How Long Does Fentanyl Last? Understanding Fentanyl’s Duration

How Does Fentanyl Make You Feel?

Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug, which has a high potential for abuse like other prescription opioids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose death rates involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl increased by over 22% between 2020 to 2021.

When administered, Fentanyl produces feelings of euphoria and relaxation, similar to other opioids. It acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, altering the perception of pain and inducing a sense of well-being. However, its potency also makes it highly addictive, putting users at higher risk of opioid abuse disorder.

Short-Term Effects of Fentanyl

Short-term effects of Fentanyl include pain relief, sedation, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression. Respiratory depression can be particularly dangerous, leading to respiratory arrest and death, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl

The long-term effects of fentanyl can be severe and detrimental to both physical and mental health. Prolonged use or misuse of fentanyl can lead to various chronic health issues and significant challenges. Here are some of the long-term effects:

• Physical Dependence: The body adapts to the drug’s presence and requires it to function normally. This can also result to withdrawal symptoms when users abruptly discontinue its use.
• Tolerance: Users need higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose.
• Respiratory Problems: Prolonged respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), which can damage vital organs, including the brain.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Long-term use can lead to decreased heart rate and blood pressure which increases the risk of adverse events like heart attack or stroke.
• Neurological Effects: Chronic use of fentanyl can affect cognitive function and lead to cognitive impairments, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. These effects can persist even after discontinuing the drug.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Prolonged opioid use can disrupt hormone production and regulation. This can result in changes in libido, menstrual irregularities, or infertility.
• Mental Health Effects: Chronic use of fentanyl can have profound psychological effects, including mood swings, depression, anxiety, and even psychosis in some cases.

Immune Suppression: Long-term opioid use can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This can increase the risk of respiratory infections, skin infections, and other health complications.

How Long Does Fentanyl High Last?

The duration of the high from fentanyl can vary depending on various factors, including the individual’s tolerance, the dose taken, the route of administration, and whether it’s combined with other substances. Generally, the high from fentanyl can last anywhere from a few hours to several hours.

When fentanyl is administered intravenously (IV), the onset of effects is typically rapid, and the high may peak within minutes. The duration of the high can last around 1 to 2 hours. When fentanyl is taken through other routes such as fentanyl patches, lollipops, or oral tablets, the onset of effects may be slower, but the duration of the high can be longer, lasting up to several hours.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last in The Body?

Fentanyl’s duration in the body also varies. The drug is rapidly metabolized by the liver and eliminated primarily through urine. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to decrease by half.

Fentanyl half-life approximately ranges from about 3 to 12 hours, depending on the form. However, traces of fentanyl can be detected in urine for up to several days after last use.

The short half-life of fentanyl contributes to its rapid onset of action and relatively short duration of effects compared to some other opioid drugs such as heroin. However, despite its short half-life, fentanyl’s potent effects can still pose significant risks.

Fentanyl Duration in Different Forms

The onset of action of fentanyl is rapid, but its duration in the bloodstream and analgesic effects vary depending on factors such as formulation and individual physiology. Here’s a breakdown of the duration of action for different forms of fentanyl:

• Intravenous (IV) Administration: The duration of action of IV fentanyl is relatively short, lasting around 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, the analgesic effects may persist for up to 2 hours.
• Transdermal Patch: Fentanyl patches are designed to deliver the medication through the skin over an extended period, typically 72 hours. Effects typically peak within 12 to 24 hours upon application.
• Oral Form: The onset of action is relatively quick, with peak effects reached within 20 to 40 minutes. The duration of action of fentanyl lollipops or buccal tablets can last around 2 to 4 hours.
• Nasal Spray: Peak effects are typically reached within 5 to 15 minutes after administration. The duration of action of fentanyl nasal spray can last around 1 to 2 hours.
• Sublingual Tablets: Sublingual fentanyl tablets are dissolved under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. The duration is similar to the oral form, lasting around 2 to 4 hours with effects peaking within 20 to 40 minutes.

It’s important to note that individual responses to fentanyl can vary, and factors such as tolerance, metabolism, and concurrent use of other medications or substances can influence the duration of action. Additionally, misuse or abuse of fentanyl, regardless of the form, can increase the risk of overdose and other adverse effects. Therefore, following proper dosage is important when using prescribed fentanyl.

Finding Fentanyl Detox Centers

Understanding the duration of Fentanyl is crucial for its safe use and managing addiction. While it provides effective pain relief when used appropriately, its potency and potential for abuse require caution.

For people struggling with Fentanyl addiction, finding detox centers and seeking professional help is essential for recovery. Here in Scottsdale Detox, our team provides medical supervision and support to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and initiate the journey towards sobriety. After a successful fentanyl detox, we can safely help you transition to rehab with our comprehensive treatment in our Scottsdale rehab facilities.

Contact us today and start living a drug-free life.