Fentanyl Patch Withdrawal
Fentanyl is a wildly potent opioid pain reliever. It’s reserved for cases when regular painkillers are not enough. In these tough cases of cancer, or people living in severe pain, fentanyl can be useful when taken strictly as prescribed.
Unfortunately, fentanyl can result in addiction, even when used for only a short period of time. Illegal manufacturing and “cutting” methods are dangerous and can quickly lead to a life-threatening emergency.
However, even legal methods of taking it can put you at risk of an addiction. Learn the signs of fentanyl patch abuse and help stop it before it's too late.
When are Fentanyl Patches Prescribed?
Fentanyl transdermal patches are only prescribed when patients are experiencing a high level of pain and can't take oral medication.
There are two kinds of fentanyl patches. The original featured a reservoir of liquid fentanyl. These are less common now because they’re easier to abuse. Patches now have a gel matrix that the fentanyl is suspended in.
These patches can also help keep dosage within the prescribed amount. It releases the fentanyl steadily within the desired timeframes, often three days.
Fentanyl Patch Abuse
Someone who is prescribed fentanyl patches are at risk of addiction. The strong effects of the drug can create a sense of dependence, even when taken in the prescribed amount. The likelihood of addiction is higher for individuals with other risk factors, such as current mental health problems and prior substance abuse disorders.
Taking fentanyl exactly as prescribed can help decrease the chances of addiction. Issues arise when people begin to change patches more frequently than they’re supposed to. This causes the dosage to be higher for a time after changing the patch. Some individuals might choose to chew on their used patches to “get every last drop” out.
Another common way fentanyl patches are abused is by removing the substance from the patch with a syringe and injecting intravenously. This is why most patches use the gel matrix instead of liquid. It’s much easier to remove the fentanyl from the patch if it’s liquid.
If you are prescribed fentanyl patches or know someone who is, watch for these signs of addiction. The unfortunate truth is that it’s easy to become addicted to it, and someone who isn’t prescribed them can get their hands on them to use illegally. If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, call Sequoia Behavioral Health to start addiction recovery.
Why It’s So Important to Only Use Fentanyl Patches as Prescribed
The most common side effects amongst nearly all substance use disorders include problems with:
- Finances
- Relationships
- Mental health
- Physical health
These issues are also present in fentanyl addiction, but abusing fentanyl often comes with dangers unlike other substances.
A fatal dose of fentanyl is only 2 milligrams, and overdoses happen quickly. Patches have a slow-release mechanism meant to administer a small amount over time. The speed the drug is released is dependent on the prescription. They often come anywhere between 12.5-100 micrograms per hour. That means a single patch is meant to last 72 hours can be a fatal dose if taken all at once.
People who apply a new patch a little bit earlier than prescribed are also taking a risk. When a patch is removed, there is fentanyl on the skin that hasn’t been absorbed yet. The patch may be done releasing, but there is still an amount to be absorbed over time.
Fentanyl Patch Withdrawal
Withdrawal happens when someone who was physically dependent on the substance stops using it, or uses less than they did before. Physical dependence occurs through regular use or abuse of the substance and can occur more quickly for certain substances. Fentanyl is one of those substances.
Opioid use disorder can develop in those who take prescription opioids—even when they strictly use it only as prescribed.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawals may or may not include all of these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Fever
It’s not necessary for someone to experience all of these symptoms for it to be a withdrawal. Doctors will use the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) to measure the severity of the symptoms and create a plan for moving forward.
In some situations, medically assisted treatment (MAT) might be necessary. Whether MAT is recommended or not, addiction specialists advise seeking help from a healthcare professional through addiction treatment programs.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
The time it takes to feel withdrawal symptoms depends on dosage and how long fentanyl was being taken. Generally, symptoms begin within 9-24 hours after the last dose. Because fentanyl patches administer the drug through the skin, it takes a while for it to fully enter the system. This can make the withdrawal timeline a bit longer compared to that of drugs taken intravenously. Typically, opioid withdrawal lasts approximately a week
Once withdrawal symptoms begin, they will typically be the worst during the first three days. It’s most important to seek help during this detoxification process.
Managing Fentanyl Patch Withdrawal
It’s important to stop taking fentanyl under medical supervision. Detoxing from fentanyl can be intense, but it’s worth it in order to regain control of your life.
Quitting cold turkey may not be the best option for everyone. Instead, some medical professionals prefer to taper the dose over time. Over a length of time, a doctor will gradually reduce the dose until it’s zero. The time this could take is different for everyone, and depends on many factors relating to your addiction.
MAT options are also used to decrease the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is a very mild opioid that is often used to treat opioid withdrawals. Its effects are barely noticeable, especially compared to the intensity of fentanyl, so it’s ideal to taper someone with an intense physical dependence on opioids off of them.
Manage Addiction and Withdrawal
We understand that being prescribed fentanyl transdermal patches comes with baggage. They’re usually only prescribed in dire situations. If you struggle with fentanyl patch addiction, you may be a candidate for inpatient or partial hospitalization treatment here at Sequoia Behavioral Health. We can work with you to reduce and eliminate your usage and find other ways to manage your pain.