Recognizing the Signs of Fentanyl Overdose & Immediate Treatment

Legacy Healing Center Blog

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is medically used in cases of severe pain management, such as after surgery or during cancer treatment. When applied in medical settings, it can be an extremely effective medication that is useful in patients who have built up a tolerance to weaker opioid alternatives. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a sharp spike in deaths related to illicit fentanyl use and manufacturing. In these cases, being able to identify the signs of fentanyl overdose could quite literally save a life.

What Is Fentanyl Made Of?

Fentanyl is produced in laboratories and is said to be roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicitly produced fentanyl presents the highest risk of overdose, mainly because it is often combined with several unknown substances that heighten the likelihood of addiction.

Fentanyl and Its Impact on the Body

Fentanyl has various effects on the body, even with brief usage. When a person takes fentanyl, it attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors, preventing pain and creating a strong feeling of happiness. Nonetheless, it also suppresses the respiratory system, causing shallow breathing and a notable decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. These consequences render fentanyl overdoses extremely risky, as they may result in sudden respiratory failure and mortality in a matter of minutes. The strength of fentanyl makes it capable of causing severe harm even in small doses, and the danger of overdose increases when fentanyl is combined with cocaine, heroin, or other drugs.

Besides the short-term dangers of overdose, fentanyl can also cause lasting impacts on the body and brain. Continuous usage or frequent overdosing could result in brain injury, particularly in regions responsible for memory, emotional control, and decision-making. These effects can present obstacles to recovery, as people may struggle with cognitive issues, emotional volatility, and problems in making positive decisions. People who survive a fentanyl overdose may still experience long-lasting physical and psychological effects, which require thorough treatment for the fentanyl addiction and the enduring impact on overall health.

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

Recent years have seen a rise in instances of fentanyl-laced drugs. What makes this so dangerous is the fact that it exponentially heightens the risk of overdosing. While naloxone administration can reverse these physical effects, the potency of fentanyl may require multiple doses before a stable level is achieved. Additionally, if someone addicted to stimulants comes into contact with a fentanyl-laced supply, it is not as likely that they would be carrying this medication. In instances such as this, being able to identify the signs of fentanyl overdose is especially important.

Symptoms of fentanyl overdose include:

Severe respiratory depression
Cold, clammy skin
Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
Extreme drowsiness or sedation
Pinpoint pupils
Low blood pressure
Loss of coordination
Cold, clammy skin
Confusion or disorientation
Nausea and vomiting

If you fear that you or someone close to you is suffering from an overdose, administering naloxone can save a life. Call 911, turn the person on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them to monitor their breathing. Do not put them in a cold shower, do not attempt to make them vomit, and don’t attempt to slap them awake, as this could cause further injury.

What Does Fentanyl Overdose Treatment Look Like?

Fentanyl overdose treatment primarily involves immediate medical intervention to reverse the effects of the drug and prevent life-threatening complications. The first step is usually the administration of naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of fentanyl. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that fentanyl affects, effectively displacing the opioid and counteracting the overdose. It may need to be administered multiple times due to fentanyl’s potency, as a single dose of naloxone may not be enough to reverse its effects altogether.

In addition to naloxone, emergency medical professionals will provide supportive care, including maintaining the airway, ensuring proper oxygen levels, and monitoring vital signs. In some cases, patients may need to be intubated and placed on a ventilator to provide adequate breathing until the drug’s effects wear off. Once the patient is stabilized, further treatment in a hospital setting may include additional doses of naloxone, intravenous fluids, and other supportive measures to prevent complications such as cardiac arrest or brain damage. After recovery, individuals who survive a fentanyl overdose will typically require addiction treatment and counseling to address their substance use disorder and prevent future overdoses.

Access Alcohol and Drug Treatment With Legacy

If reading this has made you feel the need to break away from the dangers of illicit drug use, take comfort in the fact that our team of professionals is here to help. For those actively struggling with addiction, Legacy Healing Center offers one of the best detox centers with special programs for fentanyl abuse. Our clinical staff will monitor you throughout the fentanyl withdrawal process and ensure you are prepared in both body and mind for the programs to come.

Our drug rehab provides fentanyl addiction treatment that will comprehensively address what led you to the situation you are in. Additionally, treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy will provide healthier coping mechanisms to apply moving forward.

There is a light at the end of this tunnel. Contact the team at our alcohol and drug rehabilitation center to learn how we can help you reach it.

Source

EMCDDA – Fentanyl Drug Profile