Opioids are a class of drugs that cause central nervous system depression, euphoria, pain relief, and feelings of pleasure. Some of them are available by prescription to manage chronic or severe pain, while others (like heroin) are illegal. Unfortunately, opioid use disorder often leads to overdose deaths because of the potency of these drugs.
One of the most notorious opioids for life-threatening overdoses is fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “More than 107,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2023, with nearly 70 percent of those deaths attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.”[1]
If you are addicted to fentanyl, you have probably experienced withdrawal before. Opioid withdrawal occurs when you stop using fentanyl after a period of dependency. You might experience symptoms like fever, restlessness, fatigue, vomiting, etc.
Fentanyl withdrawal occurs within 12 to 48 hours after the last dose. It can last for up to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of your fentanyl addiction. Because of how severe fentanyl withdrawal can be, you should always seek help from a medical detox program.
In this article, you will learn:
- What symptoms does fentanyl withdrawal cause?
- What is the fentanyl withdrawal timeline?
- How does treatment for fentanyl withdrawal work?
What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?
Fentanyl causes mind-altering effects and pain relief by attaching to opioid receptors in your brain. When you use it frequently, your brain adjusts to the presence of the substance. If your opioid receptors stop receiving fentanyl, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
The common physical and psychological symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches, a runny nose, and chills
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
- Muscle and joint pain
- Stomach aches and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feelings of weakness
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Intense cravings for fentanyl
- Respiratory problems
The withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with fentanyl can range from mild to severe, depending on your history of addiction. The longer you’ve been using fentanyl, the worse your symptoms will be. Because it can be hard to overcome withdrawal on your own, attending a medical detox program can prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.
How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
The fentanyl withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person depending on factors like your medical history, how long you’ve been using fentanyl, and what dose of fentanyl you consumed. That said, there is a general timeline that most people follow.
12 to 48 Hours
The initial symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal will begin within 12 to 48 hours after you last consumed it. Most of the early symptoms are mild, sometimes causing you to feel like you are coming down with the flu. You might also notice cravings or urges to use fentanyl, which is why you must be receiving care and medical supervision from a detox center.
2 to 4 Days
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms usually peak between the 2nd and 4th day of withdrawal. In other words, your symptoms will be at their most severe. You might notice intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, strong cravings, severe depression or anxiety, and flu-like symptoms.
Because it can be incredibly hard to cope with the physical and psychological effects of fentanyl withdrawal, you should enter a detox program before you reach this stage. During detox, you’ll be given FDA-approved medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, reducing the risk of severe effects and making it easier to achieve long-term sobriety.
5 Days to 2 Weeks
After 5 days of withdrawal, your symptoms will become less severe. It is common for physical symptoms to completely subside. That said, you’ll continue to deal with mental health effects for about 1 to 2 weeks.
If you experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal for more than two weeks, you might have post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition causes the mental health effects of withdrawal to linger longer than usual. Thankfully, medical detox centers are equipped to manage the symptoms associated with PAWS.
How Does Detox Manage Fentanyl Withdrawal?
The first step in the addiction treatment process is medical detox. These programs help you cope with withdrawal symptoms and cravings using medical supervision, medications, and treatments like IV fluids or blood pressure medicine. You’ll also have access to 24/7 support from a mental health professional.
When you arrive at a medical detox program for fentanyl, you’ll undergo an in-depth assessment that allows the team to create an individualized treatment plan. From there, you’ll meet with a doctor to discuss your current symptoms and receive medication to control your withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is most common to take medications like methadone or Suboxone to manage fentanyl withdrawal.
Over time, the dose of your medication will be lowered until you no longer need it. This ensures you do not have to become dependent on another medication. Once you have overcome fentanyl withdrawal, you can transfer into an inpatient or outpatient rehab program that offers evidence-based treatments like behavioral therapies to help you address the root causes of your addiction.
Get Connected to a Fentanyl Detox Center
If you or a loved one suffers from fentanyl addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At Palm City Wellness, we offer an evidence-based and individualized approach to treating opioid addiction.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you overcome fentanyl withdrawal.
References:
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Overdose Deaths Decline, Fentanyl Threat Looms