Fentanyl Withdrawal & Detox
At that point, your body becomes so accustomed to receiving regular doses of fentanyl that you will need to give it time to adjust to existing without the drug. During that period, your body will experience symptoms of withdrawal.
Early symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Body aches
- Watery eyes
- Sleep trouble
- Irritability
- Runny nose
- Sweating
Late symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Large pupils
- Goosebumps on skin
- Nausea and vomiting
The most common pharmaceuticals for opioid detox are as follows:
- Methadone – This may be the most famous of all opioid detox medications. Methadone assists in the detox process and alleviates cravings in the long term. In cases of long-term methadone therapy, dosage may be tapered over a period of several years. Methadone should only be used for a long period of time if you have repeatedly endured detox.
- Buprenorphine – Also known as the brand name Subutex, buprenorphine can help ease the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal and even help to shorten detox. It can be used for years on end. Like methadone, buprenorphine should only be used for a long period of time if you have repeatedly endured detox.
- Clonidine – While this medication does not alleviate cravings, it can help reduce some physical and mental signs, including anxiety, irritation, body aches, and more.
- Naltrexone – This medicine is used to prevent relapse. It reverses the effects of narcotics, and can be used as a life-saving tool in emergency medicine as well as detox.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700The stages are as follows:
- Stage 1 – The first time frame, which encompasses 1–2 days, is often the most difficult. This is when withdrawal symptoms are most severe. Symptoms usually begin within 6–12 hours of a person’s last fentanyl use.
- Stage 2 – Once the most severe withdrawal symptoms have been alleviated, the addict enters the second and final stage of fentanyl withdrawal. This stage occurs 3–5 days after a person’s last fentanyl use. Discomfort has decreased from stage 1, but a lessened level of discomfort may linger for two weeks.
After detox, it is crucial that you seek fentanyl addiction treatment. While ceasing drug use is certainly a step in the right direction, only experienced addiction treatment professionals can provide the kind of guidance you need to stay sober.
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Kosten, Thomas R., and Tony P. George. “The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment.” PubMed Central (PMC), Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, July 2002, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/.
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Clark, H. W. “Colleague Letter.” SAMHSA, 6 Feb. 2014
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See more topicsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700