How to Taper Off Fentanyl
What Is Opioid Tapering?
Fentanyl is a very powerful prescription opioid pain medication and due to its strength can be a very useful tool for doctors and other healthcare professionals. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than Morphine, which is already a strong pain medicine. Problems have arisen concerning Fentanyl for several reasons. First, Fentanyl has a high risk for dependency, even when taken as directed, which can lead to Fentanyl addiction. It can cause respiratory distress and death when taken in high doses or combined with other substances, especially alcohol or other illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
The second issue with Fentanyl regarding abuse and addiction is that drug traffickers have begun to add it to other drugs, like heroin and cocaine, to provide a product that results in a stronger high. As noted above, Fentanyl when mixed with other drugs can cause serious problems. Additionally, substance abusers and drug addicts often do not know that Fentanyl has been added to a substance they are accustomed to taking. This means that individuals with a heroin addiction or cocaine addiction, even one that seems fairly under control, can risk an opioid overdose and even death while using what they think is their regular dose or amount.
If you or one of your loved ones has been using Fentanyl as directed or has been abusing this synthetic opioid and would like to know more about how you can taper off Fentanyl, call Novo Detox today. We have an exceptional staff of medical professionals and alcohol and drug rehab experts waiting to help.
Synthetic opioids are powerful pain medications that can result in dependency and addiction even when used as directed. If you have been using prescription opioids for more than two weeks, you may need to taper off instead of stopping immediately. This is a good idea for multiple reasons. All of these are based on the main goal of effectively lowering the dose to a safe level and if possible, totally eliminating the need for the drug without causing severe or acute medication withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even when not life-threatening, can be dangerous to a person’s health. Here are some common symptoms of opioid withdrawal:
- Runny nose, watery eyes, and yawning
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Irritability or mood disturbances
- Increased pain
- Goosebumps on the skin, chills, or sweating
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle cramping or aches and joint pain
- Tremors or muscle twitching
- Rapid heart rate
- Blood pressure changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Thoughts of suicide
How to Taper Off Opioids
The simplest way to taper off opioids is to work with your doctor and follow their instructions. There are several actions medical professionals will take, and others they will ask patients to perform, to reduce the severity of opioid withdrawal side effects as a person is tapered off a substance. Here are a few of the steps to follow:
- Your doctor may regularly monitor your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature
- Nurse practitioners and other medical professionals may request urine or blood samples to check the type and amount of medication or other substances in your system
- You should drink more water or other liquids than usual
- You should eat regular nutritious meals
- Using deep breathing and stretching exercises can be helpful
- Your doctor may also prescribe other types of medications to help you manage withdrawal signs and symptoms such as sleep, appetite, and mood disturbances
Can You Taper Off Fentanyl Without Withdrawal?
Every person responds to tapering and drug detox differently, but withdrawal symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable. However, if you detox in a professional rehab facility, you may be able to taper off Fentanyl without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Novo Detox
At Novo Detox we have specific medical detox programs for different types of substances, including prescription opioids. Please call us at (844) 834-1777 today to learn more about how we can help you taper off Fentanyl or assist with your alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems.
