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Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction can be caused by long term use of Fentanyl. Fentanyl topical is available with a prescription under the brand names Duragesic and Ionsys. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.

  • Duragesic 25 micrograms (mcg) per hour
  • or 50 mcg per hour
  • Duragesic 75 mcg per hour
  • Duragesic 100 mcg per hour
  • Ionsys 40 mcg per activation

Although it is used to treat serious, chronic pain, Fentanyl is a narcotic analgesic that has the potential to be habit-forming. Fentanyl is available in patch form as Duragesic and in lozenges as Actiq. However, both forms are meant for patients  who are already tolerant to opiates. Addiction to Fentanyl is defined as chronic use despite negative consequences. In addition, compulsive use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence which can be tough to manage without help. When a person stops using Fentanyl abruptly, withdrawal symptoms kick and can be very intense. This is a sure sign of physical addiction. Furthermore, opiates attach to opiate receptors in the body and can alter reward centers in the brain, leading to physical addiction.

DURAGESIC® contains a high concentration of a potent Schedule II opioid agonist, fentanyl. Schedule II opioid substances include fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. In particular, these drugs have the highest potential for abuse and associated risk of fatal overdose due to respiratory depression.

Consequently, the high content of fentanyl in the patches (DURAGESIC®) may be a particular target for abuse and diversion.The concomitant use of DURAGESIC® with potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, and nefazodone) may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression.

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Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Physical and psychological dependence are the most obvious signs of a Fentanyl addiction. For example, other signs may include an increase in drug-seeking behaviors that could include tampering with prescriptions or “doctor shopping” to ensure you have more than one source. Tolerance to powerful opiates can set in quickly.

People using Fentanyl should reduce their use slowly. Whereas, stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms to set in quickly. The physical and psychological discomfort of withdrawal is one of the main reasons people delay seeking treatment for an opiate addiction. Symptoms include:

  • Runny nose.
  • Sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle pain cramps.
  • Fever.
  • Twitching.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue.

How to Prevent Fentanyl Addiction

The doctor should explore all possibilities when dealing with severe or chronic pain. This is especially true for those who have already suffered through other addictions. Fentanyl addiction dependence can set in quicker for those who have suffered through prior addictions.

If you decide that Fentanyl or other opiates are right for your course of treatment, it is imperative that you follow dosing and warning instructions. Relying on any opiate-based medication for prolonged periods could cause tolerance, dependence or addiction to develop.

Waismann Method of Rapid Detox for Fentanyl

The Waismann Method of rapid detox is a renowned fentanyl addiction program that has attracted high acclaim for its success rate in treating opiate dependency and prescription drug addiction. Waismann Method has a premiere Fentanyl treatment program administered in a fully-accredited hospital in Orange County, Ca., where patients are monitored around the clock. Patients sleep comfortably under light sedation while medications cleanse the opiates from their opiate receptors. Accelerated withdrawal symptoms occur within hours instead of days, in contrast to traditional methods. Once patients wake up, they are no longer physically dependent on opiates and are unaware of the withdrawal that occurred during the procedure.

Another factor that sets our program apart from others is the humane way we approach treatment. Our patients are treated as the unique individuals they are. We take into account underlying issues, special needs and individual risk factors. Our patients leave our facility rested, recovered and with their dignity intact.

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