A healthcare professional may prescribe medications such as buprenorphine and methadone, which affect the same receptors in the brain as those affected by fentanyl. A doctor may also choose to prescribe naltrexone, which stops the effect fentanyl has on the body. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain it. Respiratory depression is one of fentanyl’s most harmful side effects.
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
- The Stop Overdose website educates drug users on fentanyl, naloxone, polysubstance use, and dealing with stigma.
- Fentanyl can also be “diverted.” That’s when the drug is prescribed by a doctor but isn’t used as directed or is sold or given to someone else.
- These emotional and social symptoms are just as important to recognize as the physical ones.
- When used as a sedative, drug administration is most commonly via a drip.
- Do not stop taking your other pain medication(s) when you begin your treatment with fentanyl.
This binding action creates a sense of euphoria and profound relaxation, but it also significantly depresses the central nervous system. According to the Texas Health and Human Services, just 2 milligrams can be enough to cause an overdose in some individuals. Additionally, doctors and addiction professionals think the fold is also connected to the central nervous depression caused by opioids. Understanding the fentanyl fold is crucial for recognizing the alcoholism symptoms signs of fentanyl use, understanding its dangers, and knowing when to seek emergency help.
- It interferes with the brain’s ability to signal movement, causing weakness, stiffness, or sudden collapse.
- This means that even very little doses, like two milligrams, can be lethal.
- In contrast to prescribed opioids, fentanyl is produced illegally and combined with other drugs, making it hard for users to find the exact dose.
- In South Carolina, treatment centers provide both inpatient and outpatient options tailored to your needs.
- These opioid receptors are part of your body’s natural system for managing pain, pleasure, and even some behaviours.
Why the Fentanyl Fold Is So Dangerous
Scientists are also working on opioid vaccines that would cause a person to develop antibodies to particular opioids and block their effects. This would offer a new approach to treating substance abuse, but the results of this research will likely not be known for years to come. The “fentanyl fold” describes a severe state of opioid intoxication where an individual is bent over at the waist, often in a rigid and unresponsive posture. Their head is typically bowed, knees bent, and they appear stuck, unable to move or respond to their surroundings.
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- Fentanyl affects the part of your brain that controls automatic functions like breathing.
- If you have naloxone (Narcan), use it right away by following the instructions on the package.
- Users bend over involuntarily to stabilize their core and improve their breathing.
We will also cover misuse of fentanyl, addiction, and the risk of overdose. First responders will likely administer naloxone if you haven’t already, or give it to them again. Naloxone only works in the body for 30 to 90 minutes, so it’s possible for someone to still have overdose effects after the medication wears off or needs multiple doses. Fentanyl is synthetic, which means it is made entirely in laboratories and has no natural ingredients. It was developed as a prescription medicine for treating severe pain, such as pain after surgery. When used as prescribed, it is also very effective in treating cancer pain or other types of severe chronic pain that don’t https://ecosoberhouse.com/ respond to other pain medicines.1,2,3 Read more about opioids on the NIDA website.
Why are fentanyl users bend over?
The posture results from fentanyl’s powerful effects on the central nervous system and muscle control. Fentanyl can be fenty lean added to heroin for increased potency or be distributed under the guise of highly potent heroin. Fentanyl should only be prescribed by doctors who are experienced in treating pain in cancer patients. I offer x-rays and physical therapy, back classes, medicines—NSAIDs, Tylenol, diclofenac cream, lidocaine patches.
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