Fentanyl
Prescription drugs can be very useful. They are used in treating various types of pain, such as chronic pain, pain after surgery, or cancer-related pain. For patients who need them, they can be a real blessing.
But despite this advantage, drugs like fentanyl have hidden dangers. Over time, fentanyl can make someone develop a tolerance to it, and they will need larger amounts for it to work. However, this can also turn into a bad addiction, one that the individual will not be able to quit alone.
Whether someone takes fentanyl after receiving a prescription for it or after obtaining it illegally, the risks are there. Once an addiction has developed, the person will consume the drug frequently, which may lead to devastating effects over time. It’s crucial to know what to do in case someone is dealing with fentanyl addiction.
About Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid painkiller often prescribed by healthcare professionals for people dealing with cancer or suffering from pain after a bad injury or surgery. The drug is a synthetic opioid, and it is similar to morphine, only that it is way more potent. Fentanyl works well for individuals whose bodies are tolerant to other opioid types.
Fentanyl can be found in different forms. For example, you can find it as tablets and lozenges that will dissolve in the mouth, patches to apply on your skin, injections, and nasal sprays. Out of these, the patches are used in situations when long-lasting pain is an issue.
Because of its potency, fentanyl is very addictive and can be dangerous. It is always important to make sure you use it the way the doctor told you to and not take it more than recommended. If you have a substance use disorder issue, you will be at higher risk of becoming addicted.
Fentanyl Uses
Fentanyl has several medical uses. It can be given for the following reasons:
- Managing pain in individuals with moderate-to-severe chronic pain that is persistent. These patients require opioids continuously.
- Relieving pain in people who are already tolerant to opioids or are taking narcotic analgesics.
- Putting patients with a bad heart function/who are going through heart surgery under anesthesia.
- Managing pain in individuals who are suffering from cancer pain and are getting opioid medication already to deal with persistent pain.
Based on the severity of the problem, the doctor will offer fentanyl in different forms. Whether the patient will get injections, lollipops, lozenges, nasal or oral sprays will be determined by the patient’s problem.
What Kind of People Get Prescribed Fentanyl?
The drug can be given to most adults, and it is also possible to offer fentanyl patches to children who are 2 years old or over. However, the patches are only given to people who have been getting other strong opioid painkillers. The doctor has the responsibility of finding the right dose for every patient.
Although fentanyl can be administered to most individuals, older people and young children are at higher risk of dealing with side effects.
Fentanyl is not suitable for everyone, though. People with certain issues cannot take this drug. Those unsuitable for fentanyl are people who:
- Have decreased blood pressure
- Deal with arrhythmia
- Have liver or kidney issues
- Deal with an enlarged prostate
- Have breathing difficulties
- Dealt with allergic reactions to fentanyl or different other medicines
- Drink a lot/have an alcohol addiction
- Have a condition causing seizures or fits, or a head injury
- Wish to get pregnant, or are pregnant and breastfeeding
Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is very likely to happen if the use is prolonged and the individual’s doses get higher as a result of the tolerance increase. Although the drug is usually only obtained through a prescription, there are people who get it illegally and use it without a prescription only to experience the high effects.
Fentanyl-addicted people will keep consuming the drug every day. Although it can indeed bring some positive and pleasant symptoms, the drug can also be very dangerous. The addiction will result in long-term consequences and if not treated, it may even be fatal, especially if the user overdoses.
Side Effects
Using fentanyl will lead to side effects as the drug affects a person’s body and brain. Some of the side effects associated with this painkiller are:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Constricted pupils
- Weakness
- Slower respiration
- Lower heart rate
- Tight throat feeling
- Inability to concentrate
- Rigid or stiff muscles
In case the individual uses fentanyl patches, they may experience rashes, itching, discoloration, and swelling at the application site. Please note that these are the side effects, not the withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl. The withdrawal symptoms are devastating and not to be taken lightly.
Overdose Symptoms
Fentanyl overdose is a real thing. Anyone who uses fentanyl for long periods may end up overdosing as their body builds tolerance to the substance. In an attempt to get rid of their extreme pain or to experience the pleasant effects, one may take a higher amount than the one recommended.
An overdose can result in very severe symptoms and if not taken care of, the individual may end up dying. Some symptoms one may deal with during an overdose include:
- Cold and clammy skin
- Unresponsiveness
- Sleepiness
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Slow heartbeat
- Walking or talking difficulties
- Confusion and dizziness
The Right Route To Treatment
A bad addiction can only be ditched with professional help from an addiction treatment center. This is especially true in the case of an overdose. Medical care should be requested when an individual close to you is experiencing bad side effects as a result of an overdose.
For their addiction, people may need to go to a detoxification center and go through rehab. To treat underlying issues or find triggers and deal with them, one may have to go to counseling as well.
Real Deal Helps Fentanyl Addictions
Real Deal will not only focus on your fentanyl addiction and how to get rid of it, but it will also take care of your mental health. If your mental issues have led to the addiction, we can help you treat any issue and go to therapy when necessary. Not only can this help you handle your triggers and issues better, but it will also improve your life considerably, which is what we want for our patients.
Fentanyl can be useful, but if it leads to addiction, it can be extremely dangerous. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you or someone you know is dealing with fentanyl addiction.