Doctors prescribe fentanyl, a potent opioid, to treat moderate to severe pain that less potent painkillers cannot resolve. The substance has also made its way into many street drugs, as it’s cheaper and helps to pad profits. Sadly, fentanyl has become responsible for more and more overdose deaths, so it’s vital to address addiction to this drug immediately. If you or someone you care about is struggling with fentanyl addiction, learn more about what you can expect from fentanyl withdrawal, how long it lasts, and how to get through it safely and successfully.
If you have questions about overcoming fentanyl addiction with the help of medication and therapy, reach out to Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086. Whether you need inpatient or outpatient treatment or prefer a gender-specific program, we have a fentanyl rehab program to accommodate your preferences. Call today to start paving your path to recovery.
What to Expect from Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
When you discontinue fentanyl after becoming dependent on it, your body will experience physical and mental discomfort, known as withdrawal. Some fentanyl withdrawal symptoms you might encounter include:
- Digestive disturbances like diarrhea and constipation
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Nausea and vomiting
- Elevated body temperature
- Muscle and bone aches and pains
- Sweating
- Elevated heart rate
- Anxiety or depression
Fentanyl withdrawal has been described as feeling like a case of the flu, with the severity varying among individuals depending on how long they’ve used the drug and how high of a dose they took.
How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
If you’re contemplating quitting fentanyl, you’re probably concerned about how long withdrawal lasts and what happens during withdrawal. As mentioned, your symptoms can vary, but here is a general fentanyl withdrawal timeline.
Onset of Withdrawal Symptoms: From 8 to 24 Hours
Fentanyl is considered a short-acting opioid in its immediate-release form. This means the effects of the drug dissipate more quickly, so a doctor would advise you to take it more often than long-acting opioids like transdermal fentanyl if you’re experiencing pain. Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal can begin as soon as eight hours after you take the drug but can sometimes take up to 24 hours to appear.
At this early stage, you may begin to feel more anxious and like you’re coming down with a cold. Many people experience achiness, sweating, and a runny nose.
Peak of Withdrawal Symptoms: From 24 to 72 Hours
The next few days that follow the onset of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms tend to be the most uncomfortable. Symptoms peak and may include the gastrointestinal discomfort mentioned above, along with a rapid heart rate. This stage of withdrawal can be the most difficult to get through, making you the most vulnerable to relapse.
Dissipation of Symptoms: From 72 Hours to 10 Days
Just as with the flu, you’ll start to notice your symptoms easing gradually, usually about three days after you last used fentanyl. If you’re going through a severe case of fentanyl withdrawal, you may not experience a reduction in the intensity of symptoms for a week to 10 days later.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): From 10 Days to Beyond
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome doesn’t affect everyone withdrawing from fentanyl. This condition is typically attributed to severe cases in which a person has used the drug for an extended period. You may continue to experience mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression for several weeks after stopping fentanyl.
Get Started on Fentanyl Rehab by Calling Promises Brazos Valley Today
Quitting fentanyl on your own might be tempting, but it’s often not the best option. Entrusting addiction treatment professionals with your care as you go through withdrawal is the safest way to overcome fentanyl addiction. To learn more about how our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program can help ease the discomfort of fentanyl withdrawal, call Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form today.