Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed to treat severe pain. Unfortunately, fentanyl is a powerfully addictive drug that is around 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl abuse and addiction have devastating consequences, and many medical experts cite fentanyl as a primary driver of the astonishing increase in opioid-related deaths in recent years.
Fentanyl has proven to be easy to obtain illicitly and it is less expensive than heroin, so it is often used to adulterate heroin and other illegal drugs in order to increase the effective “high” delivered while also increasing the profit margin for the dealer. However, 3 mg of fentanyl (approximately the same size as a few grains of sand) can kill an adult man.
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
The fentanyl half-life varies quite a bit, depending on the formulation and the route of administration. There are three types of fentanyl: Pharmaceutical fentanyl, derivatives of pharmaceutical fentanyl and non-pharmaceutical (illicit) fentanyl, which all have different half-lives.
Broadly speaking, intravenously administered pharmaceutical fentanyl has an average half-life of 7 hours, but the range spans from 3-12 hours. Transdermal fentanyl patches administer fentanyl through the skin, slowing the metabolic half-life to 20-27 hours. Derivatives and illicit fentanyl have shorter half-lives than pharmaceutical fentanyl.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Acute fentanyl withdrawal is characterized by physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Fentanyl Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Yawning
Sweating
Chills
Nausea/vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle cramps or spasms
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
Some people in recovery experience something called the “pink cloud syndrome,” which was initially described by members of Alcoholics Anonymous. The pink cloud is a state of euphoria that can accompany recovery and, although feeling healthy and confident are incredibly positive rewards associated with overcoming addiction, irrational enthusiasm combined with a willingness to overlook responsibilities can set someone up for failure. People who have successfully achieved early recovery are urged to continue to participate in aftercare programs that can both celebrate successes and keep participants grounded.