Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is so powerful it’s about 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Doctors prescribe it to treat severe pain, but some people also make, sell, or use it illegally.
Its potency alone makes this drug dangerous. A slightly higher amount can already lead to a fentanyl overdose.
Likewise, stopping its use can lead to life-threatening opioid withdrawal symptoms. This is why it’s imperative to know fentanyl’s withdrawal timeline.
So, how long does it take to withdraw from fentanyl? What are the symptoms, and how can you manage them safely?
This guide answers all those questions, so read on.
How Long Does It Take to Withdraw From Fentanyl?
Pharmaceutical fentanyl has an elimination half-life of two to four hours. However, it can be shorter for the illegal kind.
Elimination half-life is the time it takes for a drug in the plasma to reduce by half and become less effective. So, after one half-life, the concentration of fentanyl in your system will become about 50%.
The body would then continue to eliminate more of the drug. As less of it becomes available, the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms increases. In people with a fentanyl addiction, stopping its use can cause such signs to occur within just a few hours from when they last took it.
As for the duration, withdrawal from short-acting opioids (like fentanyl) can take four to 10 days.
What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl withdrawal can cause psychological symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can also trigger cravings or obsessive thoughts about using more drugs.
Physical symptoms may include the following:
- Increased heart rate
- Flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, fever, sweating, muscle aches, and chills
- Yawning
- Dilated or enlarged pupils
- Nausea and stomach cramps
- Diarrhea and vomiting
While the above may not seem life-threatening, they can be, especially the last two. If untreated, they can cause severe dehydration, which can then lead to brain damage or death.
Persistent vomiting also poses the risk of asphyxiation. This happens when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. A person can choke on their vomit if they inhale it, which may then block the flow of oxygen.
How Can People Safely Withdraw From Fentanyl?
Medical detoxification provides a safe way to manage fentanyl withdrawal. It involves medications, which may include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. They can help relieve symptoms of opioid use disorders.
Medical detox is also a supervised procedure. This means doctors, nurses, and clinical staff oversee patients undergoing detox. This can help lower the risk of life-threatening symptoms like dehydration or asphyxiation.
Stop Fentanyl Use the Safe Way
Now you know that the answer to “How long does it take to withdraw from fentanyl?” is within hours from its last use. However, its symptoms, which can be dangerous, can persist for days.
Thus, it’s best for those who’ve decided to stop using fentanyl to undergo medical detox. It’s a safer way to start one’s journey to recovery.
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