Coping With Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl is a synthetic prescription opioid 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used to treat severe pain such as that experienced after surgery or from cancer. Like other opioid medications, fentanyl has high addiction potential and is among the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Individuals can quickly develop fentanyl dependence, leading to severe withdrawal when attempting to stop.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings can make giving up opioids quite challenging. However, medications and therapies available in drug detox centers can help cope with opiate withdrawal and complete the withdrawal process.
Various withdrawal symptoms are associated when attempting to stop fentanyl use. These can include intense withdrawal, cause severe pain, and at times be dangerous. Opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased body temperature (fever)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Extreme muscle aches and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Runny nose, watery eyes, and yawning
- Chills and goosebumps
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
Symptoms of withdrawal from fentanyl can cause excruciating muscle aches, joint pain, and bone pain. There are also intense psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal, including agitation, depression, and extreme fear. Although the withdrawal process is not typically life-threatening, it is sometimes possible. For example, someone not rehydrating properly through severe vomiting and diarrhea may have elevated blood sodium levels, leading to heart failure.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
Fentanyl withdrawal timeline and severity of opiate withdrawal are dependent on the extent of substance abuse, including length, frequency, and dosage of use. However, a general withdrawal timeline may look like this:
- 8 to 30 hours after the last dose: mild symptoms begin
- 36 – 72 hours: worst symptoms will start to peak
- Days 5 to 8: primary symptoms of withdrawal will typically end, and the person will start to feel more normal.
Several weeks or months: post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can happen and includes lingering, mild withdrawal symptoms like increased sensitivity to pain, depression, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and cravings.
Learn more about the body’s response to opioid addiction here:
Fentanyl Withdrawal Management
Although withdrawal symptoms can be intense, there are several ways to manage them. Medical detox can offer the most comfortable and safe way to go through the withdrawal process. Rehab centers with drug detox programs will provide around-the-clock medical care from doctors and nurses who will monitor your vitals and provide you with FDA-approved medications to ease opiate withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for fentanyl withdrawals and cravings can include the following medications:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Medically supervised treatment programs in a rehab center can also include counseling, therapy services, and peer support groups. Drug detox will ensure the safest and most comfortable way to go through fentanyl withdrawals, and it can also provide you with ongoing addiction treatment to achieve long-term sobriety.
Novo Detox Treatment for Fentanyl Withdrawal
If you are worried about stopping fentanyl use because of the withdrawal process, there is help available at Novo Detox in Los Angeles with withdrawal management. Our medical detox program includes 24/7 medically supervised treatment and access to FDA-approved medications that will ease severe withdrawals. We are also a luxury inpatient drug rehab center that will allow you to easily transition into addiction treatment aimed at helping you recover long-term right after completing a drug detox. Our clinicians will create personalized treatment plans to address underlying drug addiction issues, including dual diagnosis programming and mental health treatment.
Opioid use disorders do not have to control your life anymore. Please call us at (844) 834-1777 today at Novo Detox to learn more about how our detox programs can put you on the road to recovery.
