Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Fentanyl as follows:
- Fentanyl has the potential to increase the intracranial pressure. Maintain a close watch for signs of elevated intracranial pressure, such as, headache, vomiting, double vision, and confusion. Individuals with history of head injury, curvature of the spine, and intracranial lesions are at increased risk for elevated intracranial pressures. Report any such findings to your physician immediately for a change in plan of care to be considered.
- Avoid using Fentanyl along with other medications that have a potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and antianxiety medications. Though they cause mild respiratory depression individually, they can have an additive effect when combined with Fentanyl and thus, precipitate severe respiratory depression.
- Do not change the dose on Fentanyl without consulting your doctor.
- Do not share your Fentanyl with any family and friends. Keep a regular track of the number of doses left in your order, to prevent a chance for abuse, as this is one of the most commonly abused drug.
- Do not abuse Fentanyl by continuing to use it, even after the pain has resolved.
