Can There Be Side Effects of using Fentanyl?
The side effects to the prescription drug Fentany are numerous. It is classified as a Schedule II Opioid substance and is indicated for use of moderate to severe chronic pain. It is recommend for use with patients who already have an opioid tolerance. It needs to be regulated closely and patients need to be monitored for adverse reactions.
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Respiratory
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Fentanyl can cause several different respiratory side effects. It can cause impaired or interrupted breathing or shortness of breath. The patient should be monitored closely for these problems when first taking the drug.
Central Nervous System
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Fentanyl can cause central nervous system depression. Symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, nervousness and insomnia.
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Cardiovascular
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Fentanyl can cause side effects related to the cardiovascular system. These could include hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (low heart rate).
Gastrointestinal
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Fentanyl can cause several gastrointestinal side effects. Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite can be experienced while taking the drug.
Additional Side Effects
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Fentanyl can also cause additional side effects, such as depression, decreased libido, dry mouth, itching, sweating, urinary retention, weakness, exaggerated high spirits and fatigue.
Considerations
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The side effects of fentanyl cannot be known for the individual patient until the drug is administered. Patients should be monitored closely when taking this medication. If the patch form of the drug is used, it should not be exposed to heat sources due to the risk of releasing the drug into the system at a faster rate than prescribed. This can cause a high risk of impaired breathing. It can be habit forming and this should be discussed with the physician prescribing the medication.
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