What is fentanyl? It is a powerful painkiller used to treat pain from serious injuries or surgery. Fentanyl is far more potent than heroin or morphine. For this reason, it is a popular drug with medical professionals and patients alike.
Brand names for Fentanyl include Actiq, Duragesic, or Sublimaze. Names for the street version of fentanyl may include Apache, China Girl, China White, Goodfella, or Jackpot. Regardless of where or how you acquire fentanyl, the fentanyl definition is highly dangerous if you abuse it. In this scenario, you will need an opioid addiction treatment program in Kansas City, KS to help you.
What Is Fentanyl?
Doctors typically prescribe opioid-based pain medicine to patients for pain. However, some patients are tolerant to opioids. Meaning, opioids do not affect the pain whatsoever. As a result, a doctor may prescribe fentanyl as an alternative.
In most cases, fentanyl is used to reduce pain after surgery or pain that a cancer patient may feel. Other medical conditions may cause chronic pain. Patients may take it by injection, patch, tablet, or even in candy form.
What Are the Side Effects of Fentanyl?
The side effects of fentanyl can be so intense that they cause serious health problems or even death. Fentanyl can be seriously fatal if you use it in any way other than how it is prescribed. Some of the main side effects may include:
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Stomach problems – diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting
- Feeling weak after you take the medication
- Heart problems such as decreased heart rate or high blood pressure
- Rigid or tight muscles or muscle spasms
Long-term use of fentanyl may result in psychological problems such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating. The bottom line is that you should only use fentanyl in highly-controlled settings and according to strict doctor’s orders.
Is Fentanyl Dangerous?
Like any other drug, the more you take it, the more its effects wear off. Your body develops a tolerance to it. As a result, you have to take more fentanyl to kill the pain. However, there is also an incredibly addictive element to the drug. It releases high levels of dopamine every time you take it. This causes you to feel euphoric or high.
That feeling of euphoria can become highly addictive. Eventually, your brain and your nervous system develop a dependency on the drug. The longer you take it, the more addicted you become. Long-term use, combined with higher dosages, can lead to severe problems.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
If you are addicted to fentanyl, then your best option is to get help from a drug addiction treatment program in Kansas City, KS. You may even want to consider joining a support group or getting long-term support so that you can fully recover.
What is fentanyl? To find out more, contact us at Sunflower Wellness Retreat. We are happy to answer your questions or help you with your addiction. Call us at 855.730.8825 to start your treatment today.
