What are the Most Common Fentanyl Side Effects?
Introduction to Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, but it has a high potential for abuse. In this article, we’ll talk about fentanyl’s history, its impact on health, fentanyl side effects, its dangers, and how addiction can be treated.
Origin of Fentanyl
Is Fentanyl Dangerous?
Under the Controlled Substances Act, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has high potential for abuse and leads to severe psychological or physical dependence. Fentanyl is used illicitly as a recreational drug, either on its own or mixed with other medications, like heroin or cocaine.
Fentanyl Side Effects and Risks
Fentanyl is an incredibly strong substance and can cause serious problems if used incorrectly. The worst that can happen is respiratory depression, where breathing slows down or even stops. If too much fentanyl is taken or if it is used with other drugs like alcohol or benzodiazepines, this leads to an overdose.1
Impacts on Wellness
- Mental Effects: Fentanyl can change how you feel inside your head. It can make you feel happy, calm, confused, or sad. Some people may want to feel this way on purpose to get high, but it can also make them want more of the drug and become addicted.
- Physical Effects: Fentanyl can make you feel different physically. You might feel dizzy, sick to your stomach, nauseated, constipated, or have a dry mouth and sweat a lot. Breathing problems are the worst thing that can happen, and they can even be deadly.
- Financial Effects: Fentanyl addiction can significantly impact an individual’s finances. Addiction can lead to job loss, financial ruin, and homelessness. Getting help for fentanyl addiction can be costly, making it harder for a person struggling financially.
- Social Effects: Being addicted to fentanyl can make you feel alone and make it hard to be around friends and family. People might start to treat you differently because of the addiction, which can make you feel bad and stop you from asking for help.
- Emotional Effects: Fentanyl addiction can significantly impact an individual’s emotional well-being. Addiction can make you feel guilty, ashamed, and hopeless, leading to anxiety, depression, and many other mental health problems.
Mild to Severe Fentanyl Side Effects
Mild Fentanyl Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Sweating
- Itching or rash
- Weakness
Severe Fentanyl Side Effects
- Respiratory depression or shallow breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reactions
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased heart rate
- Coma
- Overdose
As a patient it is vital to know these fentanyl side effects and that you ask your doctor if it is your best option for pain management. If it is prescribed to you, use only as directed.
Dangers and Considerations
Addiction and Dependence
Overdose
A fentanyl overdose is life-threatening and can occur with the first use. Overdose symptoms include severe respiratory depression, dizziness, confusion, and coma. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Respiratory Depression
Interactions With Other Drugs
Fentanyl can interact with other medicines, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids, leading to severe fentanyl side effects and potential overdose.
Social Withdrawal
Being addicted to fentanyl can make you feel alone and make it hard to be around friends and family. People might start to treat you differently because of the addiction, leading to social isolation.
Withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal can be severe and cause symptoms like muscle pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. It is essential to seek medical attention if experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Consider Alternative Treatment Options
There are ways to help manage pain without fentanyl (mitigating the risk of potentially dangerous fentanyl side effects), including different types of medicine, doing physical therapy, or trying other things that do not involve medicine. It’s important to talk to a doctor about these options before using fentanyl.3
Lethality of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can be lethal even at low doses. There are other ways to help manage pain that do not involve fentanyl. These include taking different types of medicine, doing physical therapy, or trying other things that do not involve medicine. It’s important to talk to a doctor about these options before using fentanyl.
Fentanyl Overdose
Treatment Options for Addiction
Behavioral Therapies
These therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management, can teach people how to change their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use. They can help people understand why they use drugs and how to deal with problems in a healthy way. With these therapies, people can learn how to manage stress and other emotions without using drugs.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves using medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, to help individuals with fentanyl addiction manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Support Services
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment, such as residential rehab, can provide a structured environment for individuals with fentanyl addiction to focus on their recovery. Inpatient treatment can offer 24-hour medical supervision, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support services.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment, such as intensive outpatient programs or outpatient counseling, can treat fentanyl addiction while allowing individuals to continue their daily activities.
Find the Treatment Best Suited For You
We’re Here To Help You Overcome Your Addiction
Being addicted to fentanyl is a serious problem that can put your life in danger, and it’s important to get help from experts. At Essence Healthcare, we know how complicated addiction is, and we help individuals struggling with substance use disorder through various different treatment modalities. We offer a plethora of different therapies, medicine, and support opportunities to help people manage their addiction, fight cravings, and get better in the long-term.
We can educate you or your loved ones on fentanyl use, fentanyl side effects, and the treatment options that will help you achieve lasting sobriety and wellness.
Reach Out to Essence Healthcare Today
If you or someone you care about has a problem with fentanyl addiction, you can start getting better by reaching out to Essence Healthcare. We have people who care and are trained to help, and who use the best ways to treat addiction. With their help, you can start a better and healthier life today.
Resources
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Fentanyl.aspx#:~:text=Fentanyl%20is%20a%20synthetic%20opioid,manufactured%20fentanyl%20(illicit%20fentanyl).
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl#:~:text=Its%20effects%20include%20extreme%20happiness,unconsciousness%2C%20coma%2C%20and%20death.
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605043.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html#:~:text=Even%20in%20small%20doses%2C%20it,to%20synthetic%20opioids%20like%20fentanyl.&text=Drugs%20may%20contain%20deadly%20levels,taste%20it%2C%20or%20smell%20it.
