Disclosed is a transdermal patch for administering fentanyl, comprising an adhesive fentanyl reservoir on a backing layer, the reservoir having a thickness of 0.0125 mm (0.5 mil) to 0.0375 mm (1.5 mil) disposed on the backing layer, at least the skin contacting surface of the reservoir being adhesive the reservoir comprising a polyacrylate adhesive containing about 7 to about 12% by weight and about 0.14 to 0.3 mg/cm2 of fentanyl per area of the reservoir, wherein the thickness and area of said reservoir and said concentration of fentanyl being such that the fentanyl in said reservoir is sufficient to induce and maintain analgesia in a human for about one day, but not to induce and maintain analgesia for three days. The patch is useful for the treatment of pain.
