Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug, and taking it without medical supervision can cause significant problems. One of the most severe effects of fentanyl is overdose – when a person takes too much of the drug, the body is unable to cope with the toxic effects. Overdose can cause serious complications and requires immediate medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose
Learning about the signs and symptoms of a potential overdose of Fentanyl can help a person seek the proper help right away. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
Respiratory symptoms, such as shallow and slow breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Cold skin as a sign of shock or reduced circulation
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Unconsciousness and unresponsiveness
- Changes in the pupils
What to Do When Someone Overdoses on Fentanyl
When a person is overdosing on fentanyl, it’s essential to seek medical help right away. Call emergency services and provide clear information regarding the person’s condition. If the dispatcher specifies specific instructions while waiting for help to arrive, follow them.
In some cases where naloxone is available, administering naloxone can help combat the effects of a fentanyl overdose. The dispatcher on the emergency services call can help guide you in administering the drug safely.
An overdose is extremely life-threatening, and a person will be heavily disoriented when going through it. It’s important to stay with the person until proper help arrives.
Is Opioid Overdose the Same as Fentanyl Overdose?
Fentanyl overdose and opioid overdose have some similarities because fentanyl is a type of opioid. Symptoms like slow breathing, decreased heart rate, and unconsciousness are common signs that a person is experiencing an opioid overdose.
However, despite the similarities, there will still be differences in how these symptoms manifest. For instance, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and other opioids like heroin. This potency means that even the smallest amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose. The rapid absorption and potency sets the danger of fentanyl overdose apart from other opioids.
In addition, people overdosing on fentanyl may require higher or multiple doses of naloxone. Since the effects of fentanyl are more intense, it can outlast naloxone’s effects.
How to Prevent a Fentanyl Overdose
Here are some tips on how to prevent an overdose of Fentanyl:
- Take it exactly as prescribed: The best way to prevent an overdose is to take fentanyl exactly as prescribed by a medical professional. It’s also important that fentanyl is only obtained from healthcare providers. When storing the drug, store it securely so that nobody else can access it.
- Try not to use the drug alone: If using the drug, it’s best to try and never use the drug alone. Try to have someone trusted nearby so that if misuse happens, there is someone sober to call for help.
- Don’t use illicit drugs: Another way to prevent an overdose is not to use illicit drugs. Fentanyl can be mixed with other substances sold illegally and may be present in street drugs. Since the drug is highly potent, a small amount mixed with these unregulated drugs can increase an overdose. Mixing fentanyl with other substances is also highly discouraged since it increases the risk of respiratory failure.
- Use fentanyl testing strips: Fentanyl test strips are one of the most common ways to help detect the presence of fentanyl in certain drugs and substances. At times when drug purity is uncertain, these strips can be a valuable tool for harm reduction.
- Seek professional help: Seeking help for substance abuse is also important when someone is already struggling with opioid use. Counselling and support groups provide support and the necessary tools to help with long-term recovery.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an opioid drug that has addictive properties. It’s a highly potent drug that’s typically used for pain relief and as an anaesthetic. The drug is typically snorted, smoked, or taken orally. Even a small dose of fentanyl can have powerful effects on the brain and nervous system.
What are the Effects of Fentanyl Use?
When taken in a medical setting, fentanyl provides pain relief and sedation. Patients who suffer from chronic conditions like cancer are typically prescribed fentanyl to manage severe pain.
Aside from pain relief and sedation, fentanyl also has the following effects:
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
When taken long-term, a person can become more tolerant of the drug’s effects. They will need to increase their dosage, which may lead to dependence and/or addiction.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
Yes, fentanyl is highly addictive, and many people who misuse the drug end up being addicted to it. The drug has intense effects on the brain’s reward system.
When taken, it creates a dopamine surge in the brain. This surge can be highly addictive and can lead a person to repeatedly use the drug even when there is no need for it.
Fentanyl’s potency also makes it incredibly fatal compared to other opioids. Even just as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can have life-threatening effects.
Treatment Options for Fentanyl Overdose and Addiction
Opioid overdose is typically treated with naloxone. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. When it’s administered, it helps reverse the effects of an overdose and restore breathing.
For fentanyl misuse and addiction, it’s best to seek professional addiction treatment. Rehab options are available, and they help patients get to the root of their addiction and develop the proper coping mechanisms.
A person struggling with fentanyl misuse is at a higher risk for overdose. This means that they need to be equipped with the proper knowledge to prevent and respond to an overdose. Even after going to addiction treatment, aftercare and relapse prevention plans are necessary to avoid further problems.
Treat Substance Use Disorder at Liberty Home Clinic
Substance use disorder can heavily affect a person’s life, and so it requires professional help. Comprehensive treatment helps patients understand their addiction so that they can develop the proper coping mechanisms to overcome it.
Here at Liberty Home Clinic, we offer treatment for fentanyl addiction and other substance use disorders. Our professional team will be with you every step of the way so that you can live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Contact us today to know more.
