Signs & Symptoms Of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is at least 50 times stronger than morphine. Some healthcare providers prescribe it for severe pain when the patient has developed a tolerance to other opioids.

However, because this drug is so strong, it is especially dangerous to people who have not developed a tolerance to the medication.

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that is often misused, but quitting fentanyl is a difficult process due to fentanyl withdrawal symptoms.

What Causes Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Fentanyl withdrawal is a group of symptoms that occurs when a person stops taking the drug. It is similar to other forms of opioid withdrawal.

Symptoms can cause emotional distress, discomfort, and pain.

According to opioid dependence research, opioids work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. This interaction blocks pain and can create feelings of relaxation and euphoria.

After prolonged opioid use, the brain compensates by increasing activity in the parts of the brain responsible for wakefulness, blood pressure, and other functions.

When somebody with an opioid use disorder stops taking opioids, the brain still anticipates the presence of opioids and continues to perform excitatory functions at high levels.

As a result, normal wakefulness may turn into anxiety, regular muscle movements may turn into muscle aches, and other signs of withdrawal syndrome may emerge.

Symptoms Of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl withdrawal causes both physical and psychological symptoms. In some cases, these symptoms can become dangerous or even life-threatening.

Physical Symptoms

Many physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal mimic the flu.

They may range from mild to severe, depending on how long the person has taken fentanyl, the type of fentanyl, and whether they stopped using the medication gradually or abruptly.

Physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• yawning
• runny nose
• watery eyes
• physical restlessness
• muscle and joint pain
• cramping
• goosebumps or chills
• sweating
• insomnia
• tremors or twitching
• changes in blood pressure and heart rate

Psychological Symptoms

Similar to physical fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, psychological symptoms may also range from mild to severe.

These symptoms may include:

• anxiety
• irritability
• cravings
• mood swings
• depression
• thoughts of suicide

Managing Fentanyl Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be managed with the help of substance abuse treatment programs.

Medical Detoxification And Drug Tapering

Medical detox for fentanyl is one of the most important treatment options for withdrawal management.

Rather than quitting the use of fentanyl cold turkey, people in detox programs can taper off opioids slowly under the supervision of a medical professional.

Often, these programs prescribe a different opioid such as methadone or oxycodone to replace fentanyl.

Participants then receive smaller and smaller doses of the medication until they are no longer dependent on drug use.

With this method, people who deal with opioid dependence can minimize potential side effects.

Treating Symptoms And Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

During addiction recovery, people with opioid use disorders may also receive treatment for specific symptoms through medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Gradual detoxification is one example of MAT, and some medications are designed specifically for that purpose.

Buprenorphine, for example, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating opioid use disorder.

Other examples include non-narcotic pain relief medications and mental health medications for co-occurring disorder treatment.

Long-term medications may also be used to prevent relapse.

For instance, a drug called naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids and may be used after a person is no longer opioid dependent.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Managing withdrawal symptoms is just one part of effective treatment for substance use disorders.

While withdrawal results from physical dependence, addiction is a mental health condition. Further treatment can help people address the psychological stressors of substance abuse.

Inpatient Treatment

At an inpatient drug treatment center, participants receive substance abuse interventions as well as room and board. People generally stay in inpatient treatment for 30 to 90 days.

During this time, they may participate in individual therapy, support groups, and other forms of care.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs also provide therapy and support groups. However, participants commute to treatment instead of living on the premises.

Outpatient treatment centers are often more affordable than inpatient treatment, though various payment options are available for both types of care.

Find Substance Use Treatment Today

Opioid withdrawal complicates the addiction recovery process, but the right treatment options can help people manage symptoms while they heal and recover.

If you or a loved one are facing addiction, call our helpline today and get on the path to sobriety.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff