Risks of fentanyl use
Top 6 in Top 8 Things to Know About Fentanyl
There is a risk of dependency, tolerance, misuse, and addiction, as with any opiate. When people abruptly stop taking the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12 hours of the last fentanyl dose and can last a week or more. A person in withdrawal may experience the following symptoms:
- dilated pupils
- vomiting and diarrhea
- goosebumps
- a runny nose
- hot and cold flashes
- chills
- anxiety
- agitation
- insomnia
- severe generalized pain
People who use fentanyl frequently develop tolerance to high doses, requiring more of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
Repeated opioid use frequently leads to addiction, which is a chronic relapsing condition characterized by uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior despite harmful and negative consequences.
