Fentanyl
is a powerful synthetic opiod stronger than
Morphine. It is typically used to treat severe
pain, to manage pain after surgery or to
treat those suffering from chronic pain.
Fentanyl
is also used for patients who express a great
physical tolerance to opiates. Much like
Heroin, opiods and other drugs, Fentanyl
acts upon specific receptors in your brain
and spinal cord to decrease the feeling of
pain and to reduce your emotional response
to pain.
Fentanyl
comes in many forms such as a patch, lollypop
and the traditional pill.
One of the most potent opioid
analgesics, Fentanyl is used to treat serious,
chronic pain. This Schedule II controlled substance
was introduced in the 1960’s as an intravenous
anesthetic under the trade name Sublimaze.
Fentanyl Uses
In the mid 1990’s, the Duragesic Fentanyl
patch was introduced to provide slow-release
pain relief over a 48-72-hour period. Fentanyl
also comes in lozenge form (Actiq), for fast-acting
relief of breakthrough pain. Because Fentanyl,
in all of its forms, can be habit-forming and
has a high potential for abuse, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration has issued public health
alerts regarding its use.
The patch comes in five sizes,
delivering between 12.5 and 100 micrograms
per hour. The lozenges are berry- flavored
lollipops that dissolve slowly in the mouth
and are intended for opiate-tolerant users.
It is available in six dosages, from 200-1600
micrograms.
Fentanyl Warnings
The FDA said the transdermal patch is “only
intended for treating persistent, moderate
to severe pain in patients who are opioid-tolerant,
meaning those patients who take a regular,
daily, around-the-clock narcotic pain medicine.” The
agency received several reports of deaths and
life-threatening side effects despite a July
2005 advisory that emphasized safe use. The
FDA said some doctors prescribe the patch inappropriately
for pain following surgery, headaches and occasional
or mild pain.
Fentanyl has similar biological effects to
that of heroin, but is thought to be a stronger
sedative and much more powerful than street
heroin. Some heroin dealers mix Fentanyl with
low-grade heroin to add bulk and make it more
potent.
A mix of Fentanyl, with either cocaine or
heroin, has caused an outbreak of overdoses
in different parts of the country. Regular
users of Fentanyl may become addicted quickly.
It is most often used orally but like heroin
can be smoked, snorted or injected. On the
black market, Fentanyl is most often sold in
patch form. The patch can be cut up or eaten
and the gel inside the patch can be smoked.
The FDA says some patients use the patch incorrectly,
by replacing it more frequently than prescribed
or applying a heat source to the patch. This
causes dangerously high levels of the drug
in the bloodstream, it said.
Fentanyl Side Effects
Side effects include:
diarrhea
nausea
constipation
dry mouth
confusion
sweating
abdominal pain
headache
fatigue
weight loss
dizziness
hallucinations
anxiety
depression
flu-like symptoms.
In 2006, the FDA began investigating several
respiratory deaths linked to Fentanyl use.
The agency said the use of Fentanyl by those
not tolerant to opiates is very dangerous and
could lead to numerous deaths. Even those with
a tolerance are at a risk of overdosing if
the drug is used improperly, the agency said.
Get
Fentanyl Help Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your Fentanyl dependency
and get your life back.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
