Fentanyl is one of the most powerful and deadly opioids in use today, no matter if you use the drug intentionally or unknowingly. Small amounts of fentanyl can lead to serious side effects, addiction, or overdose.
If you’re wondering whether you or someone you love is showing signs of fentanyl use, this page breaks down the most common physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms of fentanyl addiction. Knowing what to look for could save a life and help you take the first step toward recovery.
Don’t Wait: Call for Fentanyl Addiction in California
Fentanyl is a fully synthetic opioid. Laboratories manufacture the substance entirely from synthetic compounds, unlike morphine or codeine, which come from the opium poppy.1
Scientists designed fentanyl’s structure to bind more tightly and efficiently to opioid receptors in the brain than natural opiates, producing:
This level of potency is impossible to achieve with natural compounds. Doctors can effectively use fentanyl to treat chronic pain and support recovery after surgery, but misusing the drug makes it extremely hazardous.
Whether you are using fentanyl under the supervision of a medical professional or are experiencing fentanyl addiction, the substance can cause side effects.
Common side effects of fentanyl happen to 1 in 100 people.2 Some of these symptoms include:
Fewer than 1 in 100 people experience serious side effects from fentanyl. However, these effects require immediate attention. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call 911 (and remove the fentanyl patch if you are wearing one):
Misusing fentanyl can permanently damage a person’s physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. People who use the drug over an extended period of time may experience these side effects:
Since fentanyl is a highly potent opioid, its side effects can appear quickly. Some of these symptoms of fentanyl use can be severe and require medical attention or treatment right away. Signs of fentanyl use can be mental, physical, and behavioral:
Fentanyl acts fast, which means that these signs of use can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations. Call 911 immediately, and administer naloxone (Narcan) if someone is showing these signs:
These are signs of a fentanyl overdose. Acting quickly can help save a life.
If you’re wondering whether you’re addicted to fentanyl, trust your gut. If something feels wrong, you’re probably right. The fastest and most accurate way to know is to call our admissions team for a free, confidential assessment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines clear criteria for diagnosing opioid use disorder (OUD).3 If you’ve experienced two or more of the following symptoms in the past 12 months, it may be time to seek help:
Opioid use disorder is treatable. With medical detox and evidence-based therapy, recovery is possible.
A fentanyl overdose can happen quickly and without warning. Because the drug is highly potent, recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can be what saves the life of a loved one.
Signs of fentanyl overdose include:4
If you believe someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, California health authorities recommend:
California Poison Control System can assist in the management of a suspected fentanyl overdose. You can reach them at 1-800-222-1222.5 Don’t be afraid to call first responders to save someone’s life. California’s Good Samaritan Law protects people from civil liability when they provide emergency medical or non-medical care at the scene of an emergency.6
Fentanyl exposure, typically through skin contact or inhalation of powder, can cause sudden drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slow or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, clammy skin, nausea, and blue lips or fingertips. Muscles may become rigid or limp.
If you suspect exposure, move to fresh air, administer naloxone if available, and call 911 immediately.
The effects of fentanyl begin within seconds to minutes and typically last 1 to 2 hours. However, respiratory depression and sedation may persist longer.
The most common side effects of fentanyl are constipation, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, and itching or rash. While often mild, some symptoms, especially sedation and respiratory slowing, can become dangerous at higher doses or when mixed with other substances.
Your body can retain fentanyl for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the dose, frequency of use, metabolism, and how you take it. Drug tests can detect it in:
Detection windows vary, especially with long-term use.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically begin 8 to 24 hours after the last dose, depending on the type used (short-acting vs. patch), the dose, and how long it was used. Symptoms usually peak within 2 to 4 days, sometimes lasting up to 10 days or longer.
Fentanyl addiction can escalate to a life-threatening situation quickly, but recovery is possible. If you or someone you love is showing signs of fentanyl misuse, Tree House Recovery can help. We specialize in helping individuals heal from the effects of fentanyl addiction and rebuild their lives with confidence, purpose, and long-term support.
Call (855) 202-2138 now for a free, confidential consultation with our admissions team. We’re available 24/7 to help you take the first step toward recovery. You can also learn more about our fentanyl addiction treatment programs in California.