Fentanyl Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment
Fentanyl is a very strong pain medication. When someone stops using it, their body may react with hurting signs called withdrawal. These can make a person feel very sick and even be dangerous without help.
This article explains what fentanyl withdrawal is, how long it lasts, what it feels like, and how to get the right treatment to stay safe.
What is a Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl withdrawal happens when someone who has been using fentanyl regularly stops taking it. Their body, which has become used to the drug, reacts strongly. This can lead to many painful symptoms, both physical and emotional. These symptoms occur as the brain tries to adjust to functioning without the harmful drug.
Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid painkiller. Doctors mainly use it to treat severe pain, especially in people with cancer or after surgery. However, it is often misused because it creates a strong feeling of euphoria, making it easy to become addicted after a short time. When someone becomes dependent on fentanyl, quitting can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These may feel like the flu, but they are more intense. [1]
Fentanyl Definition
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it is made in a lab instead of being taken from the opium poppy plant. Doctors may prescribe it in the form of a patch, lozenge, or injection to treat severe pain. However, in recent years, fentanyl has become common in the illegal drug market. Often, street fentanyl is mixed with other dangerous drugs like heroin or cocaine without the user knowing.
This is very risky because fentanyl is extremely powerful. It can be up to 100 times stronger than morphine and about 50 times stronger than heroin. Even a small amount can be deadly, especially for someone who is not used to opioids. Because of this, fentanyl can lead to addiction quickly, and going through withdrawal can be very difficult without support. [2]
Fentanyl- Mechanism of Action
Fentanyl works by connecting to special areas in the brain and nervous system called opioid receptors. These receptors help manage pain and emotions. When fentanyl binds to them, it blocks pain signals and creates a feeling of calm or relaxation, known as a “high.”
If someone uses fentanyl regularly, their brain starts depending on it to function normally. This changes the balance of chemicals in the brain. They become tolerant, meaning they need more of the drug to feel the same effect. Over time, they become dependent on fentanyl to feel “normal.”
When they stop using fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These symptoms show that the body is adjusting to the absence of the drug and trying to restore its natural balance. Though the symptoms can be difficult, they indicate that the body is healing. [3]
Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can be painful and, many a time, somewhat dangerous. Withdrawal particularly includes two phases- early signs and later or more serious symptoms.
Early Symptoms
The early signs of withdrawal mainly start within 8 – 24 hours after the last dose. This depends on how the drug was taken. These first symptoms can feel like a bad flu, but they are the body’s way of reacting to the sudden absence of the drug.
Common early signs include-
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Nausea & vomiting: It includes feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up.
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Diarrhea- One’s body may react with loose or frequent bowel movements.
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Muscle or bone pain- One feels aches in their legs or back, or the entire body.
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Fast heart rate- One’s heart may beat faster than expected.
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High blood pressure- Blood pressure can go up during withdrawal.
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Insomnia- Problem sleeping or staying asleep is a recurring sign.
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Anxiety or restlessness- One often feels nervous or restless.
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Chills & sweating- The body may swing between hot & cold flashes.
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Elevated body temperature- Mild fevers are quite common during the first few days.
Although these signs are not life-threatening for numerous healthy users, they might be rather painful. This is why medical help is particularly suggested during withdrawal.
Later/Complicating Symptoms
If one’s withdrawal continues, some lasting problems may surface. It may not impact each one, though it can cause serious health risks if not addressed correctly.
Dehydration-
Vomiting or diarrhea, or sweating, could force one’s body to lose fluids. If the fluids are not returned, dehydration can happen.
High sodium levels-
Losing too much water without returning it can cause the sodium in the blood to rise. This can lead to confusion, muscle twitching, or seizures.
Heart complications-
If BP or heart rate becomes dangerously high, it could increase the risk of heart failure. It is particularly relevant for users with pre-existing conditions.
One of the most serious risks comes after withdrawal, accidental overdose. After quitting fentanyl, one’s body loses its high level of tolerance. If a user relapses and consumes the same amount they used before, the body may not be able to handle it. It can readily lead to an overdose, which can be lethal. For all such reasons, it’s vital to go through fentanyl withdrawal under medical care. [4]
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
Let’s take a look at how fentanyl withdrawal particularly happens.
Onset
For most people consuming a short-acting drug, withdrawal starts between 8 and 24 hours after the last use. This is the early phase where the body starts to catch up to the fact that the drug is gone. Though the signs may start gently, they work to build over time.
Peak Phase
The most difficult part of withdrawal often hits between 36 and 72 hours after the final dose. This is when the body is adjusting the most. Many people say this is the roughest part, but it doesn’t last forever.
Duration
After the peak, signs begin to ease. For most users, things begin to get better within 7-10 days. During this time, each day tends to feel a little better than the last.
Long Withdrawal Signs
Even after the main withdrawal ends, some people still don’t feel quite right. This stage is often called post-acute withdrawal. It may stay for weeks/months after stopping the drug. While the worst is through, the remaining effects can still make everyday life a bit harder. Support from doctors or counselors, or recovery programs, can help at this time.
Risk Factors and Causes of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Everyone doesn’t feel fentanyl withdrawal in the same manner. Few users feel better in a few days, while others take longer. There are some reasons why this happens. Let’s look at the most common ones:
How Much Was Taken
If one uses a lot of fentanyl, their body gets addicted to having it. This can make withdrawal last longer & feel harder. People who used small amounts may have an easier time.
How Long It Was Used
The longer one uses it, the more the body counts on it. If one uses it for many weeks/months, withdrawal may take more time. The body requires time to heal and get back to normal.
What Type Was Used
Fentanyl comes in many types, such as patches, pills, or street drugs. Some types work fast plus leave the body quickly. Others remain in the body for longer. If one used a slow-acting type, withdrawal might start later but last longer.
How It Was Taken
One may take fentanyl by various methods, such as by mouth, patch, or injection. If the drug was injected or used in large amounts, withdrawal might start faster & feel stronger.
Health Condition
A person’s health can make a big difference. Someone healthy may get through withdrawal faster. Though if someone has health problems or is older, their body may need more time to recover.
Other Drugs or Alcohol
If someone used fentanyl along with other drugs or alcohol, withdrawal could be harder. These mix and can make the body sicker during detox.
Fentanyl Detox and Withdrawal Treatment
Stopping the fentanyl drug can be challenging. Though the right help can make it safer & easier. Detox is the first step. It helps one’s body clear out the drug. After that, treatment can help you stay drug-free.
Medical Detox Overview
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Medical detox means you are watched by doctors and nurses as you stop using fentanyl.
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They make sure your body is safe during withdrawal.
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If you feel sick, they help you feel better.
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The goal is to keep you stable and prepare you for further treatment.
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Detox helps one start recovery, though more supervision is required to remain drug-free.
Medication Assisted Treatment
Some people get medicine to make withdrawal easier. Buprenorphine and methadone help with cravings and help your body feel normal.
Other medicines may help with things like:
Supportive Care and Monitoring
One must also care for one’s whole body. Nurses or doctors check the body signs, like heart rate and temperature. They use special charts (like COWS or SOWS) to see how you feel.
You’ll get help with:
Follow-Up & Aftercare
After detox, keep getting help. Your body loses its tolerance fast. If you use fentanyl again, you could overdose.
You may need:
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Therapy, like talking to a counselor.
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Support groups, where others share their stories.
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Rewards-based programs that help you stay clean.
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Medicine to help with cravings.
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Mental health care if one feels sad, anxious, or scared.
Staying drug-free takes time, though with support, recovery is possible. [5]
FAQs
How long do fentanyl withdrawal symptoms last?
Fentanyl withdrawal usually starts within a day after the last dose. Most symptoms get better in 7 to 10 days, but some people may feel tired, moody, or have trouble sleeping for a few more weeks.
What are four of the withdrawal symptoms?
Some common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are feeling sick to your stomach, having muscle or bone pain, feeling very anxious, and having trouble sleeping. These symptoms can make people feel very uncomfortable.
How long does it take for fentanyl to be out of your system?
Fentanyl leaves the body in about 1 to 3 days, but this depends on how much was taken and for how long. Even after it’s gone, withdrawal symptoms can still happen for several days.
What medication is used for fentanyl withdrawal?
Doctors may use medicines like buprenorphine or methadone to help with cravings and pain. Other medicines can treat things like nausea, anxiety, and trouble sleeping to make withdrawal easier and safer.
Can fentanyl withdrawal be dangerous?
Yes, fentanyl withdrawal can be risky, especially without medical help. It can cause strong symptoms like high blood pressure or dehydration. That’s why it’s safer to detox under a doctor’s care or at a treatment center.
Get Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction at Alliance Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with Fentanyl addiction, do not wait to get the help you need. Our experienced treatment team is here to guide you on the path to recovery, with evidence-based treatments, compassionate care, and effective treatments.
Here at Alliance Recovery, our executive leadership and admissions staff have extensive knowledge of addiction treatment, with many members of our team having gone through treatment themselves. Through years of their lives dedicated to service and striving to develop a connection with fellow addicts, our team has cultivated a passion for helping others who find themselves in the same position.
When you come to Alliance Recovery, you’ll experience:
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Real, genuine care from people who understand you.
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Evidence-based treatment programs.
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Individual and group therapy sessions.
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Personalized treatment plans.
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Supportive sober community & treatment staff.
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Aftercare & career placement.
Start your journey to recovery today. Call our treatment team at (844) 287-8506 to get started.
Sources
[1]https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fentanyl/common-questions-about-fentanyl/
[2]https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/fentanyl#fentanyl
[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555968/#:~:text=Go%20to%3A-,Mechanism%20of%20Action,an%20equal%20degree%20of%20analgesia.
[4]https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
[5]https://www.verywellmind.com/treatment-for-opioid-addiction-4160367
