Fentanyl Drug Facts

Fentanyl (FEN) is a potent synthetic opioid that increases the body’s dopamine levels, giving a state of relaxation on pain, predominantly cancer pain. Compared to morphine, it is 50 to 100 times more effective, and hence, it is used as a prescription narcotic analgesic. It can work within minutes, say, 30 to 90 minutes, constrict the pain and provide relief.

Table Of Contents:

• How-Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System?
• Fentanyl Abuse
• Symptoms and Effects of Fentanyl
• Detection of Fentanyl
• Treatment and Way Forward

How-Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System?

Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid often linked to overdoses can be detected in urine for up to three days (24-72 hours) after last use. Hair tests may detect fentanyl between one and three months (up to 90 days)—even if you’ve never taken this drug before—while blood tests can detect it within five hours and up to 48 hours.

The effects of fentanyl in your body varies. If fentanyl has been snorted or smoked rather than injected then it will stay in the system for as little as 12 hours after use. If it was injected then Fentanyl can last up to 36 hours after use in some cases.

Fentanyl Abuse

According to sources, nearly 36,000 deaths have happened due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids abuse. Fentanyl overdose is one of the main concerns in the U.S. According to some trusted sources, fentanyl overdose deaths have increased to 16% from 2018 to 2019. Considering this, the U.S. government has listed fentanyl under schedule II drugs in the Controlled Substances Act.

Medically prescribed Fentanyl arrives in various formulations - Lozenges, sprays, injection, and lollipops.

Fentanyl patches could be used for those patients who are under opioid treatment. Abusers remove the remaining gel content from the patches post usage and consume them either through placing it under their tongue or injecting it.

Symptoms and Effects of Fentanyl

Fentanyl overdose can cause harmful effects. It may lead to sudden accidental death if taken incorrectly. Some of the side effects and symptoms of fentanyl overdose include

• Difficulty in breathing.
• Slow heart rate.
• Abnormal sleepiness.
• Rough skin.
• Confusion.
• Slurred speech.
• Dizziness.
• Lack of concentration.

Fentanyl can bind to the opioid receptors in your brain that may increase your dependency on the drug that later leads to addiction. If you suspect any of your friends or family members of fentanyl addiction, grab a pack of Fentanyl urine drug testing kits to test for the presence of the drug personally. This will help you to move on to further treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Detection of Fentanyl

Treatment and Way Forward

Fentanyl effect can be possibly knocked down with the necessary dosage of naloxone. It is an opiate antagonist that helps to reduce the impact of opiate from the brain’s receptors. But for fentanyl overdose, it is challenging to relive the individual with naloxone dosage. Many health organizations have come up with a Health Network Advisory to reduce Fentanyl overdose.

Some notable points include

• Widen the distribution of naloxone for fentanyl and provide education to prevent fentanyl overdose.
• Create awareness about the drug, its effects on substance abuse, and inadequate treatment facilities for fentanyl overdose.
• Reach out to fentanyl users and create awareness about overdose.
• Make the overdose detection mechanism more effective to facilitate immediate response.