See the impact of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids on drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of opioid-related deaths due to the drug’s extraordinary potency. A dose as small as two milligrams can be lethal, and the risk is heightened when fentanyl is mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, often without the user’s knowledge. Recognizing the signs of an overdose and knowing how to respond can save lives. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid commonly used in medical settings to treat severe pain.
Respiratory Depression
- This can result in misuse if someone removes the gel contents from discarded patches.
- Fentanyl’s potency makes it one of the most addictive substances available.
- Fentanyl addiction can be treated with a combination of medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and long-term recovery support.
- After detox, residential treatment provides a structured environment for recovery.
The elimination half-life of fentanyl is subject to some variation based on the method by which it’s administered. When taken intravenously, fentanyl has an elimination half-life of approximately 2 to 4 hours in adults, meaning it takes approximately 11 to 22 hours to leave your system. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. Their heads are bowed, their knees are bent, and they are often unable to respond or move.
Breakthrough pain
The National Institute on Drug Abuse supports research to develop new ways to treat OUD and to help people find treatments that are right for them. Also, an IV neuromuscular blocker may be employed in cases of severe muscular rigidity to assist the controlled respiration heroin addiction treatments. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, the CDC recommends following the steps below. If your loved one is struggling with opioid use, the resources below may be helpful.
Heart and blood vessels
Naloxone is used to reverse the life-threatening effects of an overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opiates to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by high levels of opiates in the blood. Your doctor may also prescribe you naloxone if you are living in a household where there are small children or someone who has abused street or prescription drugs. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you and your family members how to use the medication. Ask your pharmacist for the instructions or visit the manufacturer’s website to get the instructions.
His brother reported that the boy had taken a blue tablet labeled “M30,” which the boy believed to be oxycodone. A urine test was positive for both fentanyl and cocaine (from Joynt & Wand, 2021). Fentanyl can last for a few hours when taken orally or when snorted, smoked, or injected.
- An individual’s tolerance to fentanyl will impact the amount required to cause a fatal overdose.
- Fentanyl is a Schedule II prescription drug used medically for pain relief.
- A person with opioid use disorder has an increased risk of overdose.
- Its potency, fast-acting effects, and growing presence in illicit street drugs make it both clinically significant and extremely dangerous when misused.
Urine tests usually detect fentanyl or norfentanyl for 1–3 days, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-the-fentanyl-fold/ but chronic exposure can extend positivity ≥7 days (Melanson, 2020). You might be here because you’re starting Suboxone® treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and… Without proper support, withdrawal can be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming, making it one of the biggest obstacles to quitting fentanyl for good. The half-life of a drug refers to how long it takes for half of it to be eliminated from the bloodstream. Over time, your body breaks it down and eliminates it, but this process isn’t the same for everyone—it depends on how someone takes fentanyl, metabolism, liver function, and other factors.
Paying for Treatment
They may be available through state and local health departments, syringe services programs, or drug stores and online retailers. Fentanyl can have negative health effects, even when taken as prescribed. These effects may include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, visual disturbances, constipation, muscle stiffness, and many others. Signs include slow or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, cold or clammy skin, blue lips or fingernails, and loss of consciousness. Fentanyl can stay in the body for hours, depending on the dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
