Fentanyl is prescribed for severe or chronic pain, especially that which does not respond well to other medications. Its potential for abuse and addiction is great, making it one of the most dangerous prescription drugs. It’s a powerful opioid that has contributed significantly to the opioid epidemic in the United States.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it acts on the brain in the same way as naturally-occurring opioids but is produced in a lab. This process also makes it more powerful than most naturally-occurring opioids like morphine and codeine, more than 100 times more powerful. This makes it a popular drug for illicit use. In addition to blocking pain perception, fentanyl creates a feeling of deep relaxation and euphoria when it activates opioid receptors in the nervous system. This effect is instantly rewarding and increases the drug’s potential for abuse.
The following behavioral signs of fentanyl abuse may indicate problematic drug addiction. These signs include:
- Intense urges or cravings to use fentanyl
- Increased amount of time spent using or obtaining fentanyl
- Continued fentanyl use despite negative consequences it may have
- Neglecting social or professional duties
- Failed attempts to quit
- Withdrawal symptoms when fentanyl use is stopped
- Requiring higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
Despite having legitimate medical uses, fentanyl use can have unwanted and unpleasant side effects. These side effects may present even when the drug is taken only as prescribed. Illicit misuse of fentanyl may increase the likelihood and severity of these symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Depressed respiration
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Cardiac irregularities
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
Physical dependence on fentanyl causes the body to become accustomed to the chemical changes brought on by the drug. After dependence has been established, cutting back fentanyl use or discontinuing it altogether may create unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms may occur when the body has to adjust to not having fentanyl:
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Tiredness
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Prolonged fentanyl use may lead to life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal including heart irregularities, hypertension, and seizures. In order to reduce the dangers of withdrawal, medical detox is recommended for fentanyl addiction. During medical detox, your condition is monitored round-the-clock and medication may be provided to treat the worst symptoms. This makes detox safer and more comfortable.
Fentanyl overdose
Overdose is a serious and unfortunately common result of fentanyl abuse. That’s because the depressant effects it has on the central nervous system affects vital bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. Excessive amounts of fentanyl may drastically reduce respiration, which can deprive the brain of necessary oxygen. If the brain’s oxygen supply is interrupted, coma or death may be possible.
The chances of deadly overdose are compounded when fentanyl is taken concurrently with other substances such as alcohol. The synergistic effect of multiple drugs may put a dangerous strain on the body, and it may compound the effects of each individual drug in unexpected ways.
Signs of fentanyl overdose
Since fentanyl abuse carries a high likelihood of overdose, it’s important to know the most common symptoms. Some signs of fentanyl overdose include:
- Clammy and cold skin
- Depressed respiration
- Depressed heart rate
- Vomiting
- Shaking
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Muscle weakness including limpness in the limbs
- Loss of consciousness
Fentanyl overdose is a life-threatening condition and anyone exhibiting these symptoms should be immediately treated by medical professionals. First responders may administer naloxone, a substance that blocks the effect of fentanyl. Since this requires immediate action, you should not hesitate to call for medical help if these symptoms present themselves.
Treating fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl addiction is not easy to recover from without professional support. Addiction treatment facilities provide a healthy and supportive environment where individuals can navigate the difficulties of opioid addiction recovery.
Starting with detox, fentanyl is slowly eliminated out of the body while the most dangerous symptoms are managed. Since medical staff is always available to monitor vital changes, this process is relatively safe and comfortable.
After detox, fentanyl addiction treatment begins to focus on underlying psychological causes for substance abuse. Treatment includes a combination of individual and group therapy in addition to nutritional and physical wellness support to treat every aspect of your well-being. Treatment intensity and duration is typically determined by your individual needs.
How medication-assisted treatment can help fentanyl addiction
Since fentanyl withdrawal is so severe, it’s nearly impossible to quit cold turkey without dangerous side effects. Because it’s so potent, fentanyl detox may be supported by medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses safer alternatives like buprenorphine and methadone to return chemical balance to the brain and normalize bodily functions.
Medication may also be administered to provide relief from withdrawal symptoms or to block the drug’s euphoric high while slowly weaning off it. MAT has been shown to increase a person’s likelihood of surviving fentanyl addiction and staying in addiction treatment.
Fentanyl FAQs
Is it possible to become addicted to fentanyl if I use it as prescribed?
Yes. Addiction may occur whether fentanyl is taken illicitly or as prescribed by a doctor. If you begin to develop tolerance or cravings for fentanyl, you may be experiencing physical dependence and should contact your doctor before it progresses.
What is the difference between fentanyl and other opioids?
Since it’s created in a laboratory, fentanyl is far more potent than other known opioids. Because of this, it should only be prescribed in extreme cases and its use should be closely monitored.
Why is naloxone used in treating fentanyl addiction and overdose?
Naloxone reverses the effects of fentanyl by binding to opioid receptors to block fentanyl from activating those receptors. Severe overdose may require multiple doses of naloxone to be effective.
