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Learn how we develop our content. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Pronunciation: FEN ta nil. What is the most important information I should know about fentanyl? What is fentanyl? When fentanyl is taken by mouth or by intravenous IV injection, it has a stronger effect than most other opioids.
The only way to be sure your fentanyl is real is to get it prescribed by a doctor. However, drugs bought on the street are never safe. The most dangerous side effect of fentanyl is it can cause you to stop breathing, which can lead to death. Yes, fentanyl can be addictive.
If you use opioids a lot, you may find that you develop a tolerance and need more and more to feel the same effects. You can become mentally and physically dependent on fentanyl. Mild withdrawal symptoms usually start between 12 to 30 hours after the last time you took fentanyl. While the worst symptoms pass within a few days, it can take months to feel normal.
However, if you're using fentanyl to relieve pain rather than using it as a recreational drug it's very unlikely you will get addicted to it because you're not using it to get a "high". You're more likely to get addicted if you use fentanyl when you're not in pain. It is also more likely if you've been addicted to alcohol or drugs in the past, or you have severe depression or anxiety. This does not mean you cannot use fentanyl.
However, your doctor will need to know about your past and current drug and alcohol use to be able to prescribe fentanyl safely. They will help you watch out for any warning signs of addiction.
If you're addicted to fentanyl you may find it difficult to stop using it or feel you want to use it more often than you need to. Talk to your doctor about getting help with addiction if you're worried or you want to stop taking fentanyl.
If you need to take fentanyl for a long time your body can become tolerant to it. This is not usually a problem. However, you could get withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
If you want to stop taking fentanyl, talk to your doctor first. Your dose can be reduced gradually so you do not get withdrawal symptoms. If you have been taking fentanyl for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. Fold your used patches in half so that the sticky sides stick to each other and then put it back in the packet it came in.
Return any used or unused patches to your pharmacist who will destroy them safely. Fentanyl acts on different pain signals in the brain to some other opioids. The pain relief and side effects will be different for everyone. Your doctor may prescribe fentanyl if you have had side effects from other opioids.
The way you take fentanyl is different to some other painkillers. Fentanyl is not absorbed very well by swallowing tablets. Instead your body absorbs it through your skin, your nostrils, or your tongue or the inside of your cheek. Some people find skin patches more convenient as it means they do not need to take tablets or capsules regularly.
It's best not to drink alcohol when you first start taking or using fentanyl until you see how it affects you. Drinking alcohol while taking fentanyl will make you more sleepy and increases the risk of serious side effects. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of fentanyl in your body so it's a good idea not to drink more than a large glass of it.
Fentanyl does not affect any type of contraception including the combined pill or emergency contraception. But if fentanyl makes you sick vomit your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. If this happens, follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with your contraceptive pills.
Find out what to do if you're on the pill and you're sick or have diarrhoea. There's no clear evidence to suggest that fentanyl reduces fertility in women or men. Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying for a baby. They may want to review your treatment.
Do not drive a car or ride a bike if fentanyl makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start on fentanyl but could happen at any time — for example when starting another medicine. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive.
If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Even if your ability to drive is not affected, the police have the right to request a saliva sample to check how much fentanyl is in your body. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking fentanyl. If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, while you're taking fentanyl, you're more likely to get the serious side effects.
These include breathing difficulties, heart problems such as high blood pressure , seizure or fits and even going into a coma. Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, will also increase the risk of side effects from fentanyl — it may make you feel really sleepy or dizzy. Taking heroin while you're on fentanyl is especially dangerous.
You're more likely to get all the side effects of fentanyl. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on fentanyl. Page last reviewed: 15 April Next review due: 15 April Fentanyl - Brand names: Durogesic, Matrifen, Fencino, Fentalis, Suplimaze, Actiq On this page About fentanyl Key facts Who can and cannot take fentanyl How and when to take it Taking fentanyl with other painkillers Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About fentanyl Fentanyl is a strong opioid painkiller. Fentanyl is available only on prescription. It comes as: patches to be put on your skin lozenges and tablets that dissolve in the mouth nasal spray injections usually only given in hospital Fentanyl patches are used for long-lasting pain. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? The most common side effects of fentanyl are constipation, and feeling sick and sleepy. It is possible to become addicted to fentanyl, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted.
If you need to take fentanyl for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine. It's best not to drink alcohol when you first start taking or using fentanyl. You're more likely to get side effects such as feeling sleepy or drowsy.
Tell a doctor or nurse about your fentanyl patch if you're having any treatment or tests. Also, remind your pharmacist about your patch when you collect prescriptions or buy other medicines. Fentanyl can be used by most adults. Tell your doctor before starting this medicine if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to fentanyl or any other medicines have breathing difficulties such as asthma or a lung condition are addicted to alcohol or a heavy drinker have a head injury or condition that causes fits or seizures have irregular heartbeats arrhythmia have adrenal gland problems have kidney or liver problems have an enlarged prostate have low blood pressure are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you use opioid medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use fentanyl in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine. Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Selling or giving away opioid medicine is against the law. If you switch from using fentanyl citrate to using other forms of fentanyl, you will not use the same dose.
If you use the same dose of each medication, you may have life-threatening overdose symptoms. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Do not eat or drink anything while a fentanyl citrate unit is in your mouth. You must not use more than 2 units of this medicine to treat an episode of breakthrough cancer pain.
Use only 1 unit at a time. Pay special attention to your dental hygiene. Fentanyl citrate can cause dry mouth leading to tooth decay. Do not stop using fentanyl citrate suddenly , or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Leave each unit in its child-proof blister pack until you are ready to use it. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Keep both used and unused fentanyl citrate units out of the reach of children or pets. The amount of fentanyl citrate in one unit can be fatal to a child who accidentally sucks on or swallows the unit. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
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