If you’ve been taking fentanyl, whether with a doctor’s prescription or not, and you’ve started to experience side effects, you might be wondering if they’re related. How can you know which side effects are the side effects of fentanyl?
Fentanyl addiction, like any substance use disorder, can affect anyone. It doesn’t discriminate based on background, income, family history, or anything. While there are risk factors that can impact your chances of developing a fentanyl use disorder, they’re never guarantees.
Here at Pacific Sands, we know that opioid use impacts many people. Over 13 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2022 and nearly 90% of all opioid overdoses were related to fentanyl. Our team provides an intimate setting where we work with you to help you set up a strong foundation for recovery. Let’s talk more about the side effects of fentanyl so you know what to look for in yourself or a loved one.
What Are the Short-Term And Immediate Side Effects Of Fentanyl Misuse?
When it comes to side effects, they come in two primary forms. The short-term effects are the ones you primarily experience while a drug is in your system. People don’t always experience side effects when taking any substance, medically prescribed or not. Side effects can sometimes have a higher chance of happening if you have multiple drugs in your system or can be impacted by your history of substance use.
Some common short-term side effects of fentanyl include rashes, fatigue, headaches, constipation, vertigo, nausea, and loss of appetite.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Fentanyl Addiction?
Long-term effects start to show up after someone has been taking a substance for a long time, especially in the case of substance misuse. For fentanyl, this can include taking it outside of a medical prescription or frequently in combination with other substances.
With fentanyl, these side effects can range from how they make themselves known. What’s important to know is that many side effects, even long-term, can sometimes be managed or fully addressed with proper treatment and care.
Physical And Behavioral Side Effects Of Fentanyl Misuse
Some of the most common side effects of long-term fentanyl misuse include:
- Mood instability
- Reduced libido
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Constipation
- Increased chances of experiencing depression
Other Side Effects Of Fentanyl Misuse
The more often you misuse fentanyl, the higher your risk of overdosing or experiencing withdrawal.
Overdosing occurs when you have too much of a substance, or multiple substances, in your system at once. It can cause it to shut down and be potentially fatal, especially when opioids are involved. If you notice someone is becoming nonresponsive, their breathing is slowed, their skin is turning blue, or they start seizing – there’s a high chance they’re experiencing a fentanyl overdose. Narcan can be administered to help stop an opioid overdose. Never be afraid of legal repercussions for calling for medical help for an overdose. The Good Samaritan Law prevents you from getting persecuted for seeking medical assistance.
Withdrawals are what occur when your body has become accustomed to a substance being in your system. When that substance is no longer present, your body has to adjust to it not being there. This can cause side effects like anxiety, nausea, cramping, depression, or intense cravings.
Strong cravings can often be the largest part of withdrawals for those managing any form of opioid use disorder. There are options available in recovery, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), that can help address these cravings and other side effects so you can focus on your recovery.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment And Recovery At Pacific Sands
If you’re experiencing side effects from fentanyl use, our team at Pacific Sands is here to help. We offer a comprehensive treatment plan including fentanyl detox programs, as well as inpatient and medication-assisted treatment programs. With our intimate setting and hands-on staff, we will work with your needs to help craft a treatment plan that works for you. We know our clients can have busy schedules and professional lives to be concerned with, too.
We want to help fit recovery into your life. Our team of medical professionals here at Pacific Sands is ready to work with you to craft a recovery plan to fit your needs and schedule. Give us a call anytime at 949-426-7962 and we’ll help you get started today.
