Fentanyl is a synthetic pharmaceutical drug and an opioid painkiller. Intended to help with intense or chronic pain (after surgery, for cancer patients, etc.), Fentanyl is exceptionally potent, between fifty to one hundred times more potent than morphine. Because the drug increases dopamine production and its high potency, Fentanyl is highly addictive. This drug’s street names include Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, TNT, and crush. Abusing Fentanyl is severely dangerous. The risk of overdose is very high. If you are addicted to Fentanyl, seek help. Many recovery centers are available to help you overcome opiate addiction to Fentanyl.
Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Signs of Overdose of Fentanyl Addiction
The list of symptoms of Fentanyl addiction is extensive. While taking Fentanyl may feel good temporarily, the drug can have harsh effects on the body and potentially be life-threatening.
Some of the side effects include the following:
- Slowed breathing
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Euphoria
- Mellowness
- Drowsiness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pounding in the ears
- Chest tightness
- Poor coordination
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal thoughts
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Pale skin
- Back pain or side pain
- Ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- Cough
- Fever or chills
Withdrawal symptoms of Fentanyl abuse include:
- Restlessness
- Chills
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sweating or chills
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Signs of a Fentanyl overdose include:
- Blue colored lips/fingernails
- Gurgling sounds when breathing
- Coma
- Loss of consciousness
- Unresponsiveness or Confusion
- Dizziness
- Lowe Blood Pressure
If you are abusing Fentanyl, seek treatment. Substance abuse does not have to control your life.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
When quitting Fentanyl, there is no way to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Medically assisted detox will help you through detox and manage the symptoms at an inpatient treatment facility. After detox, the patient will continue the residential inpatient treatment program. With around-the-clock staff, the main goal is your addiction recovery and helping you maintain sobriety during drug addiction rehab. You do not have to go through this alone; many rehab centers are available to help. Other addiction treatment options for opioid addiction include outpatient treatment centers, support groups, behavioral therapy, family therapy, and sober living homes. If you or a loved one is battling a Fentanyl addiction, reach out to a behavioral health professional and see what the best addiction treatment program is for you.