Fentanyl warnings accompany all prescription medications containing fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl is marketed under the names of Actiq, a powerful analgesic that comes in lollipop form, Duragesic, which is a transdermal patch, and Fentora, a tablet. All three of these drugs are indicated for varying degrees of serious pain. Proper use of fentanyl was urged by the U.S. federal government, which issued a safety warning in 2005. Because of its potency, fentanyl is subject to misuse, abuse and diversion. Patients who take fentanyl also risk addiction and a potentially fatal overdose if guidelines aren’t followed. In addition to pain relief, fentanyl also causes sedation, respiratory depression and other side effects. Fentanyl and other opiates are often used recreationally and abused for the intense euphoric feelings they can produce. It is often used by some as a heroin replacement but is dangerous because it is much more potent than heroin and can cause overdose and death.
Fentanyl Warnings and Safe Use Guidelines
All three forms of fentanyl are abused but some users remove the gel from fentanyl patches and eat, smoke or inject the contents. This is highly dangerous. Any use that goes against prescribed guidelines can be considered abusive. Fentanyl is diverted through means including pharmacy theft, illegal distribution by patients, doctors and pharmacists and falsified prescriptions. Fentanyl depresses the central nervous system and can react dangerously with substances that share this same effect. These include alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers and other opiates. Patients who combine these substances risk a potentially fatal overdose. Physical and psychological dependence are very real concerns for people taking fentanyl for any extended period of time. A tolerance can develop, meaning that increasingly larger amounts need to be taken for patients to experience effects. Physical addiction, marked by an intense withdrawal period when use is stopped, can take hold quickly. Professional detox is necessary to help patients safely and comfortably recover from fentanyl addiction.
Waismann Method’s Humane Medical Detox Quickly Rids Patients of Addiction
Waismann Method never faults its patients for becoming dependent upon their prescription medication. Our compassionate and humane fentanyl treatment program includes medical detox and withdrawal management. We are known for our thorough and safe approach to fentanyl detox.
Specifically, for our rapid detox treatment, we use intravenous medication to cleanse the fentanyl from patients’ opiate receptors. This occurs while patients are sleeping lightly under sedation and takes less than two hours. Our detox accelerates withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, nausea, tremors and body aches. They develop and pass while patients are sedated and they awaken without the awareness they’ve already passed through withdrawal syndrome. Patients typically stay in the hospital a total of 2 to 4 days and are discharged to our recovery center Domus Retreat for a few days, where therapies include counseling, massage, nutritional support and biofeedback are provided to maximize comfort ans defectiveness of the detoxification.
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