Signs of Fentanyl Overdose, Addiction Signs to Look for & Addiction Treatment

Signs Of Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid commonly prescribed to treat severe pain, particularly in individuals with tolerance to other pain medications. Unfortunately, fentanyl can also be highly addictive and carries a significant risk of overdose, which can be fatal.

In recent years, fentanyl overdose deaths have increased dramatically, highlighting the need for greater awareness of the signs of fentanyl overdose and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention in the event of a suspected overdose.

Individuals who abuse or become addicted to fentanyl may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that can vary depending on the severity of their addiction and the extent of their drug use. Some individuals may hide their drug use or exhibit no obvious signs of fentanyl use, while others may exhibit more obvious signs of addiction or overdose.

In this article, we will explore the various signs of fentanyl use, abuse, and overdose, as well as the steps that can be taken to seek help for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction.

Whether you are a concerned friend or family member or an individual struggling with fentanyl addiction, understanding the signs of fentanyl overdose and the importance of seeking help can be critical in preventing a potentially life-threatening overdose. So let’s look closer at the signs of fentanyl use, abuse, and overdose and what you can do to help yourself or someone you love.

Fentanyl Overdose Signs Explained

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid often prescribed to manage severe pain, particularly in individuals with cancer or who have undergone surgery.

However, due to its high potency, fentanyl carries a significant risk of overdose, which can be fatal. In recent years, fentanyl overdose deaths have increased significantly, highlighting the need for greater awareness of the sign of fentanyl overdose and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention in the event of a suspected overdose.

The signs of a fentanyl overdose can be similar to those of other opioids, but due to its potency, fentanyl can lead to a more rapid onset and progression of symptoms. Some of the common signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Respiratory depression: Fentanyl can slow down breathing and can lead to shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, or even stopped breathing, which can quickly become life-threatening. This is one of the most prevalent fentanyl signs of overdose
• Blue lips or nails: Due to inadequate oxygen supply to the body, individuals experiencing signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose may develop blue lips or nails.
• Pinpoint pupils: Fentanyl can cause the pupils to constrict, leading to pinpoint pupils.
• Cold and clammy skin: Fentanyl overdose can cause the skin to become cold and clammy.
• Confusion or disorientation: Fentanyl overdose can cause confusion, disorientation, or even loss of consciousness.
• Nausea and vomiting: Fentanyl can cause nausea and vomiting, contributing to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

It’s important to note that not all individuals who overdose on fentanyl will exhibit all of these signs. Some individuals may exhibit no obvious signs of a fentanyl overdose until it is too late. As such, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing a fentanyl overdose.

Signs Of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl Signs And Symptoms

In addition to the signs of a fentanyl overdose, there are also fentanyl addiction signs and abuse that can serve as warning signs that an individual may be at risk of overdose. These fentanyl use signs may include:

• Using fentanyl even when it’s not prescribed or in ways other than prescribed (such as snorting or injecting).
• Continuing to use fentanyl despite experiencing negative consequences.
• Spending a significant amount of time and money obtaining and using fentanyl.
• Hiding or lying about fentanyl use.
• Neglecting responsibilities or activities in favor of using fentanyl.
• Developing a tolerance to fentanyl requires larger doses to achieve the desired effect.

Suppose you or someone you love exhibits signs of fentanyl addiction or you notice signs of someone using fentanyl. In that case, seeking professional help as soon as possible is important to reduce the risk of overdose and other negative consequences. Remember, an overdose is a medical emergency, and seeking prompt medical attention can be lifesaving.

Learn More:

• How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System, Urine, Blood, Salvia & Hair? Fentanyl Drug Test Duration Chart.
• What Does Fentanyl Do To You? Abuse, Side Effects & Treatment
• What is Tranq? (Xylazine), Tranq Dope, Tranq Wound, Tranq and Fentanyl Dangers.
• What is Fentanyl? Rainbow Fentanyl Symptoms, Uses, Side Effects, Overdose & Detox Withdrawal Timeline
• What Does Fentanyl Look Like? Rainbow Fentanyl, Colored Candy Fentanyl, Skittles Fentanyl Images, Facts, Warnings, & FAQs
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• Fentanyl Detox
• Fentanyl and Alcohol
• Fentanyl Rehab
• Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

73%

Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, were involved in almost 73% of all opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019.

Source: CDC

57%

Fentanyl seizures by law enforcement in the US increased by 57% from 2019 to 2020, with nearly 17,000 pounds of fentanyl seized in 2020.

Source: DEA

Fentanyl Signs Of Use Stopped

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is commonly used for pain management. However, prolonged use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

Fentanyl withdrawal can be difficult to manage and, in some cases, life-threatening. Here are some common signs of fentanyl withdrawal:

Early symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal typically begin within 12-30 hours after the last dose of the drug and can include the following:

• Agitation.
• Anxiety.
• Muscle aches.
• Insomnia.
• Sweating.
• Yawning.
• Runny nose.
• Watery eyes.
• Restlessness.
• Dilated pupils.
• Goosebumps.

• Later symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal can appear within 2-4 days after the last dose of the drug and can include the following:
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal cramping.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Tremors.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Joint pain.
  • Depression.
  • Suicidal thoughts.

• Severe symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal, which may require medical attention, can include the following:
  • Seizures.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Delirium.
  • Respiratory depression.
  • Heart failure.
  • Coma.

An overdose can occur when someone takes too much fentanyl or combines fentanyl with other drugs or alcohol. If you suspect someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some steps to take if you suspect a fentanyl overdose:

• Call 911: If you suspect a fentanyl overdose, call 911 immediately. Time is critical, and quick medical attention can save a life.
• Administer Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose. If you have access to naloxone, administer it as soon as possible.
• Provide First Aid: While waiting for medical help, provide basic first aid, such as CPR or rescue breathing, if the person is not breathing or has a weak pulse. Do not give the person any food or drink.
• Monitor the Person: Stay with the person and monitor their breathing and pulse until medical help arrives. Be prepared to give additional first aid if the person’s condition worsens.
• Follow Up with Medical Care: Even if the person appears to recover from the overdose, it is important to seek follow-up medical care to address any underlying health issues or addiction problems.