Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid pain reliever. If you’ve become addicted to Fentanyl and want to stop using it, you can get clean.
Withdrawal from fentanyl can be intense and challenging, but there sure has to be a way. The first step is withdrawal, but what does withdrawing from Fentanyl involve? What should you expect?
We’ll answer these questions in some detail, so read on!
In this article
Early Withdrawal Symptoms
The early stages of withdrawal can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. Commonly experienced symptoms may include:
- anxiety
- sweating
- insomnia
- nausea
- irritability
- headaches
- muscle pains
- increased heart rate
These fentanyl withdrawal side effects ordinarily top during the initial two to four days of withdrawal. In addition, you may experience intense cravings for the drug and strong psychological effects such as:
- increased anxiety
- depression
- difficulty concentrating
It is vital to have consistent reassurance and sufficient clinical consideration all through the withdrawal interaction from Fentanyl. As you keep on advancing through fentanyl withdrawals, these side effects will gradually start to diminish and in the end vanish out and out. With some patience and perseverance, you can complete your withdrawal from Fentanyl.
Gastrointestinal Distress
When withdrawing from Fentanyl, gastrointestinal distress is a very common side effect. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms of abdominal distress that can result from the withdrawal of Fentanyl.
These can become more severe over time, so it is important to take steps to reduce the severity of the gastrointestinal distress itself. To prepare for this, it is important to gradually decrease the dosage of Fentanyl over time. Make sure to also:
- get plenty of rest
- exercise regularly
- consume plenty of fluids
- consume plenty of fiber
If gastrointestinal distress remains, over-the-counter medications can help with those symptoms, but it is important to consult with a doctor first before taking anything.
Flu-Like Symptoms
After a dependency is formed, one of the most difficult obstacles is the process of inpatient and outpatient detox and withdrawal from fentanyl use. Withdrawal from fentanyl is known to cause an array of physical and psychological effects known as flu-like symptoms.
More severe symptoms may include involuntary muscle spasms, insomnia, and even hallucinations and delusions. All these symptoms can last for varied lengths of time and range in intensity if one does not go through the steps to start a recovery journey with Fentanyl right.
Duration and Peak
Withdrawal from Fentanyl use has a range in duration and levels of peak intensity. Generally speaking, symptoms start within 24 hours after discontinuation and range from mild to severe, depending on the person’s level of use.
Peak intensity usually occurs between 48-72 hours after the last use, after which intensity begins to decline, but symptoms may still last anywhere from several days to several weeks. Some individuals may experience one or more post-acute withdrawal symptoms, such as vivid dreams and anxiety, for months after they stop using Fentanyl, even if the physical symptoms have abated.
Know What to Expect When Withdrawing From Fentanyl
Withdrawing from fentanyl can be a painful, difficult process, but it is possible. Withdrawal symptoms are most intense during the first few days and weeks but continue for several weeks or longer.
Working with a doctor to come off Fentanyl slowly and safely is the best option. Don’t let withdrawal stop you from reclaiming your life. Contact a doctor today to get started.
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