Fentanyl Overdose Effects

Fentanyl is a potent narcotic pain reliever typically used to treat chronic pain or intense cancer pain not treatable with lighter drugs. It is stronger than morphine and is therefore not prescribed for common pain symptoms like headaches or back pain. It comes in many forms including intravenous solution, flavored lollipops and skin patches. When using such a strong pain reliever patients should understand the inherent danger of overdose, the side effects, addiction and withdrawal.

Overdose

An overdose of fentanyl is very serious and can lead to severe health complications and death. Overdoses are most likely at the beginning of treatment, at dosage increases, when combined with other narcotics, or when used illegally. Signs of overdose include hyperventilation, cold or clammy skin, low blood pressure, contracted pupils, seizures and slowed heartbeat. Anyone taking fentanyl that shows signs of these symptoms should see a medical professional immediately.

Side Effects

Despite effectiveness in relieving pain, fentanyl does have both mild and serious side effects. Mild effects include nausea, constipation, headache, or stomach pain. More severe or life threatening includes addiction, liver damage, shallow breathing, and allergic reactions like swelling or hives. It is important to be aware of potential side effects of any medication and seek medical attention when necessary.

Withdrawal

Besides the reported side effects, fentanyl is known to cause later health problems when use of the drug is stopped. These withdrawal symptoms include constipation, hot flashes, insomnia, loss of appetite and night sweats. Users who stop using the drug and experience these symptoms are advised to be examined medically and pursue follow-up treatment.

Warnings

Use of fentanyl with other narcotics or MAO inhibitors should be avoided unless under the advice of a medical professional as they could cause an overdose. Patients with breathing disorders, heart rhythm disorders, seizures, depression or hallucinations, low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, drug or alcohol addictions, or who are being treated for a head injury or a brain tumor should notify a doctor prior to starting the drug. Women who are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant or are breast-feeding should not take fentanyl.

Illegal Use

Fentanyl is prescribed to provide relief to intense pain. Overdose or other symptoms are a risk that comes from such a powerful narcotic, and the benefits should outweigh the risks to a patient. Fentanyl drug abusers will often extract the fentanyl from patches and then smoke, snort or inject it. Abuse of the drug causes effects similar to heroin and fentanyl overdoses are sometimes misdiagnosed as heroin overdoses. Heroin users sometimes switch to fentanyl, as they are often able to access fentanyl more easily.

References

• CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2009 (LANGE CURRENT Series); Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine Papadakis; 2008
• When Painkillers Become Dangerous: What Everyone Needs to Know About OxyContin and Other Prescription Drugs; Drew Pinsky; 2004