Fentanyl Side Effects

Since opioid abuse impairs the thought process, many users disregard the significant risk, fentanyl addiction poses. The drug’s potency creates a much higher likelihood of accidental overdose. In fact, fentanyl-related overdoses continue to skyrocket throughout the country. Overall across the U.S., these overdose deaths increased more than 14% from 2017 to 2018.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-%) recognizes Opioid Use Disorder as a condition. The DSM also provides 11 symptoms associated with this disorder.
In the case of fentanyl abuse, some symptoms include when the person is:

1. Fentanyl is taken in more significant amounts or over a more extended period than was intended
2. A persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use
3. A person spending a great deal of time in activities to obtain, use, or recover from the drug effects
4. Craving or a strong desire for the drug
5. Repeated use while failing to fulfill and meet obligations at home, school, or work
6. Ongoing use despite the adverse and persistent issues to social or interpersonal life.
7. Giving up meaningful social, occupational, or recreational activities
8.  Fentanyl use in situations regardless of physical harm
9.  Continued use, regardless of the understanding of having physical or psychological issues likely caused or exacerbated by fentanyl.
10.  Tolerance, as defined by either the need for increased amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effect or the significantly diminished effect with the same dosage.
11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome or more opioids are taken to relieve or avoid symptoms of withdrawal.

** 2 to 3 of the above symptoms represent mild Opioid Use Disorder, 4 to 5 represents moderate, and six or more shows the presence of a severe case.

When the body receives a certain drug continuously, it naturally adjusts. One of these adjustments is tolerance, and the other is physical dependence. The moment someone reduces or stops using fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms emerge. The following withdrawal symptoms are the most common:

• Restlessness
• Chills and sweating
• Anxiety and irritability
• Runny nose
• Muscle and joint aches
• Stomach cramps and diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure

Attempting to detox from fentanyl without medical guidance is not usually advisable. Fentanyl detox can be particularly uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous.