

About Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is synthesized in a laboratory. Fentanyl is extremely powerful, one of the strongest prescription painkillers on the market today, and is only distributed legally by physicians. It is most often used during and following surgery to deal with severe pain during recovery and longer term for pain from cancers and other diseases. Fentanyl is relatively short acting when given as an injection, gum, mouth spray, or lollipop. For longer, time-released pain control, fentanyl is available in patch form for transdermal application. Fentanyl addiction can happen quickly as most will develop a tolerance to their therapeutic doses. Like other opioid drugs, fentanyl creates a rush of pleasure and euphoric sensations which make the drug attractive to those looking for a powerful high.
The risk of overdose when taking fentanyl is very high. The threshold between a therapeutic amount and an overdose is small, and this adds to the risk taken by individuals using fentanyl illicitly. The main cause of fentanyl addiction overdose is respiratory failure. Because this drug works by depressing the central nervous system, certain basic functions such as breathing are compromised when high doses of this drug are taken. Studies have shown that women experience chronic pain more than men do, and that fentanyl is one of the more abused opioids distributed by prescription to women. Fentanyl addiction is higher in women and teenagers than men.
Tolerance and Fentanyl Addiction
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Fentanyl Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms
- Chronic headaches
- Fainting and dizziness
- Depressed respirations
- Extreme lethargy and fatigue
- Nausea
- Anxiety and Hallucinations
- Confusion and agitation
- Irregular heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms
- Severe depression
- Seizure activity
- High blood pressure
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory infections
- Increased tolerance
- Coma
- Overdose
Fentanyl Withdrawal Programs
About Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal should be handled in a drug detox center as the process can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. When an individual goes through withdrawal, their tolerance level begins to fall. This can cause the addict to mistakenly overdose should they relapse. A fatal dose of fenyanyl can cause respiratory depression that leads to coma and death. There are several medications that detox patients can use under medical supervision which can greatly reduce the side effects caused by fentanyl withdrawal and, therefore, reduce drug cravings. Some of these medications are buprenorphine and naltrexone. Both these drugs work within the brain to minimize pleasurable sensations of fentanyl use and reduce the desire to seek opiate drugs like fentanyl. Clonodine can also be used to treat intense drug-seeking behaviors by limiting cravings.
When treating individuals that have past opioid addictions there is the risk that their lifestyle has exposed them to diseases and other illness. This will require medical professionals treating the individuals’ fentanyl withdrawal to carefully consider a treatment plan. One such intervention would be avoiding the addition of drugs for the treatment of addiction that may trigger a response that increases the risk of seizures or other dangerous side effects. Should you have a loved one who you suspect needs treatment for fentanyl addiction or other opiate addiction treatments, call us today for more information.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Detox
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About Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is an opioid created by pharmaceutical companies to provide some of the most powerful pain relief for difficult to treat conditions. Fentanyl is often prescribed to treat surgical pain and pain from certain cancers that are not easily managed with other, less potent opiates. It is considered to be a short-acting opiate and works well blocking pain perception in the brain. Fentanyl is dispensed by different methods. The most popular formulation is a transdermal patch that works well for slow release of the drug over a span of days. Another form of fentanyl is a long-lasting lollipop designed for younger patients and those that cannot tolerate injections well. Fentanyl also comes in a dissolvable tablet or mouth spray that are used orally.
The temptation to abuse fentanyl can be attractive as it provides lasting relief from emotional pain and stress, leaving the individual feeling relaxed and comfortable. As an individual begins to play with the dosing of their medication, the risk of developing a tolerance that leads to full-blown fentanyl addiction increases greatly. Fentanyl use triggers the reward centers in the brain and can cause drug craving behaviors to develop.
Side Effects of Fentanyl Withdrawal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Goosebumps and cold flashes
- Excessive tearing and yawning
- General weakness and fatigue
- Anxiety with agitation
- Intense fentanyl cravings