Inky,

You are correct....it was stadol...really strange effects from it. It must go directly to the brain with the immediate reaction I had......it did provide some relief for awhile.....only was too temprorary to help.

Yes, the patch is C2 narcotic (a very controlled substance)....not a localized pain patch.....narcotic goes into the system & deadens the pain sensing. I don't know that it really takes away my migraines, only releives the pain. You do have to be already used to narcotics before being given the higher does....they usually start out lower to see if you are too sensitive. I had already been on so many different narcotics that they just started me off high....then when that level didn't work, doubling it finally worked.

It is usually a last resort for sure....& it is best to start with lower level pain meds before jumping into anything stronger. There is no point in taking really strong pain meds unless you gradually need to increase it so that you finally get relief....it is best to work up to the point of relief.

I think they do have localized pain patches...seems like my previous psychologist used one with his lower back pain before he had surgery.

A good pain specialist it worth their weight in gold from my experience.....they know exactly how to progress it the treatment of pain.

Good luck,
Debbie