Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a significant concern in the ongoing opioid crisis. As its use continues to rise, it is crucial for those seeking recovery and the professionals supporting them to understand the withdrawal process.
This article will explore the typical fentanyl withdrawal timeline and detail the physical and psychological symptoms one might expect at each stage.
Factors Affecting Fentanyl Withdrawal
The severity of your dependence on fentanyl plays a significant role in determining the duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms you’ll experience. Higher doses and prolonged use of fentanyl can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Co-dependence on other substances, like alcohol or benzodiazepines, can exacerbate these symptoms and complicate the detox process. Your overall health, genetics, and age also influence how you respond to withdrawal.
The method of fentanyl administration affects the timeline, with transdermal patches causing prolonged symptoms due to their extended half-life.
To minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and improve your detox experience, gradual tapering of fentanyl is recommended instead of abrupt cessation.
Seeking continuous support and specialized treatment for fentanyl addiction is essential to effectively managing symptoms of withdrawal. Addressing these challenges is critical for sustaining recovery efforts.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, as fentanyl’s short half-life causes withdrawal to set in quickly. During the first 24 to 72 hours, symptoms reach their peak intensity, with individuals often experiencing severe flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle aches, and insomnia.
Psychological symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and intense cravings are also common during this acute phase.
By days 4 to 7, the physical symptoms usually begin to subside, but psychological effects such as depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances may persist.
Peak of Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal reaches its most intense phase, known as the peak, typically between 36 and 72 hours after your last dose.
During this peak period, you may experience the most severe fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
The acute withdrawal phase generally lasts about 4 to 10 days, with symptoms gradually subsiding after the peak.
If you’ve been using fentanyl patches, the onset of withdrawal symptoms may be delayed, potentially extending the peak period.
The severity and duration of peak symptoms can vary significantly based on your level of physical dependence, dosage, and duration of fentanyl use.
Duration of Acute Fentanyl Withdrawal
After the intensity of peak withdrawal, you’ll enter the acute withdrawal phase, which generally lasts between 4 and 10 days.
During this time, withdrawal symptoms will gradually subside, but their duration and severity can vary based on factors like the length and heaviness of your fentanyl misuse.
If you’ve been using transdermal patches, the acute withdrawal phase may last longer, typically 10 to 20 days, due to the extended-release nature of the patches.
It’s important to note that while the worst of the physical symptoms will improve during this phase, psychological symptoms like anxiety and insomnia may persist.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
While acute withdrawal symptoms generally subside within 7 to 10 days, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can persist for weeks, months, or even up to 6 to 9 months after the last use of fentanyl.
Common PAWS symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments. For fentanyl users, PAWS may also involve persistent mild withdrawal symptoms such as low mood, depression, fatigue, and decreased focus.
The prolonged nature of PAWS poses a significant risk for relapse, as individuals may seek relief through substance use.
Medical Detox and Treatment Options
Medical detox for fentanyl withdrawal is a crucial first step in the recovery process, usually conducted under close medical supervision to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.
The process starts with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical history, substance use patterns, and current health status to develop a personalized detox plan.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is commonly used, employing medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or lofexidine to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. In severe withdrawal cases, high doses of buprenorphine may be administered, as shown in a case report where a patient received up to 148 mg over a 48-hour period.
Additional medications may be prescribed to address specific symptoms, including clonidine for anxiety and high blood pressure, or antiemetics for nausea.
The detox process can take place in either inpatient or outpatient settings, with inpatient care providing more intensive monitoring and support.
After completing detox, patients can move on to long-term treatment plans, which may include ongoing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with naltrexone or buprenorphine maintenance. These medications are combined with behavioral therapies and support services to help address the psychological aspects of addiction and prevent relapse.
Final Thoughts from Blueview Recovery
If you or a loved one is battling fentanyl addiction, Blueview Recovery in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, provides comprehensive and compassionate treatment for fentanyl addiction. Our evidence-based programs are designed to tackle both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction while offering personalized care throughout the entire process.
