Fentanyl Side Effects

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate medication used in the treatment of serious, chronic pain. It is a strong narcotic with a high potential of leading to tolerance, dependence and addiction. Marketed under the names Duragesic and Actiq, Fentanyl is meant to be taken by patients already tolerant to opiates. As with all prescription medications, Fentanyl carries with it a host of potential side effects that range from mild to severe.  All prescription drugs come with information outlining possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings and recommendations for use. A side effect is secondary to the main effect of a drug or therapy and can be undesirable. Not every person experiences side effects in the same way. Side effects can be heightened if you take Fentanyl with other drugs, alcohol, certain foods, herbal supplements or minerals. Patients can become sleepy or experience slowed breathing if Fentanyl is taken in conjunction with sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers or other narcotic pain medications. Other dangerous side effects can develop as well. Other factors that could influence how and when a person experiences side effects include how he or she metabolizes the drug and personal sensitivity.

Fentanyl Side Effects Can Be Very Serious

So many people pick up their prescriptions and begin taking them without familiarizing themselves with side effects, warnings and interactions. It’s important to know what symptoms to look for because some can be quite serious. Less serious but commonly reported side effects associated with Fentanyl include constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, agitation, mood changes, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, tremors and stomach, muscle and bone pain. Patients are urged to seek emergency medical treatment immediately if they experience signs of an allergic reaction to Fentanyl. This includes hives, difficult breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Other serious side effects include lightheadedness, fainting, cold clammy skin, weak or shallow breathing and unusual weakness, confusion or drowsiness. Dependence and addiction can also be considered side effects of Fentanyl and other opiate painkillers.

Where to Go For Help with Fentanyl Addiction

Misusing Fentanyl in any way can be dangerous to your health. Taking it in higher doses or more frequently than recommended can lead to serious side effects, addiction, overdose, even death. This is especially true of recreational users who may alter their prescription by doing things such as cutting up Fentanyl patches or placing more of them on the body than what is safe. Responsible drug use is so important. Most of the patients in our Waismann Method rapid drug detox program became addicted to Fentanyl through no fault of their own.  Our accelerated detox program has given thousands of people relief from their addiction and renewed hope. Our in-hospital procedure uses special medicine to cleanse Fentanyl from patients’ opiate receptors. Accelerated withdrawal occurs while patients sleep lightly under deep sedation and they awake opiate-free in just a few hours. Our Domus Retreat aftercare program is made available to patients who wish to continue their recovery in a tranquil, private setting. Here, they can work on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs under the supervision of professional therapists, addiction specialists and support personnel.

Or send us a