Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is often administered to manage acute pain, particularly after surgery. It has comparable pharmacological effects to morphine, but fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent. Extended and/or heavy fentanyl usage can lead to considerable opioid dependency, at which point a person may experience harsh, and often very unpleasant, withdrawal symptoms upon abruptly discontinuing or lowering their use.
In this post by experts from Skyward Treatment Center in Houston, TX, we will look at fentanyl withdrawal, identify withdrawal symptoms, explain why they occur, and talk about medication-assisted fentanyl detox. Skyward Treatment Center is one of the leading drug and alcohol rehabs in Houston, TX. Contact our online team of experts regarding our premier fentanyl addiction treatment programs.
Typical Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may include:
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Uncontrolled leg motions.
• Anxiety.
• Goosebumps.
• Yawning.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Insomnia.
• Irritability.
• Excessive sweating.
• Muscle and bone discomfort.
• Watery eyes or runny nose.
• Strong cravings for fentanyl.
Why Do Fentanyl Withdrawals Occur?
Fentanyl withdrawal happens when your body becomes so used to having fentanyl in its system that it is unable to operate properly without it. Whenever you take fentanyl, it attaches to opioid receptors in the brain. This causes the production of endorphins, which lessens pain and further interact with your brain’s reward circuits. This is what causes the euphoria associated with illicit fentanyl use. Tolerance occurs when more fentanyl is required over time to achieve the same effect. People may also develop fentanyl dependency over time. Because the brain has become used to the powerful effects of fentanyl, it produces less of the neurotransmitters that fentanyl stimulates the synthesis of. Then, when you stop using fentanyl, both your brain and your body must now adapt to the lack of this chemical to which they have been addicted. This is how withdrawal symptoms begin.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline?
Although the fentanyl withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, individuals typically experience withdrawal symptoms within twelve hours after their last usage. Withdrawal normally peaks after a few days and gradually subsides over the next week. However, some individuals may suffer less intense withdrawal symptoms for many weeks later. Several variables may impact the fentanyl withdrawal timeline. This includes:
- Average daily usage.
- Frequency of usage.
- Duration of usage.
- Concurrent use of other substances.
Medical Fentanyl Detox for Fentanyl Withdrawal
Medically supervised detox can assist in managing fentanyl symptoms of withdrawal while keeping you as secure and comfortable as feasible. During medical fentanyl detox, a team of medical specialists offers round-the-clock monitoring and assistance. In this setting, physicians and nurses are constantly assessing your requirements, tracking your progress, and administering drugs to assist you in managing withdrawal symptoms.
Typical Drugs Used During Fentanyl Withdrawal
The following drugs can help alleviate fentanyl withdrawal symptoms:
- Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of opioid receptors, meaning it only partly activates them. It is FDA-approved for usage during opiate withdrawal to alleviate symptoms, particularly opioid cravings.
- Clonidine, a medication approved to treat high blood pressure, has been utilized off-label for more than four decades now to alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone, a long-acting opioid receptor full agonist, binds to and stabilizes opioid receptors, minimizing opioid withdrawal symptoms as well as cravings or desires to use opioids.
- Lofexidine, an FDA-approved non-opioid drug, can help minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Escape the Grip of Fentanyl Addiction. Transform Your Life with Skyward Center’s Compassionate Addiction Treatment
Fentanyl withdrawal is not something anybody should go through alone, owing to the risks it can cause. Even those with a good support system face an uphill battle that may be very tough to overcome. Fortunately, help is available. Fentanyl addiction treatment is an excellent option for anybody seeking to overcome their fentanyl use issue. Conquering fentanyl use disorder is possible, and we at Skyward Treatment Center would be delighted to assist you. You will find people here who are willing to help you and understand your situation. Call us today and get started on your path to recovery.
