The Dangerous Effects of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid that is extremely dangerous to those who use it. This drug is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.1 Fentanyl is frequently used and reserved for opioid tolerant patients. All users put themselves in serious danger of an overdose when using fentanyl. Addiction to fentanyl can come about very quickly and the DEA classifies this drug as a Schedule II Controlled Substance. At our drug addiction treatment center, we want to make you aware of the severe effects of this drug and provide you with different treatment methods for substance abuse and opioid addiction.
Short-term Fentanyl Effects
Fentanyl’s short-term effects are some of its most dangerous. The fentanyl side effects associated with short-term use include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Altered heart rate
- Respiratory suppression
- Weakness
- Hallucinations
- Seizure
Long-term Fentanyl Effects
The physical effects of Fentanyl use are especially pronounced with long-term use of the drug. Long-term fentanyl effects include, but are not limited to:
- Multiple organ system damage due to decreased oxygen in body tissues
- Deterioration of pre-existing mental health conditions
- Death
Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms
One of the most dangerous fentanyl side effects, associated with legal and illegal use of the drug, is fentanyl overdose. Because the opioid is so potent, overdoses can and do happen. In fact, fentanyl is associated with alarmingly high overdose rates, including the overdose deaths of Prince and Tom Petty. 2
Recognizing the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose is crucial in saving a life, as these types of overdoses can grow deadly quickly. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Respiratory arrest
- Nodding out, slurred speech
- Cardiac arrest
- Confusion
These signs of a fentanyl overdose may begin slowly and quickly progress into a dire situation. This is why it is crucial to act quickly if you see any of these signs to prevent further progression of the danger.
What to Do if Fentanyl Overdose Occurs
It is important to recognize the signs of a fentanyl overdose, and call emergency services immediately if you believe someone is overdosing on fentanyl. An overdose is serious and can be deadly. If you are near someone who is showing signs of fentanyl overdose, you should:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Administer Narcan, if it is available
- Keep the overdosing individual awake
- Lay them on their side so choking doesn’t occur
- Stay until emergency responders arrive
If you or a loved one is addicted to fentanyl, there is hope for recovery. Treatment methods typically include medically managed detox, followed by ongoing therapy and rehabilitation programs. Contact Banyan Treatment Centers to learn more about the unique programs and therapies we offer for addiction treatment. Call 888-280-4763 today.
Sources:
- DEA – Fentanyl
- Rolling Stone – Music’s Fentanyl Crisis
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