learned of a medication that you can take that helps with opiate withdrawal and cravings. The name of the drug is Suboxone and can be prescribed by a private doctor. You can read more about it here: Suboxone.com - Office-Based Treatment for Opioid Dependence (http://www.suboxone.com/?qs=ga&gclid=COSYyIqfoZoCFRAhDQodYX8-9A)

If you think this is something that might help or something you'd like to try, tell your doctor.
Good luck, and keep trying!