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Currently the most widely used synthetic opiod in the world, fentanyl is an extremely potent pain medication that is about 81 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl, which comes in patch, lozenge and lollipop form, is sold under the brand names Duragesic and Ionsys.
In general, fentanyl is prescribed for:
Given its potency, fentanyl is known to be highly addictive, even when only used for short periods of time. As a result, fentanyl is classified as a "Schedule II" drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Addicts report experiencing a sensation similar to a heroin "high" when abusing a fentanyl patch (or another form of this drug). In addition to ingesting the drug orally, fentanyl addicts may also smoke, snort or inject fentanyl.
Fentanyl addiction is an acute problem for many people. Some individuals with a fentanyl addiction problem were prescribed a fentanyl-based medication such as the Duragesic patch for chronic pain posed by incurable cancer. Others who suffer fentanyl addiction obtain the drug illegally, whether with a forged prescription or on the street. Fentanyl is extremely addictive; it is more than 80 times more powerful than morphine.
Fentanyl's strength and its use as a pain reliever make this medication highly addictive. The longer patients use fentanyl lollipops, patches and/or lozenges, the more likely they will develop a physical addiction to and psychological dependence on this drug.
Patients who have developed a fentanyl drug addiction will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon abruptly stopping use of this pain medication. Such fentanyl addiction symptoms may include:
Along with addiction, fentanyl may cause a few other serious, life-threatening side effects, including:
Classified as a Schedule II drug, fentanyl is distributed and monitored closely in the U.S. by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). It is a narcotic and an opioid, and it is supposed to be prescribed only to patients who are already opioid-tolerant. Along with fentanyl side effects, Fentanyl can easily produce drug dependence, just as morphine and heroin can. A patient may quickly become tolerant to fentanyl, needing more or stronger dosesto achieve the same level of pain relief. A fentanyl addiction may develop over a period of days, weeks, or months.
Fentanyl is prescribed in several forms:
Each of these fentanyl-containing medicines can be the basis of a fentanyl addiction. In addition, fentanyl can be extracted from Duragesic patches and injected. Fentanyl is often stolen from hospital stocks, or by falsifying medications records, or even removed from patients wearing a Duragesic patch. The lengths to which a person with a fentanyl addiction will go to obtain this narcotic are no less than extreme.
When an individual becomes addicted to fentanyl – through a Duragesic patch or other form of the drug – and does not receive all that he or she needs, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Withdrawal from fentanyl, as from morphine or heroin, can be quite severe and even life-threatening. The symptoms of fentanyl addiction withdrawal may include:
When patients have only used fentanyl for a short period of time, they may be able to overcome their addiction within a few weeks – as long as they can endure the withdrawal symptoms.
However, when a stronger fentanyl addiction is present, individuals may need to admit themselves to inpatient opiate rehabilitation programs, through which they will receive:
Have you or a loved one been injured after using Fentanyl? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced fentanyl attorney who can evaluate your claim and help you win the compensation you deserve.
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that has great potential for misuse and abuse. If a fentanyl addiction has impacted you or a member of your family, contact an experienced fentanyl lawyer to learn more about your options.
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