Over the last two decades, Fentanyl has gone from being an unknown chemical to becoming one of the most commonly misused medications in the United States. It has wreaked havoc throughout the nation and exacerbated the growing opioid crisis. If you fear a loved one is abusing Fentanyl, continue reading to learn how to recognize the symptoms.
Fentanyl – What Is It?
Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid. Currently, it is classified as a schedule II substance. It is about 50–100 times more potent than morphine (which is one of the most powerful prescription painkillers used by medical professionals today). When Fentanyl is used in a medical environment, it is often to relieve severe acute pain, such as that associated with surgical procedures or acute traumas.
The United States, in particular, has experienced a huge increase in Fentanyl usage over the previous decade. This is mainly because a big proportion of heroin traffickers blend the substance with Fentanyl to raise its street value. Many individuals who purchase heroin are unaware that the substance is laced with an opioid, and as a consequence, they overdose.
Fentanyl works by binding to receptors in the brain that communicate pain and regulate mood. Due to the potency of Fentanyl, each dosage becomes a danger. Even dosages advised by medical experts contain a danger of becoming lethal, and thus must be administered with caution. When two conflicting medications or drugs are combined, the hazards grow. Certain medications, such as alcohol, might further impair someone’s respiration, which means that someone taking Fentanyl may be unable to breathe.
Prescription Fentanyl is delivered in three ways. Patients may be directly injected with the medication, swallow a lozenge, or wear a patch. When someone consumes Fentanyl, they may experience a brief sense of euphoria. Users may experience a range of emotions, including happiness, exhaustion, and confusion. Generally, use is associated with shallower breathing and decreased blood pressure. When a person consumes an excessive amount of Fentanyl, they may have dizziness, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and even death.
Abuse and death from fentanyl
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 67,367 overdose fatalities in 2018. Synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl are now widely regarded as the primary cause of overdose fatalities. According to the CDC, opioids were implicated in 46,802 of the nation’s overdoses in 2018.
Two of the three opioid-related fatalities occurred as a result of the usage of synthetic opioids. Because the majority of individuals who use Fentanyl illicitly are unaware that their heroin has been cut with Fentanyl, it may be difficult to determine if their usage is indicative of a Fentanyl misuse problem. Typically, men and women who misuse the substance seem to be addicted to it.
Overdose Symptoms of Fentanyl
When someone begins to suffer a Fentanyl overdose, there are several indications to look for. Symptoms may begin slowly or rapidly. The sooner symptoms manifest, the more quickly an overdose occurs. Certain physicians require patients who take Fentanyl to have a dosage of Naloxone on hand in case of an overdose. While it is unlikely that you will be able to aid yourself, someone nearby may be able to administer Naloxone and save your life.
Fentanyl overdose symptoms include the following:
• Very slow breathing
• Complete cessation of breathing
• Confusion
• Tiny pupils
• Extreme sleepiness
Withdrawal from Fentanyl
If someone is exhibiting symptoms of Fentanyl withdrawal, it may be worthwhile to seek the assistance of a treatment facility and assist the individual in obtaining admission to an Intensive Outpatient Program in McLean Virginia, or another treatment center program.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms manifest rapidly (within 12 to 30 hours after the last dose). They reach their maximum intensity between one and three days. If these symptoms are addressed medically, they often disappear within one to two weeks. Notably, if medical detoxification is required, an Intensive Outpatient Program in McLean Virginia is often not suggested, since detoxification is typically performed only during inpatient therapy.
Withdrawal symptoms from Fentanyl include the following:
• Symptoms similar to the flu
• Insomnia and other sleep-related problems
• Anxiety, which if left untreated, may develop into panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Inability to relax
• Blood pressure changes
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
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