Overdose deaths caused by drugs have significantly increased during the last ten years. Much of this increase can be attributed to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid used to treat patients with either chronic or severe pain following surgery.
Overdose deaths increased in the US in 2021–2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And fentanyl overdose is the main cause of fatalities.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used to alleviate extreme pain, especially the kind that comes from having surgery or receiving cancer therapy. Although fentanyl is 50–100 times stronger than morphine, the physiological effects are comparable.
Side Effects of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl is a Schedule II medication. It means that it has some benefits to the medical field but needs supervision because of its addictive property. It has serious negative effects even when used as directed under medical supervision.
The following are some common examples of these effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- A confused mental state
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Impaired body balance
- Slurred speech
- Lack of appetite
Addiction and overdose are also the effects of fentanyl use.
Other Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl
Many additional long-term issues may result from long-term fentanyl abuse or use. Examples of these issues include:
- Impaired breathing
- An unstable mood
- Chronic constipation
- Changes in your libido
- Menstrual problems in women
- Brain problem
- Liver problem
Some long-term effects of fentanyl are irreversible. Seeking help as soon as possible is recommended to avoid these long-term effects.
Consequences of Combining Fentanyl with Other Drugs
Several individuals who abuse fentanyl also abuse other drugs. Polydrug abuse is the term for this behavior.
Risky polydrug usage comes in two kinds. One involves mixing fentanyl and alcohol. The second one combines the medication with a sedative. Your central nervous system is slowed down by fentanyl, alcohol, and sedatives. It is why you are far more prone to overdose if you abuse any of them simultaneously.
Where to Seek Help for Fentanyl Addiction?
If you want to recover from fentanyl addiction, Skyward Treatment is here for you. Our medical staff are all licensed experts ready to guide you.
If you want to learn more about our Fentanyl Addiction Treatment, do not hesitate to reach out. We are located in Houston, Texas.
Start your recovery now!