Adverse Fentanyl Effects and Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is a highly potent, synthetic opioid drug.¹ While pharmaceutical fentanyl is available by prescription under strict guidelines for severe pain, it is also manufactured and used illegally.¹

This page will explain the adverse effects associated with fentanyl use and discuss the fentanyl addiction treatment services available at River Oaks Treatment Center in Florida.

Adverse Effects of Fentanyl Use

The adverse effects associated with fentanyl use include:¹

• Sedation.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Slowed breathing or difficulty breathing.
• Nausea.
• Constipation.

Different methods of illicit fentanyl use carry additional risks. For instance, given its extremely rapid delivery of the drug and nearly immediate onset of opioid effects, those who inject fentanyl are at a relatively increased risk for overdose and developing fentanyl addiction.³  Injecting drugs like fentanyl also increases a person’s risk of:^4,5

• HIV/AIDS.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Viral hepatitis.
• Fungal and bacterial infections.
• Tuberculosis.
• Soft tissue and skin infections (including abscesses).

Compared to oral administration, snorting fentanyl is also associated with an increased risk of overdose, the development of fentanyl addiction, and the following adverse effects:^3,6

• Nasal tissue inflammation, injury, and necrosis.
• Perforated nasal septum.
• Sinus inflammation.
• Asthma exacerbation.
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (allergic lung inflammation).

Smoking fentanyl also carries serious risks and has been associated with:⁶

• Worsened asthma.
• Early-onset emphysema.
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs).

Other Risks of Illicit Fentanyl Use

Other risks of illicit fentanyl use include:

• Overdose. Fentanyl can be lethal even in small doses. It is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is one of the most commonly involved drugs in fatal overdoses.⁷
• Physiological dependence. Fentanyl is a strong drug that is known to result in physiological dependence. A person will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop or reduce the amount of fentanyl they use if they have developed physiological dependence.¹
• Addiction. Fentanyl’s potent and rewarding opioid effects make it have a high potential for addiction. Fentanyl addiction, clinically diagnosed as opioid use disorder (OUD), means that a person continues to compulsively use fentanyl despite negative consequences.¹

Mixing Fentanyl With Other Substances

When fentanyl is mixed with other substances, especially other opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, there is an increased risk of:^8,9,10

• Overdose.
• Permanent brain or organ damage.
• Death.

Since 2013, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids have increased significantly, especially those involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl.¹¹ A person may knowingly or unknowingly take a drug that contains fentanyl. Because fentanyl is highly potent, it takes very little of it to result in a fatal overdose.^1,12

In some cases, drug dealers may intentionally mix small amounts of fentanyl into other substances such as cocaine and opioids like heroin to make their product deliver a strong high at a lower cost.¹ However, because fentanyl has infiltrated the illicit drug supply to such a high degree, even illicit manufacturers themselves may not be aware the product contains fentanyl.¹²

Xylazine is another drug that increases overdose risk when combined with fentanyl. While xylazine is a tranquilizer that is not approved for human use, it is increasingly being found mixed with fentanyl. The frequency of this occurrence has resulted in xylazine being considered an emerging threat by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.¹³

Given the high risk of overdosing on fentanyl, identifying the signs of fentanyl overdose, and taking appropriate action is crucial and could save a life.

Fentanyl Overdose

A fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency. Opioid overdose symptoms to watch out for include:¹²

• Small, “pinpoint” pupils.
• Loss off consciousness.
• Weak or stopped breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds.
• Discolored fingernails, lips, or skin (bluish purple or pale gray).

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose—this includes overdoses caused by fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioid medications. Anyone can use naloxone and it is easy to administer, most commonly as a nasal spray.¹⁴ 

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Florida

Effective fentanyl addiction treatment is available to help a person stop their fentanyl use. Proven treatments include a combination of:¹

• FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to help manage fentanyl withdrawal symptoms as well as to support long-term recovery from fentanyl addiction.^1,15
• Evidence-based behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help a person modify their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use and help them effectively manage triggers.²

At River Oaks Treatment Center, we offer both outpatient rehab near Tampa and inpatient rehab near Tampa. Our highly experienced team tailors your fentanyl addiction treatment plan according to your individual needs. Choose from multiple levels of addiction treatment, such as medical detox, inpatient treatment, and various outpatient programs.

Licensed addiction treatment professionals employ evidence-based therapies in both group and individual settings. River Oaks also offers specialized programs for Veterans, first responders, and LGBTQ+ populations.

If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please call to speak with a caring admissions navigator. They can help answer questions about addiction, identify appropriate treatment programs, and verify your insurance coverage for rehab. You can also .

It is never too late to seek help. We are here for you 24/7—please reach out now and start treatment today.