What Are The Short Term Effects of Using Fentanyl?
There are many short term effects that come from using Fentanyl. When a user first ingests the drug, their opiate receptors (the parts of the brain that control pain and emotions) will bind. When drugs like Fentanyl begin to bind the user’s receptors, a state of euphoria and relaxation will occur due to the dopamine levels being increased. In addition to the pleasurable effects, there are also a wide range of negative short-term effects that can occur.
Common Short-term Side Effects From Fentanyl
Dizziness and light-headedness- Dry mouth
- Nightmares
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Swollen extremities
- Nausea and vomiting
- Little appetite
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Trouble seeing
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Retention of urine
- Severe constipation
- Itching or hives
Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression, also known as hypoventilation, is a condition that can result from using the prescription drug Fentanyl. This condition is characterized by an insufficient amount of ventilation. The right amount of ventilation is needed to maintain adequate gas exchange in the lungs. Respiratory depression can potentially become life-threatening and result in permanent, long-term damage.
Chronic Pulmonary Disease
Patients who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should use Fentanyl with extreme caution. In fact, even small doses of the drug can lead to a decrease in respiratory drive to the point of complete respiratory failure.
Mixing Fentanyl with Central Nervous System Depressants
When an individual mixes alcohol or other central nervous system depressants with Fentanyl, the outcomes can be quite dangerous. Hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression, and death can all result. Besides alcohol, examples of drugs you should never mix with Fentanyl include sedatives, anxiolytics, hypnotics, neuroleptics, and other opioids.
Driving and Operating Machinery While on Fentanyl
An individual should refrain from operating a motor vehicle or operating machinery when they are using Fentanyl. Using a motor vehicle while on this medication could potentially lead to accidents, property damage, and harm to yourself as well as others.
Dependency
Dependency on Fentanyl can be established after only a couple doses. In fact, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and shivering when they begin to quit using it. It’s highly recommended that patients gradually try to reduce their usage until they are free of the drug completely.
Use Amongst Geriatric Individuals
When an individual over the age of 65 uses Fentanyl, it’s recommended that they ingest a smaller dose than younger individuals. The reasoning behind this is due to the fact that patients who are over the age of 65 tend to experience adverse side effects more frequently. The symptoms reported most often experienced amongst this group of people include vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Fentanyl Use Amongst Children
Before allowing your children to be prescribed Fentanyl, make sure the doctor checks to see if your child suffers from the conditions listed below. If they do, precautions will need to be taken.
- Recent head injury
- Kidney or liver disease
- Blockage of the intestines
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- A fever
Fentanyl is a drug that works wonders for reducing pain, but the short term effects are something you should talk with your doctor about before taking the medication.
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