Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms, Effects and Treatment

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used in the medical field to treat cancer and post-surgery pain. It is the most powerful and fastest acting opioid for pain relief. However, because of its effects, it has been made and supplied illegally. 

In 2021 alone, a total of 80,411 people died from drug overdoses, the majority of which were caused by synthetic opioids. The figure is concerning, which is why the campaign against opiate misuse, especially Fentanyl, has become more prevalent. Understanding how the drug works, symptoms, and risk factors can all help in the fight to end drug dependence. 

What is Fentanyl? Can You Overdose on Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller that is 100 times stronger than other opioids, such as morphine, heroin, and oxycodone. A dose of 0.1 mg of the drug is already equivalent to 10 mg of morphine. It’s prescribed medically through tablets, skin patches, a shot, a nasal spray, or a lozenge, or what they call “Fentanyl lollipops“.

Due to the potency of the drug, overdoses can quickly happen, either intentionally or accidentally. When too much of the drug is taken than the required dose, severe complications may occur. Fentanyl should only be used under a physician’s order. Overdose is at a higher risk when the drug is acquired illegally. 

Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose

If you suspect someone is overdosing on Fentanyl, call 911 immediately. A Fentanyl overdose can lead to permanent health damage, coma, or death. Here are the symptoms of Fentanyl overdose:

• Vomiting
• Limp body
• Drowsiness
• Small pupils
• Unresponsive
• Slurred speech
• Cold, clammy skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Bluish skin, especially nails and lips
• Slow breathing or no breathing at all

Fentanyl Overdose Causes and Risk Factors

Fentanyl overdose occurs when a person takes more than the recommended dose or more than their body can manage. Serious health complications may result after taking too much of the drug. The effects of Fentanyl toxicity on an individual can vary depending on the dose, tolerance, height and weight, and history of drug use. 

Understanding the causes and risk factors of Fentanyl can help prevent overdoses and promote early intervention. The causes and risk factors of Fentanyl include:

Potency

Due to the potency of Fentanyl, experts advised that 2 mg of Fentanyl is already considered a lethal dose. Illegally distributed Fentanyl may contain more than 2 mg.

Illegal Fentanyl

The most common cause of Fentanyl overdose is illegally manufactured drugs. This is because the dosage is not monitored and is higher compared to prescribed drugs. The illicit drug is usually in powder form, mixed with other substances, or in a spray.

Improper Administration

Fentanyl injection or taking the content of a patch and ingesting it can lead to abuse. Proper administration should be followed to ensure proper absorption. 

Tolerance

When a person has become tolerant of the effects of Fentanyl, they will desire a higher dose to achieve the same results. This can potentially lead to overdose, especially if there is a dosage miscalculation.

Drug Combination

Combining Fentanyl with other drugs or with alcohol can be fatal. This potent painkiller is known to be added to cocaine, methamphetamine or taken with alcohol.

Medical Condition

Taking Fentanyl when a person has a medical condition, especially respiratory problems, can be damaging. Misuse of the drug can lead to respiratory distress, which increases the risk of overdose.

History of Drug Abuse

When a person has a history of drug abuse, especially with painkillers, they may need a higher dose of Fentanyl to achieve its effects. This could lead to drug dependence and, eventually, overdose.

What to Do If Someone Is Having a Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency, so you need to contact 911 right away. While waiting, do the following interventions to save the person’s life:

• Administer Naloxone. It can block and reverse the effects of Fentanyl overdose. Naloxone can be given through a shot or via nasal spray. 
• Place the person on their side to avoid choking.
• Monitor their breathing and ensure that the person stays awake.
• Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
• Do not slap or hurt the person to evoke consciousness. It may cause injury.
• Do not pour them with water or get them in the shower. It will increase the risk of drowning or going into shock.
• Do not try to make the person vomit, as it can cause choking. 

Fentanyl Overdose Treatment

The treatment for Fentanyl overdose requires immediate intervention. It’s important to note that overdose should be treated only by medical professionals. With the proper medication and intervention, lives can be saved. Here are the treatment steps for Fentanyl overdose.

Naloxone Administration

Administering Naloxone should be the first response. The drug could potentially save lives by reversing the overdose effects of Fentanyl and other opioids. Keep Naloxone at home if you or someone you know is taking opioids.

Emergency Care

Treat a drug overdose as a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately for proper intervention, such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluid, and monitoring of vital signs. 

Hospitalization

Hospitalization is imperative for individuals who experience overdoses. Further evaluation is needed, and immediate treatment should be done.

Assessment

Once the patient stabilizes, they are assessed for underlying issues of overdose. Healthcare professionals may evaluate the need for Fentanyl use. Pain management will be considered if it can be alleviated without opioids.

Psychosocial Support

The treatment for overdose doesn’t end with physical care. Psychosocial support is necessary to help the individual in their journey to recovery. Counseling and therapy can significantly contribute to avoiding relapse. If the individual has a history of drug dependence, entering a treatment facility or a sober living home should be the next step.

Outlook for Fentanyl Overdose

The outlook for Fentanyl overdose can vary depending on the immediate response, the dosage, the overall health of the individual, and the medical care given. Here are essential points to consider regarding the outlook for Fentanyl overdose:

Immediate Care

The timeliness of the medical care given is the most crucial factor in the outlook for Fentanyl overdose since every second counts. That’s why administering Naloxone and calling 911 are the first two basic steps in overdose intervention.

Severity of Dose

The higher amount of Fentanyl ingested can lead to more complicated health problems. Respiratory distress can be a significant effect when a person has taken too much Fentanyl. The damage can be permanent and irreversible.

Combined Substances

If the individual has taken Fentanyl with other drugs, it can lead to severe effects. The interactions of the combined drugs can influence the outlook and may result in further complications.

Health History

The overall health of the individual can significantly affect the outlook of the overdose. For patients with medical conditions, this can lead to more severe health problems such as respiratory arrest. 

After Care

After the immediate response, individuals who experienced an overdose should be given appropriate aftercare. Assessment of pain management, addressing underlying issues, and providing mental health support are all necessary steps to recovery.

Relapse Prevention

The end goal is to prevent the individual from relapsing or overdosing permanently. It can involve education, pain assessment, and therapy.

Family and Community Support

Drug overdose or dependence requires much-needed support from society. A supportive family or community can significantly impact the patient’s road to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fentanyl Overdose