Transdermal fentanyl is a strong opioid that poses a risk for abuse, dependence and overdose. If you struggle with these products, rehab treatment can help you quit fentanyl.
Fentanyl is aSchedule II narcoticreserved for those with severe ongoing pain, often due to cancer. This medication is classified as anopioid analgesicand reduces pain by changing how the brain and body react to pain. Several forms of fentanyl exist, including a skin patch version that is known as a transdermal dosage.
Article at a Glance:
- Transdermal fentanyl patches release fentanyl into the body through the skin. They include the discontinued brand name, Ionsys, the brand nameDuragesicand a generic version.
- As a Schedule II narcotic, transdermal fentanyl patches are athigh risk of abuse, addiction and dependence.
- The most common side effects of fentanyl patches include nausea, vomiting and redness at the application site.
- If you struggle with transdermal fentanyl products, a rehab program can help you quit fentanyl.
What is a Transdermal Fentanyl Patch?
As their name suggests, transdermal fentanyl patches release fentanyl into the bloodstream through the skin.Fentanylis a drug prescribed to treat severe pain, usually caused by serious conditions like cancer. A person needs to betolerant to opioidsbefore being prescribed fentanyl due to therisk of overdose. For this reason, transdermal fentanyl is intended for ongoing or chronic pain and should not be taken as needed.
Ionsys was the brand name for a specific transdermal fentanyl patch reserved for hospital use. It has since been discontinued. A separate transdermal fentanyl patch, available both as a generic drug and under the brand nameDuragesic, is currently available in pharmacies with a prescription.
Transdermal Fentanyl Addiction
As a controlled substance, transdermal fentanyl can cause dependence or a substance use disorder. Fentanyl triggers the brain’s reward pathway, which often leads to addiction. Fentanyl is alsoup to 100 times strongerthan morphine, making it susceptible to misuse even at the dosage recommended by a doctor.
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Severe ongoing pain is often exhausting, so it can be tempting to cut your transdermal fentanyl patch or use multiple patches at the same time. Doing so, unfortunately, can come with serious side effects, including a deadly overdose. Always take your prescription as directed to reduce your risk of harm.
Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects of Abuse
People who misuse opioids like transdermal fentanyl oftenshow many side effects. These can include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Slowed breathing
Signs someone could have a fentanyl addictioninclude:
- Continuing to use fentanyl, despite harmful side effects or consequences
- Feeling out of control over fentanyl
- Intense cravings for fentanyl
- Failed attempts to stop taking or cut down on fentanyl
- Social and relationship problems because of fentanyl
- Putting oneself in risky or dangerous situations to get fentanyl
- Focusing one’s energy on fentanyl
- Having problems with meeting responsibilities because of fentanyl
Transdermal Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl acts directly on the brain stem, which controls automatic breathing. Individuals experiencing an overdose may become unresponsive and be entirely unaware of their surroundings. The primarysymptoms of a transdermal fentanyl overdoseinclude:
- Pale, cold or clammy skin
- Going limp
- Blue or purple nails or lips
- Vomiting or making gurgling noises
- Unable to be roused
- Slowed breathing
A transdermal fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency.If you have the opioid reversal agent naloxone, sold under the brand nameNarcan, you should administer it right away and then call 911. Even if the overdose victim appears to be improving, it is important to seek medical help. Naloxone can wear off within30 minutesand put the person at risk of going back into an overdose, which can be fatal.
Transdermal Fentanyl and Alcohol
Transdermal fentanyl patches should not be used while drinking alcohol.Because fentanyl is an opioid that can cause drowsiness and confusion, it should not be combined with any substances that can magnify those effects. As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol can cause a loss of coordination, drowsiness and nausea.Taking alcohol with fentanylcan not only compound these effects but also cause blackouts and dangerous symptoms.
Long-Term Consequences
Some patients who have been using transdermal fentanyl patches for an extended period of time may experience long-term effects. This can include deficiency of the androgen hormone, which cancause:
- Low libido
- Impotence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Irregular or stopped menstruation
- Infertility
Transdermal Fentanyl Withdrawal
Set up a meeting with your doctor if you are interested in stopping your transdermal fentanyl treatment. You should never stop using transdermal fentanyl suddenly, or “cold turkey,” or adjust your treatment schedule without your doctor’s recommendation. In most cases, doctors will gradually lower a patient’s transdermal fentanyl dose over time so the body can respond to less of the medication and help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Common withdrawal symptomsof using transdermal fentanyl patches include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Hot and cold flashes
- Sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Watery eyes and/or nose
- Diarrhea
It is much more likely for a patient toexperience fentanyl withdrawal symptomsif they suddenly stop taking the medication. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about tapering down your dosage over time.
Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Duration
The course of transdermal fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Factors can include your dose and how long you have taken the drug. The earliest symptoms of withdrawal usually begin between8 and 24hours after the last dose.
Transdermal Fentanyl Addiction Treatment & Detox
The Recovery Villageoffers multiple resources and treatment programsfor those who struggle with transdermal fentanyl. Our staff are experts in helping people come off opioids. We have both inpatient and outpatient transdermal fentanyl rehab options and an expert medical team to answer any questions you may have regarding these programs.
Safely detoxing from fentanyl is the first step in overcoming your addiction. Once the medication is completely removed from your body, you can participate in individual and group counseling to learn coping skills for a fentanyl-free life.
Medications and Detox
People may want a medically-assisted detoxification program to help them through the difficult withdrawal process. In a medical detox program, patients allow fentanyl to leave their system under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms for a safer, more comfortable experience.
Sometimes, medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, can be used during withdrawal and detox to manage symptoms and cravings. One of the more well-known opioid withdrawal and detox medications is methadone. Methadone activates the same receptors as other opioids without the heightened euphoric effects. Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in Suboxone, which can also help with withdrawal symptoms. Other medications may be prescribed as needed to help you detox comfortably from transdermal fentanyl.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab allows patients to live at one of The Recovery Village’s designated inpatient centers. This treatment option is beneficial for patients who have developed a severe transdermal fentanyl addiction or for those who may have difficulty recovering due to distractions from the outside world. In this program, patients attend individual and group therapy to address the reasons they may have become addicted in the first place.
Outpatient Rehab
Once a patient finishes the inpatient transdermal fentanyl rehab program, they will begin outpatient rehab treatment. In this treatment program, patients live at home while attending scheduled treatment appointments at The Recovery Village. Some patients with mild addiction may choose to entirely skip the inpatient treatment option if their team agrees they don’t need to live on campus to recover from their substance use disorder. Teletherapy may also be an option.
Choosing a Transdermal Fentanyl Rehab Center
Choosing a rehab center to fit your needs is an important step in recovering from fentanyl addiction. To make an informed decision, talk to your doctor about what features you need in a rehab center. You should discuss and consider different factors like how long you have been using transdermal fentanyl and your transdermal fentanyl dose.
Overcoming a transdermal fentanyl addiction is hard work, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Recovery Village, we have a wide range ofcustomized treatment optionsto help you start a new life without transdermal fentanyl. Don’t wait;call us today.
