Fentanyl has existed for over 60 years now. It falls under the category of opioids and is a popular painkiller prescribed in the US. Let’s find out how long does Fentanyl stay in your system.
It is almost similar to the family of morphine and oxycodone. Fentanyl isn’t a plant-grown drug like the rest of other opioids. This is a lab-formulated opioid, which is why it comes under synthetic opioids.
Table of Contents
Types of fentanyl opioids
Pharmaceutical Fentanyl
This type of Fentanyl is mainly used for medical purposes. It is legally manufactured and used primarily as a painkiller for post-surgery or to treat severe pain. When a doctor prescribes, it is mainly given under Abstral, Duragesic, Lonsys, and Subsys. These prescribed ones are available in patches, lozenges, and tablets. Patches and Lozenges are believed to release much Fentanyl over time.
Illicitly Fentanyl
This type of Fentanyl comes in powder or liquid form. No doctor prescribes these as it is illegal for consumption. Addicts use the powder form illegally.
Though it is used solitarily, these are mixed with other opioids like methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The liquid ones are mainly used by manufacturing companies producing nasal sprays, eyedrops, paper products, or some edible stuff.
Consuming Fentanyl and getting addicted to it is very harmful. It may even have some effects that can cause the death of a person. Sometimes painkillers you consume without a doctor’s consultation might have opioids. However, doctors sometimes do prescribe it to treat severe pain post-surgery. Hence you need to know that painkillers should only be taken when the pain is unbearable.
How long does Fentanyl stay in your system
In the above section, you understood what Fentanyl is. Now, if you are wondering how long does Fentanyl stay in your system, the answers will be clear once you read the entire article. It will provide you with all the facts on Fentanyl.
There are different tests for detecting the drug in your system. If you are wondering how long does Fentanyl stay in your system, it depends on the type of detection you go for.
A blood test will show its presence for the next 48 hours from your last dose. If you are thinking about how long does Fentanyl stay in your system for a urine test, then it shows for the next three days in this case. Again, when you do the hair follicle test, the presence of Fentanyl can be seen for the next three months.
Why should not consume Fentanyl
Have you ever used Fentanyl before? If yes, then you would know that it gives a euphoric feeling. However, this is not the only effect that Fentanyl has. It affects your body along with your mind. The impact can even be fatal and deadly. Hence it is essential to know the consequences of this drug.
Fentanyl is a drug that can suppress the functioning of your nervous system. Research has also shown that people experience a change in their heart rate, body temperature, and breathing.
These are due to the dopamine released in your body because of the drug. As you release dopamine, the happy glands also elevate, making you feel sedated and relaxed. However, if you do not control its dosage, dopamine can make your brain stop working independently, causing severe damage to your brain.
Results of fentanyl consumption
If you have been taking Fentanyl regularly and have tried quitting it lately, some symptoms are prevalent to experience—for example, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. You may also have trouble focusing and making decisions. There may be changes in your heart rate as well as shallow breathing.
Did you know that overdoes on Fentanyl, and other opioids have contributed to the death rate of the population? Without being prescribed, if you take these drugs regularly, they can cause a slow death. As per reports, 150 people lose their lives every day because of an overdose of such opioids.
The drugs may sometime contain a dangerous amount of Fentanyl which may not be noticeable to you. You will not be able to taste, smell, or see it. Hence if you feel you are getting addicted to a particular medication, reach out to your physician and change the dosage accordingly.
There are also test strips available that shows the presence of opioid in your drug. These test strips can give you results within a few minutes that can help you get the proper medication for yourself.
At first, if the test comes negative, try taking the caution test strips to be 100% sure. Drug dealers often tend to mix Fentanyl along with other opioids like cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and methamphetamine.
Since Fentanyl has an addictive property with little use, it is mixed with other opioids. It makes a cheaper version to make people high and addicted.
Untreated disorders can eventually cause fentanyl addiction. Mental health must be addressed immediately, along with treating opioid addiction, to increase the chance of successful recovery.
Treating opioid addiction becomes difficult as the understanding level and handling of the situation are hampered by mental stress.
Side effects of Fentanyl
Everything that you consume affects you. Even Fentanyl has impacts on your body as you consume it. Like other opioids like morphine and heroin, fentanyl wocontrolshe emotions and pain in your brain.
The brain starts adapting the drug in the system to reject everything apart from it. The brain only wants the drug that overtakes the control of its functioning.
The effects of Fentanyl include:
- Happy glands: With Fentanyl, the dopamine released makes you release the happy hormones, which make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
- Drowsiness: As you consume Fentanyl, it is common for you to feel drowsy.
- Nausea: Feeling nauseated is another effect of fentanyl consumption.
- Confusion: Sometimes, confusion is also one of the side effects of fentanyl consumption.
- Constipation: Being constipated and feeling full all the time may also result from Fentanyl. Drinking water and keeping yourself hydrated may give you relief from constipation.
- Sedation: Sedatives make you feel relaxed and light. The same effect fentanyl has on you.
- Breathing: You may experience breathing issues with the use of Fentanyl.
- Unconsciousness: Fentanyl controls the mind and emotions so that you may feel unconscious.
Once the medicine starts, you may begin to feel the symptoms of Fentanyl. Some initial symptoms are feeling low on energy, constipated and sleepy most of the time.
To reduce the drug’s effect, you can try involving yourself in activities that interest you. Stay active, talk to your friends and family, and share your emotions.
It can help you to clear your vision. Constipation can be controlled with proper hydration. As you hydrate yourself, constipation may subside.
Can you overdose on Fentanyl?
Once your body gets used to the medicine, it is normal for you to get habituated to it. Anything taken for a more extended period leaves its consequences in the long run. Hence how long does Fentanyl stay in your system is a matter of concern.
If your doctor prescribed you Fentanyl, check with your doctor for the timeline and dosage. Do not go overboard with the dosage. If your pain doesn’t subside even after taking Fentanyl, always check with your doctor before increasing the dosage. Hence to avoid addiction, always take the drug as per the prescription.
As a normal human tendency, it might form an addiction when you regularly consume it. For example, if you start taking coconut water every day first thing in the morning, eventually, you will get addicted to it.
It doesn’t matter whether it is a good or bad habit; as long as the body gets used to something, it becomes an addiction. Hence when your doctor prescribes the medication, check with him for the options to avoid addiction.
If you have to take the medication for a more extended period, the doctor would have mentioned the instruction on its dosage. Like when can you stop taking medicine, and if you need to follow any specific diet? Also, check if there are any restrictions on your smoking and drinking habits as it may induce a reaction to Fentanyl.
One must, at all times, avoid drinking along with Fentanyl consumption. Because of its properties, you will feel drowsy, and with alcohol, you may worsen the condition.
When you start your medication, discuss your medical history with your doctor. Your doctor needs to be informed if you have been on any medication.
How long does the fentanyl patch stay in your system
Now that you know what Fentanyl is, let’s now discuss what does these fentanyl patches do and how long does Fentanyl stay in your system.
So, fentanyl patches relieve pain, which works better than tablets and lozenges because it has a more prolonged effect. Doctors often offer such patches during cancer treatment.
Fentanyl is available in many forms, like nasal sprays, injections, lollipops, and sublingual tablets. Since you already know the properties of Fentanyl, there are chances of misuse or abuse, resulting in overdose. Such overdose can also lead to death.
The overdose causes breathing issues because of the decreased oxygen levels reaching your brain. This condition is known as hypoxia. This can often lead to coma, permanent brain disorder, or even death.
These patches release Fentanyl of around 12-100 micrograms every hour. Ensure the patch is well intact in your skin to get the best results. If you lose your patch, don’t allow anyone else to use the same.
The patch generally stays for about three days. However, if it falls off, get another patch and dispose of the older one carefully.
The patch should not expose to direct heat or sunlight. In case of excessive sunlight, Fentanyl might absorb through your skin, increasing the chances of overdose. For example, you should avoid long hot water baths, electric blankets, saunas, sunbathing, and heat pads.
Though you can go swimming and have showers without restrictions, check afterward if the patch is still intact and dry pat the area carefully.
Used patches can still have Fentanyl in them, which can threaten others. Hence be responsible while disposing of it.
Tips to remember when on Fentanyl
You now have the answer to how long Fentanyl stays in your system. However, there are a few tips that you should remember while you’re on the medication.
- You must inform your doctor if you’re already on opioids because it may harm your body and mind.
- Take Fentanyl as prescribed. Please do not take it in huge quantities. Do not increase the dosage without your doctor’s permission.
- Never share your Fentanyl with someone else. The misuse of this drug can have some severe effects. Also, opioid is illegal, and giving or selling them without a proper prescription is a crime.
- If you have been taking a particular type of Fentanyl, do not change it without your doctor’s permission. If taking fentanyl patches, do not change it to a tablet or a spray without consulting the doctor.
- Pack and store fentanyl at average room temperature.
- It is essential to keep it away from pets and children.
- If you have leftover opioids after your treatment, get them back to the pharmacist. Do not leave them unattended.
Final thoughts
As you are at the end of this article, you must now be aware of everything you should know about Fentanyl. If you need help with fentanyl addiction, contact your doctor immediately.