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What is Fentanyl?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines fentanyl as a synthetic opioid drug that’s classified as a potent analgesic or painkiller. It’s typically used to manage severe pain, particularly in cases where other opioids are not effective. Fentanyl is estimated to be about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, which means it has a much stronger effect on the body.

Fentanyl has recognised medical uses such as managing pain in cancer patients or providing anaesthesia during surgery. However, because of its potency, it also carries a high risk of abuse and addiction. Illegally manufactured fentanyl has become a significant concern in recent years as it’s been linked to numerous cases of fatal drug overdoses.

Fentanyl affects the brain’s reward system by acting on various opioid receptors, particularly the mu-opioid receptors. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that when fentanyl enters the brain, it binds to these receptors and activates them, leading to a cascade of effects that influence the brain’s reward system.

The brain’s reward system is primarily regulated by the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement. Fentanyl increases the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward pathway. This surge of dopamine produces intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria, reinforcing the drug-taking behaviour and leading to dependence.

 

What Happens During Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl withdrawal occurs when a person who has developed a physical dependence on fentanyl abruptly stops using or significantly reduces their dosage. These withdrawal symptoms can be intense and challenging to manage without proper medical supervision. This is why it’s so important to seek our professional support for fentanyl withdrawal.

Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl, both physical and psychological, include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches and pains, sweating, runny nose and watery eyes, restlessness, dilated pupils, anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, and insomnia or disturbed sleep.

Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few hours to a day after the last dose of fentanyl and peak within 48 to 72 hours. The duration of withdrawal can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s consumption, dose, and overall health.

Medical supervision is crucial during fentanyl withdrawal to ensure safety and minimise discomfort. There are certain methods that professionals use during fentanyl addiction recovery when managing fentanyl withdrawal, such as gradually reducing the dosage of fentanyl to allow the body to adjust slowly, thus minimising withdrawal symptoms; this is known as tapering.

Managing fentanyl withdrawal can be challenging, particularly without professional help. Withdrawal from opioids, such as fentanyl, is not generally life-threatening, but certain complications may arise, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or excessive vomiting, which can lead to medical emergencies if left untreated.

 

 

Physical Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

It is important to note that the severity and duration of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of dependence, dosage, and duration of fentanyl use. When going through fentanyl addiction recovery, medical professionals can support you with guidance, monitoring, and potentially prescribe medications to help manage these withdrawal symptoms. These are some of the most common physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal:

  • Nausea and vomiting – these symptoms are commonly reported during fentanyl withdrawal.
  • Diarrhoea – gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhoea, is a common withdrawal symptom.
  • Muscle pains – individuals going through fentanyl withdrawal may experience muscle aches and general body pain.
  • Sweating – profuse sweating, especially night sweats, can occur during fentanyl withdrawal.
  • Runny nose and teary eyes – these symptoms are often described as “the sniffles” and are common during opioid withdrawal.
  • Dilated pupils – fentanyl withdrawal can cause the pupils to become dilated.
  • Insomnia – sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are frequently reported during fentanyl withdrawal.
  • Restlessness and agitation – feelings of restlessness, irritability, and agitation are common during the withdrawal process.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure – fentanyl withdrawal may lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Tremors – some individuals may experience tremors or involuntary shaking during withdrawal.

 

Psychological Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

In addition to the concerning physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal as detailed above, there are also many worrying psychological symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal. Some of the most common systems include:

  • Anxiety and restlessness – fentanyl withdrawal can trigger feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and a sense of unease.
  • Depression – withdrawal from fentanyl may cause feelings of depression, including sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  • Mood swings – fentanyl withdrawal can lead to sudden and intense changes in mood. Individuals may experience heightened emotional sensitivity, irritability, anger, and even emotional outbursts.
  • Intense cravings – during withdrawal, individuals may experience strong cravings for fentanyl. These cravings can be intense and preoccupying, leading to an obsessive focus on obtaining and using the drug.
  • Difficulty concentrating – fentanyl withdrawal can impair cognitive function and make it challenging to concentrate and focus on tasks. This may affect work or academic performance and lead to frustration and decreased productivity.
  • Confusion and disorientation – fentanyl withdrawal may result in mental confusion and disorientation. Individuals may have difficulty thinking clearly, have memory lapses, and struggle with decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Suicidal thoughts – in some cases, severe depression during fentanyl withdrawal may lead to suicidal thoughts or tendencies. It’s crucial for individuals experiencing such thoughts to seek immediate professional help.

 

Managing Fentanyl Withdrawal

Managing withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl, a powerful opioid, can indeed be a tough challenge. It’s a process that requires resilience, commitment, and the right set of strategies. However, with the appropriate support and a determined approach, getting through this stage is possible.

In addition to seeking professional support, adopting certain self-care strategies can also be of great benefit. One of these strategies involves practising relaxation techniques. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness are known to help manage stress and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. These techniques work by calming the mind, promoting mental tranquillity, and reducing anxiety, which is incredibly important for enduring the stress of withdrawal. The beauty of these techniques is that they can be practised anywhere and require no special equipment – just your dedication.

Beyond mental health, physical well-being is equally paramount during the withdrawal process. It’s important to maintain your body’s health and vitality, as they significantly affect your mood and overall wellness. Ensuring that you are properly hydrated is a basic, yet often overlooked, part of this process. Adequate water intake can help flush out toxins, maintain normal bodily functions, and even reduce cravings.

Maintaining a balanced diet is another essential element. Consuming nutrient-dense foods ensures that your body receives all the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healing and recovery. This helps to replenish the nutrients that might have been depleted during prolonged substance use.

Lastly, regular physical exercise is a powerful tool for improving mood and promoting overall well-being. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins (your body’s natural mood boosters) which can counteract feelings of depression and anxiety often associated with withdrawal. However, as the symptoms involved with fentanyl withdrawal can vary significantly if yours are severe, do not push yourself. Instead, prioritise rest and preserving your strength.

 

Find Help at Nova Recovery Today

If you’re struggling with fentanyl addiction, the first step on your journey to recovery should always be to seek out professional assistance.

At Nova Recovery, we have a team of highly skilled onsite medical professionals, such as addiction specialists, counsellors, and therapists, who possess the expertise and experience required to guide you competently throughout this difficult process. We can also provide you with personalised guidance and support, and monitor your health conditions, considering your unique circumstances throughout the entire process.

Reach out today to start your journey to recovery.

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John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 8, 2023

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

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