Hi Russell,

Fentanyl patches are the strongest but I didn't find they had any worse side effects than the quick release opioids. ALL of them can be difficult to withdraw from if you're on them for any length of time.

Fentanyl would probably only be suitable if you were expecting to need them for more than a month - the patches are definitely a longer term solution. However, if that's the kind of pain relief you need, they are less addictive because you don't experience any highs and lows from them - they provide a steady stream of the narcotic - so you're also less likely to develop tolerance and have to up the dose.

For short term relief, here's a link to an opiate comparison chart:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opiate_comparison

MSContin is a time release version of oxycodone so it's longer acting.

Hope this is helpful. I did lots of research when I was on strong pain meds last summer and then needed to detox from them in the fall.

Wendy

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Methotrexate, Celebrex, Plaquenil