What Is Butrans?
Butrans is a medication prescribed to patients who are experiencing severe, prolonged pain due to chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain. It is specifically classified as an opioid analgesic, which means it is effective due to its ability to change how the brain and body experience pain.
You may notice some side effects after you begin taking Butrans. Common side effects of Butrans include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, irritation, itching or redness at the application site. Notify your doctor if these side effects get worse or last a long time.
More serious side effects of Butrans use are uncommon, but it is important to be aware of them in case you need to identify them. Serious Butrans side effects are agitation, confusion, hallucinations, difficulty urinating, swelling or blistering at the patch application site, unusual tiredness, and weight loss. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if these signs become noticeable.
Very severe side effects of Butrans should be taken seriously. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any of the following after taking Butrans: fainting, seizure, slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, difficulty waking up, fast or irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness.
How Is Butrans Used?
The Butrans patch should only be applied as directed by your doctor and never for sudden pain. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in taking Butrans and are already taking an opioid medication.
The Butrans patch should be applied to clean, clear skin. Butrans should not be applied to burns, cuts, irritated skin, or skin that has been exposed to radiation. The best area to apply Butrans is on a dry, non-hairy area such as a flat part of your body like your upper chest, sides of the chest, upper back or upper outer arms. If there is hair on the skin, clip the hair rather than shaving it. Shaving the hair will cause skin irritation.
The patch should typically be changed once every seven days. Rotate the patch application to different areas to avoid irritation.
Butrans Addiction
Some patients may develop a psychological addiction to Butrans even if they take the medication as directed by their doctor. Those addicted to Butrans will begin to exhibit signs such as becoming obsessed with finding and taking Butrans as well as losing interest in the hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. Get help as soon as possible if you notice these addiction signs in yourself or someone you love.
The Importance of Aftercare
When patients recover from Butrans or any other substance use disorder, there is always a risk of recurrence of use. To avoid this risk, find an aftercare program that will support you with continued therapy options. Continued therapy will help ensure patients put the right foot forward in their journey to a substance-free life.
If you or someone you love is suffering from substance use disorder, professional assistance is available. Do not hesitate in seeking the help you need. The Recovery Village has a variety of resources and programs for patients looking to regain control over substance use disorder. To learn more about these lifesaving treatment options, visit www.TheRecoveryVillage.comor call 24-hour to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about all the programs and resources The Recovery Village has to offer.
FAQs
Common side effects of Butrans include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, irritation, itching or redness at the application site. Notify your doctor if these side effects get worse or last a long time.
Serious Butrans side effects are agitation, confusion, hallucinations, difficulty urinating, swelling or blistering at the patch application site, unusual tiredness, and weight loss. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if these signs become noticeable.
The Butrans patch should only be applied as directed by your doctor and never for sudden pain.
The Butrans patch should be applied to clean, clear skin. Butrans should not be applied to burns, cuts, irritated skin, or skin that has been exposed to radiation. The best area to apply Butrans is on a dry, non-hairy area such as a flat part of your body like your upper chest, sides of the chest, upper back or upper outer arms. If there is hair on the skin, clip the hair rather than shaving it. Shaving the hair will cause skin irritation.
The patch should typically be changed once every seven days. Rotate the patch application to different areas to avoid irritation.
Some patients may develop a psychological addiction to Butrans even if they take the medication as directed by their doctor. Those addicted to Butrans will begin to exhibit signs such as becoming obsessed with finding and taking Butrans as well as losing interest in the hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
Butrans is a medication prescribed to patients who are experiencing severe, prolonged pain due to chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain. It is specifically classified as an opioid analgesic, which means it is effective due to its ability to change how the brain and body experience pain.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.