Abstral is available in sublingual pill form. That means Abstral is a pill you put under your tongue to allow it to dissolve, releasing the pain relief into your body. The different strengths available are identified by shape and markings on the pills, so it’s hard to mistakenly receive the wrong dose. Abstral is quickly absorbed into the body and you will start feeling pain relief within 30 minutes. Another dose of Abstral can be given no less than 2 hours after that dose. There are some factors, detailed below, which will determine how long Abstral will stay in your system, but the average is about 110 hours.
Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects from Abstral and avoid any interaction medications, including alcohol, while it remains in your system. If you’re unsure about the safety of taking other medications or drinking alcohol after taking your prescription of Abstral, talk to your doctor, as some interactions can be fatal.
Abstral Prescription Facts
Abstral is an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for sudden breakthrough pain in patients who are already on a regular opioid regimen for cancer pain. Patients who are not already on a chronic opioid therapy schedule are not recommended Abstral. Taking Abstral without already taking opioids on a regular basis can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and death.
It’s important to note that Abstral is not like other prescriptions containing fentanyl. Its dosage cannot be changed to resemble other prescriptions because it’s absorbed differently. Treating it the same as other products containing fentanyl could lead to an accidental overdose. Only take Abstral as directed by your doctor.
As with most prescriptions, there is a chance of side effects while taking Abstral. These side effects may include:
- Slow heart rate
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Sighing
- Severe drowsiness
- Confusion
- Extreme fear
- Unusual thoughts or behavior
- Feeling faint
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately, as some may be serious. Your doctor will decide if Abstral is the right choice to handle your breakthrough pain.
Abstral Regulations
Abstral contains fentanyl and is listed under the Controlled Substance Act in the United States as a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II controlled substances have a high potential for psychological addiction and misuse. Refills of prescription drugs on this list are not allowed, and only a doctor who is licensed to prescribe opiates can prescribe Abstral.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs Containing Abstral
Abstral is not present in any other drugs, but it does contain fentanyl, which is present in many other prescriptions. Fentanyl, and thereby Abstral, has a high potential for addiction, so it’s important to only take Abstral as prescribed by your doctor. Equally important is to only take it for its intended use, to manage breakthrough pain.
If you feel you or a loved one is misusing Abstral, don’t wait to get help. Go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call 24/7 to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the road to recovery. We can help you overcome your addiction today.
How Abstral Affects the Brain and Body
Abstral effects receptors in the central nervous system to regulate how your brain and body perceive pain. This prescription also affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and immune systems.
Disclose all of your medications to your doctor, including prescription, non-prescription, and supplements, to ensure you have no adverse reactions while taking Abstral.
Do not abruptly stop taking Abstral, as there may be severe withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor to receive assistance weaning off of this prescription.
Half-Life of Abstral
The half-life of a medication is the time it takes for the effectiveness to be cut in half after a patient has taken their final dose. The terminal half-life for Abstral is about 20 hours.
Factors That Influence How Long Abstral Stays in Your System
There are several factors that influence how long Abstral will be prevalent in your system. These factors include age, weight, body fat, metabolism, liver and kidney function, dosage, length of time taking the medication, medical condition, and other medications you are taking.
Since there are so many factors influencing the length of time Abstral is in your system, consult your doctor before taking any other medications or drinking alcohol even after you’ve stopped taking Abstral.
How Long Does Abstral Stay in Your Urine, Hair, and Blood?
Abstral is a narcotic and will show up in a drug test screening, so it’s important to inform your drug test administrator that you are taking or have recently taken this prescription. Abstral will stay in your urine and blood for at least 5 days, but will stay in your hair considerably longer. Drug test on your hair can show traces of Abstral and other medications for up to 90 days after your last dose.
If you feel you or a loved one is suffering from substance use disorder, it’s not too late to stop drugs from taking over your life. The Recovery Village has well-trained staff standing by to answer your questions.
Abstral Withdrawal and Detox
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.