Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is about 100 times more potent than morphine. Because of its high potency, fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and deadliest opioids in existence.1 Fentanyl is primary prescribed to manage severe pain in those with serious medical conditions like cancer or for those who are tolerant to other opioids, but …
Fentanyl Side Effects and Addiction Signs
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is about 100 times more potent than morphine. Because of its high potency, fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and deadliest opioids in existence.1 Fentanyl is primary prescribed to manage severe pain in those with serious medical conditions like cancer or for those who are tolerant to other opioids, but it is often misused and abused for its powerful effects. Fentanyl is also illegally made in clandestine labs and is often added to heroin and other substances, unbeknownst to the user.1,2
When pharmaceutical fentanyl is taken as directed, it can be safe and therapeutic, but when it is misused or bought on the streets, it becomes more dangerous, increasing the risk of harmful side effects, addiction, overdose, and death.
In this article:
- Short-Term Side Effects of Fentanyl Use
- Long-Term Side Effects
- Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
- Fentanyl Overdose and Death
- Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
- What Happens After Treatment?
Short-Term Side Effects of Fentanyl Use
Even if you are taking fentanyl exactly as prescribed by your doctor, you may experience fentanyl side effects, but misusing or abusing fentanyl increases the likelihood and potential severity of these short-term effects. Other factors that may affect potential side effects include:
- Length of fentanyl use
- Method of administration (patch vs. injecting)
- Individual physiology
- Whether you’ve used other opioids before
- Whether you are mixing fentanyl with other substances
Some common short-term side effects of fentanyl use include:2,3
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty urinating
- Pupillary constriction
- Slowed breathing rate
- Anxiety or depression
- Back or chest pain
- Tremors or shaking
- Reddening of the neck, face, or upper chest
Some fentanyl side effects can be dangerous. Call your doctor or 911 immediately if you experience any of the following severe side effects:3
- Severe muscle twitching or stiffness
- Loss of coordination
- Rapid heartbeat
Those who use patches will have additional fentanyl patch side effects like rashes around the area where the patch attaches to the skin. However, many of those who misuse fentanyl don’t wear the patch. Instead, they remove the liquid from the patch and inject it directly. Others who don’t inject the drug may choose to suck the liquid or gel from the patch.4
Long-Term Side Effects
Chronic fentanyl use, misuse, or abuse can lead to harmful long-term side effects, such as:5,6
- Enhanced sensitivity to pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Liver damage
- Severe constipation
- Suicidal ideation or attempts
- Sleep-disordered breathing (e.g. sleep apnea)
- Increased risk of heart attack or heart failure
- Increased risk of falls and fractures (particularly in elderly patients)
- Physiological dependence, meaning you’ll experience fentanyl withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly quit
- Tolerance, or requiring more fentanyl to experience the desired effects
People who inject fentanyl may be at risk for additional long-term consequences, such as:6
- Puncture marks
- Peripheral edema (swelling of legs or hands)
- Track lines
- Bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart lining)
- Contracting HIV or hepatitis
Although not synonymous with addiction, dependence can contribute to the development of addiction. If you are dependent and you abruptly quit using fentanyl, you will experience unpleasant and distressing withdrawal symptoms. Taking fentanyl will then alleviate these withdrawal symptoms. This pattern of abstinence and return to use can ultimately create a cycle of problematic fentanyl use that can be difficult to stop. Fentanyl addiction is characterized by compulsive fentanyl use despite negative consequences you may experience.6 It’s important to know the signs of fentanyl addiction so you can get help for yourself or someone else.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
If you are struggling with a fentanyl addiction, also known as an opioid use disorder, you may find that it’s challenging to stop using fentanyl on your own. Some common signs of a fentanyl addiction include:6,8
- Experiencing strong cravings for fentanyl
- Using fentanyl despite interfering work, social, or home obligations
- Using fentanyl despite negative physical or psychological consequences
- Failing to abstain despite efforts to do so
- Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining or using fentanyl
- Avoiding previously enjoyable activities in favor of fentanyl use
- Using fentanyl in dangerous situations, such as while driving
- Mixing fentanyl with other substances, such as alcohol
- Requiring higher doses to feel effects
- Requiring fentanyl in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
If you abruptly quit or reduce your fentanyl use, you may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:6,8
- Excessive yawning
- Fever and sweating
- Goose bumps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Depressive mood
- Rapid heartbeat
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
Although fentanyl withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, it can be extremely painful, which is why detox programs can be beneficial. A staff of medical professionals will provide you with medical care and oversight to ensure your comfort throughout withdrawal. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to speak to a treatment support specialist about finding an opioid detox program that is right for you.
Fentanyl Overdose and Death
All opioids can be deadly, especially if misused or abused, but fentanyl, in particular, has an extremely high overdose risk and has been a major contributor to the opioid overdose crisis. This is because it is far more potent than other opioids, such as morphine or even heroin. Even relatively small doses of fentanyl can lead to an overdose.
Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:2,3
- Clammy, cold skin
- Blue skin
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow, shallow breathing or stopped breathing
If you suspect you or someone else has overdosed on fentanyl or any other drug, call 911 immediately and stay with the person. Provide as much useful information to the operator as possible, including:
- What drug was taken
- How much of the drug was taken
- Whether it was mixed with other substances
- When the last dose was taken
Naloxone is an opioid overdose medication that reverses the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. It is available over the counter in many states, or you can get a prescription from a doctor. If you or someone you know uses fentanyl or any other opioids, it’s a good idea to purchase naloxone and keep it on you in the event of an emergency. If you recognize symptoms of a fentanyl overdose in yourself or someone else, give the first dose of the naloxone then call 911. Multiple doses may be necessary to reverse the effects.3
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you care about is addicted to fentanyl, help is available. Fentanyl addiction treatment programs occur on an inpatient or outpatient basis and vary considerably in treatment philosophy, amenities, and features. But every program provides therapy and counseling to help explore the reasons for substance use, replace maladaptive behaviors with healthy, drug-free behaviors, and teach effective coping mechanisms and relapse-prevention strategies.
Inpatient fentanyl addiction programs require that you reside at the recovery center for the duration of treatment, whereas you will attend outpatient programs during the day then return home in the evening. Inpatient treatment programs are often beneficial for individuals who want to jumpstart their recovery in a drug-free setting, away from triggers, such as friends or family members who use drugs.
Conversely, outpatient may be a good choice for individuals who want to continue working or attending school while recovering from fentanyl addiction. These types of programs, given the freedom, require a bit more motivation to quit using fentanyl. Additionally, outpatient programs may be used as step-down care after you’ve already completed an inpatient program, as they provide structure and therapy in a less intensive environment.
What Happens After Treatment?
Addiction recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it is a lifelong process. Rehab provides you with the foundation for sobriety but it’s extremely important to build upon the skills you learned in rehab. After you complete a fentanyl addiction treatment program, it’s important to receive ongoing support in the form of aftercare. Aftercare can occur in many settings, including:
- Sober living homes
- 12-step groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous
- Non-12-step groups, such as SMART Recovery
- Step-down care (outpatient rehab)
- Individual therapy or group counseling
- Drummer, O. (2018). Fatalities caused by novel opioids: a review. Forensic Sciences Research, 4(2), 95-110.
- Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). Drug Fact Sheet: Fentanyl.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, January). Fentanyl. MedlinePlus.
- Guan, W., Schneider, R., & Patterson, J. (2011). “I am in pain!” a case report of illicit use of transdermal fentanyl patches. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. 13(5).
- Baldini, A., Von Korff, M., Lin, E. H. B. (2012). A Review of Potential Adverse Effects of Long-Term Opioid Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 14(3).
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Sinha, R. (2011). New findings on biological factors predicting addiction relapse vulnerability. Current Psychiatry Reports, 13(5), 398-405.
- Azadfard, M. (2020). Opioid Addiction. StatPearls Publishing.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Opioid Overdose Crisis.
- Kassani, A., Niazi, M., Hassanzadeh, J., & Menati, R. (2015). Survival analysis of drug abuse relapse in addiction treatment centers. International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction. 4(3): e23402.
Fentanyl, dawa ya kulevya ya kiufundi, ina nguvu mara 100 zaidi ya morphine. Fentanyl ni moja ya opioids hatari zaidi na hatari zaidi katika maisha, na kwa sababu ya nguvu yake, ni moja ya opioids hatari zaidi na hatari zaidi. Fentanyl ni moja ya opioids hatari zaidi na hatari zaidi katika maisha, na kwa sababu ya nguvu yake, ni moja ya dawa za msingi za kupunguza maumivu makali kwa wale walio na hali mbaya za matibabu kama vile kansa au kwa wale ambao wana uvumilivu kwa opioids nyingine. Fentanyl pia hutengenezwa kinyume cha sheria katika maabara ya siri na mara nyingi huongezwa kwa heroini na vitu vingine bila kujua kwa mtumiaji.1,2 Wakati fentanyl ya dawa inachukuliwa kama ilivyoelekezwa, inaweza kuwa salama na ya matibabu, lakini wakati inatumiwa vibaya au kununuliwa barabarani, inakuwa hatari zaidi, ikiongeza hatari ya athari mbaya, ulevi, overdose, na kifo. Katika makala hii: - Athari za Muda mfupi za Kutumia Fentanyl - Athari za Muda Mrefu za Kutumia Fentanyl - Ishara za Uraibu wa Fentanyl - Uraibu wa Fentanyl na Kifo - Matibabu ya Uraibu wa Fentanyl - Ni Nini Hatua Baada ya Matibabu? Fentanyl: Hata kama wewe ni kuchukua Fentanyl kama ilivyoelezwa na daktari wako, unaweza uzoefu athari za upande wa Fentanyl, lakini matumizi mabaya au matumizi mabaya ya Fentanyl huongeza uwezekano na uwezekano wa ukali wa athari hizi za muda mfupi. "Madhara mengine ya muda mfupi ya matumizi ya fentanyl ni pamoja na: ""Urefu wa matumizi ya fentanyl"" ""Utaratibu wa utoaji"" ""Uchungu wa mgongo au kifua"" ""Kutetemeka au kutetemeka"" ""Kukanda kwa shingo, uso, au kifua cha juu"" ""Uchungu wa kutapika"" ""Uchungu wa pua"" ""Madhara ya kupumua"" ""Mafadhaiko ya kupumua"" ""Mafadhaiko ya nyuma au kifua"" ""Mafadhaiko ya kifua"" ""Mafadhaiko ya kifua"" ""." Piga simu kwa daktari wako au 911 mara moja ikiwa utapata athari yoyote kali ya chini: - Mshtuko mkubwa wa misuli au ugumu - Kupoteza uratibu - Kupiga kwa moyo kwa kasi - Wale wanaotumia patch watakuwa na athari za ziada za patch ya fentanyl kama vile nyufa karibu na eneo ambalo patch inashikamana na ngozi. Hata hivyo, wengi wa wale wanaotumia fentanyl vibaya hawavaa kifuniko hicho. Badala yake, wao huondoa umajimaji kutoka kwenye kifuniko na kuingiza moja kwa moja. Kwa wale ambao hawajaingiza dawa, wanaweza kuchagua kunyonya kioevu au gel kutoka kwa patch. madhara ya muda mrefu ya matumizi ya fentanyl ya muda mrefu, matumizi mabaya, au matumizi mabaya yanaweza kusababisha madhara ya muda mrefu, kama vile: Ugonjwa wa kupumua (upungufu wa apnea) - Uwezekano wa mshtuko wa moyo au kushindwa kwa moyo - Uwezekano wa kuanguka na kuvunjika (haswa kwa wagonjwa wazee) - Utegemezi wa kisaikolojia, ikimaanisha utapata dalili za kuacha fentanyl wakati unaacha ghafla - Uvumilivu, au kuhitaji fentanyl zaidi kupata athari zinazotakiwa Watu wanaopiga fentanyl wanaweza kuwa na hatari ya matokeo ya ziada ya muda mrefu, kama vile: HIV: 6 - Alama za punctuation - Uvimbe wa pande (uvu wa miguu au mikono) - Vipande vya mstari - Bacterial endocarditis (ambukizo wa moyo). Ikiwa unategemea na unaacha kutumia fentanyl ghafula, utapata dalili zisizopendeza na zenye kusumbua za kuacha. Kutumia fentanyl kisha kutapunguza dalili hizi za kuacha. Mfano huu wa kujizuia na kurudi kwa matumizi unaweza hatimaye kuunda mzunguko wa matumizi ya tatizo la fentanyl ambayo inaweza kuwa vigumu kuacha. Uraibu wa fentanyl ni tabia ya matumizi ya kimakusudi ya fentanyl licha ya matokeo mabaya ambayo unaweza kupata. ni muhimu kujua ishara za uraibu wa fentanyl ili uweze kupata msaada kwa wewe mwenyewe au mtu mwingine. Ishara za Uraibu wa Fentanyl Ikiwa unashindana na uraibu wa fentanyl, unaojulikana pia kama ugonjwa wa matumizi ya opioid, unaweza kupata kuwa ni changamoto kuacha kutumia fentanyl peke yako. Fentanyl ni dawa ya kulevya inayotumiwa na watu wengi, lakini kwa sababu ya athari zake za kiakili, afya, na afya ya mwili, inaweza kusababisha maumivu ya pua na maumivu ya moyo, na inaweza kusababisha maumivu ya pua na maumivu ya moyo. Wataalamu wa matibabu watakupa huduma za matibabu na usimamizi ili kuhakikisha faraja yako wakati wa kujiondoa. Piga simu 800-934-1582 (Ni nani anayejibu?) Kwa hivyo, tafadhali wasiliana na mtaalamu wa matibabu ili uone ikiwa programu ya detox ya opioid inafaa kwako. Fentanyl Overdose na Kifo: Opioids zote zinaweza kuwa hatari, haswa ikiwa zinatumiwa vibaya au zinatumiwa vibaya, lakini fentanyl, haswa, ina hatari kubwa sana ya overdose na imekuwa mchangiaji mkuu wa mgogoro wa overdose ya opioid. Hii ni kwa sababu ni yenye nguvu zaidi kuliko dawa nyingine za kulevya, kama vile morphine au hata heroini. Hata kipimo kidogo cha fentanyl chaweza kusababisha kupita kiasi. Dalili za overdosing ya fentanyl ni pamoja na: ngozi ya baridi, baridi, ngozi ya bluu, pupils za pinpoint, kupumua polepole, kupumua kwa kina au kupumua kwa kupumua, ikiwa unashuku wewe au mtu mwingine amepumua fentanyl au dawa nyingine yoyote, piga simu mara moja na kukaa na mtu huyo. Kwa sababu ya matumizi ya dawa za kulevya, dawa ya Naloxone inaweza kuathiri athari za dawa za kulevya. Inapatikana bila dawa katika majimbo mengi, au unaweza kupata dawa kutoka kwa daktari. Kama wewe au mtu unayemjua anatumia fentanyl au opioids nyingine yoyote, ni wazo nzuri kununua naloxone na kuweka juu yenu katika kesi ya dharura. Ikiwa una dalili za overdose ya fentanyl, weka dozi ya kwanza ya naloxone na piga simu 911. Kwa sababu ya athari za fentanyl, matibabu ya dawa ya fentanyl yanaweza kuwa muhimu kwa mtu anayejali au mtu anayejali, kama vile mtu anayejali fentanyl. Programu za matibabu ya uraibu wa fentanyl hutokea kwa msingi wa mgonjwa wa ndani au mgonjwa wa nje na hutofautiana sana katika falsafa ya matibabu, vifaa, na sifa. Programu zote hutoa matibabu na ushauri ili kusaidia kuchunguza sababu za matumizi ya dawa za kulevya, kubadilisha tabia mbaya na tabia nzuri, bila dawa za kulevya, na kufundisha utaratibu mzuri wa kukabiliana na mikakati ya kuzuia kurudi nyuma. Programu za matibabu ya fentanyl zinahitaji kwamba uishi katika kituo cha kupona kwa muda wa matibabu, wakati utahudhuria programu za matibabu ya nje wakati wa mchana kisha urudi nyumbani jioni. Programu za matibabu ya wagonjwa wa ndani mara nyingi ni muhimu kwa watu ambao wanataka kuanza kupona kwao katika mazingira ya dawa za kulevya, mbali na vichocheo, kama vile marafiki au wanafamilia wanaotumia dawa za kulevya. Kwa upande mwingine, mgonjwa wa nje anaweza kuwa chaguo nzuri kwa watu ambao wanataka kuendelea kufanya kazi au kuhudhuria shule wakati wa kupona kutoka kwa ulevi wa fentanyl. Kwa sababu ya uhuru wa kutumia dawa za kulevya, programu za aina hii zinahitaji msukumo zaidi wa kuacha kutumia fentanyl. Kwa kuongezea, programu za wagonjwa wa nje zinaweza kutumiwa kama utunzaji wa hatua ya chini baada ya kumaliza tayari programu ya wagonjwa wa ndani, kwani hutoa muundo na tiba katika mazingira yasiyo na nguvu. Ni Nini Hatua Baada ya Matibabu? Kupona kutokana na uraibu haitokei kwa usiku mmoja. Badala yake, ni mchakato wa maisha yote. Rehab inakupa msingi wa sobriety lakini ni muhimu sana kujenga juu ya ujuzi uliyojifunza katika rehab. Baada ya kukamilisha mpango wa matibabu ya uraibu wa fentanyl, ni muhimu kupokea msaada wa kuendelea katika fomu ya utunzaji wa baada ya matibabu. Baada ya matibabu, unaweza kupata huduma za matibabu ya kawaida, kama vile: - Nyumba za kuishi za sobriety - Vikundi vya hatua za 12, kama vile Narcotics Anonymous - Vikundi visivyo vya hatua za 12, kama vile Uokoaji wa SMART - Huduma ya hatua ya chini (uponyaji wa wagonjwa wa nje) - Tiba ya mtu binafsi au ushauri wa kikundi - Drummer, O. (2018). Vifo vinavyosababishwa na opioids mpya: ukaguzi. Utafiti wa Sayansi ya Forensic, 4 (2) 95-110. - Shirika la Kudhibiti Dawa za Kulevya. (2021) Karatasi ya Mambo ya Dawa: Fentanyl. - Maktaba ya Kitaifa ya Tiba ya Marekani. (Jana 20, 2021) Fentanyl. MedlinePlus - Guan, W., Schneider, R., na Patterson, J. (2011). "Nina maumivu!" ripoti ya kesi ya matumizi haramu ya patches za fentanyl za kupitia ngozi. Msaidizi wa Matibabu ya Msingi kwa Matatizo ya CNS. 13 (5) - Baldini, A., Von Korff, M., Lin, E. H. B. (2012). Mapitio ya Athari Mbaya zinazowezekana za Tiba ya Opioid ya Muda Mrefu: Mwongozo wa Mtaalamu. Msaada wa msingi wa matibabu ya CNS, 14 - Chama cha Tiba ya Akili cha Marekani. (2013). Diagnosis na Takwimu Manual ya Ugonjwa wa Akili (Edition ya Tano). American Psychiatric Publishing (Uchapishaji wa Magonjwa ya Akili ya Marekani). - Sinha, R. (2011). Matokeo mapya juu ya mambo ya kibiolojia kutabiri uraibu relapse udhaifu. Ripoti za sasa za Psychiatry, 13 (5), 398-405. - Azadfard, M. (2020). Uraibu wa Opioid. Uchapishaji wa StatPearls. - Taasisi ya Kitaifa ya Kutumia Dawa za Kulevya. (2021) Mshtuko wa Kupitisha Kiwango cha Opioid. - Kassani, A., Niazi, M., Hassanzadeh, J., & Menati, R. (2015). Uchambuzi wa kuishi kwa unyanyasaji wa dawa za kulevya katika vituo vya matibabu ya uraibu. Jarida la Kimataifa la Tabia za Hatari ya Juu na Uraibu. 4 (3) (e) 23402