Fentanyl Withdrawal Procedures and Expectations

Addictions to opioid derivatives are some of the most deadly and intense. Cravings can last for years after the last cessation. Without understanding their triggers and learning to cope with physical and emotional stressors, people can relapse. Without help from doctors and therapists, patients can struggle with Fentanyl and opioid addiction for years, risking their health, finances, and life.

Fortunately, there are resources available for people struggling with a Fentanyl addiction. Medical detox centers are proven to help people get and stay on a path of sobriety.

The withdrawal timeline varies by individual, but generally, symptoms can begin in as little as 12 to 24 hours after the last dose. Peak withdrawal symptoms will occur within 48 hours, lingering for up to a week. However, post-acute withdrawal symptoms are common and can remain for months or years after cessation. While physical symptoms subside within a week, emotional symptoms like depression, anxiety, and cravings can easily turn post-acute.

It’s crucial for those in recovery from an opioid addiction to receive ongoing help and maintenance from trained doctors. Replacement drugs like Buprenorphine/Naltrexone are incredibly effective at alleviating post-acute withdrawal cravings.

• Sweating
• Chills
• Aches, pains, and spasms
• A runny nose and tearful eyes
• Excessive yawning
• Stomach pain, and upset
• Trouble sleeping, breathing, and rapid heart rate
• Hypertension
• Exhaustion
• Insomnia

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Problems with memory or cognition
• Intense cravings

It’s not safe to go cold turkey with Fentanyl. The drug will lower a person’s respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. If the drug is suddenly stopped, these systems can go haywire. People can experience a sudden increase in blood pressure, which can lead to strokes or heart attacks. Also, Fentanyl withdrawals come with a host of long-lasting emotional issues. Without assistance, people who try to quit cold turkey can experience dangerous side effects and are at increased risk of relapse and harm.

Medical detox is always recommended for drugs like Fentanyl. Doctors can get patients on a weaning off schedule, where they are given ever-decreasing doses of Fentanyl. Or, doctors can completely replace the drug with Buprenorphine/Naltrexone. Giving the body time to wean off an opioid will lessen the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.

It is safe for patients to take replacement Fentanyl during detox. Beta blockers, short-term sleep aids, and antidepressants are all safe for detox.

It’s not safe for someone to detox without help. Fentanyl withdrawals are painful and potentially dangerous. Also, people undergoing detox from Fentanyl should not consume caffeine.

When attending medical detox, patients are first assessed for physical and mental health issues. They are also evaluated for polydrug use and any underlying physical problems which may interfere with or worsen the detox process.

Patients are also assigned a group of dedicated doctors, therapists, and social workers. This team of advocates works closely with the patient to help them during the withdrawal process, and beyond. Ongoing maintenance plans are custom-made for the individual, helping them learn ways to adjust to life without drugs. Without ongoing support, patients can quickly relapse and risk their lives.

Unlike other opioid drugs, Fentanyl comes in an extended release form. What this means is that the drug is slowly released into the bloodstream and lingers for a longer time in the body. Once someone quits, Fentanyl may take a lot longer to reach its half-life, meaning withdrawal symptoms can take longer to show up. Regardless of which opioid drug a person is addicted to, all can be helped with assistance from a medical detox center.

Everyone is different. Drug abuse and withdrawal will present in different ways for different people. A person’s age, weight, metabolic rate, and overall health can influence the withdrawal timeline. Also, if a person is a polydrug abuser or has used Fentanyl for a long time, they may experience more intense symptoms or longer-lasting symptoms. Despite these factors, anyone can get help for a Fentanyl addiction. Medical detox and rehab centers are staffed with knowledgeable, caring professionals who understand that addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. With help from proven medical treatment and therapy regimens, patients can go on to live a life of sobriety.