Carfentanil Side Effects

Structurally similar to fentanyl, carfentanil (Wildnil) is a fentanyl analog considered 100 times more powerful. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that activates opioid receptors in the brain and affects the central nervous system (CNS).

In addition to this, there are a variety of warnings to be aware of when taking carfentanil, especially since this substance is not approved for human use.

Carfentanil can be habit-forming and, according to the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this drug contributes to a number of opioid overdose deaths.

Carfentanil Abuse

While carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, it is 10,000 times stronger than morphine. Carfentanil is primarily used for anesthesia or as a tranquilizer for large animals. It is not intended for human ingestion.

The drug is considered a schedule II controlled substance due to the fact that psychological or physical dependence can occur. This makes the risk of a carfentanil overdose, a substance use disorder, and serious side effects more likely to take place, causing damage to your health.

Carfentanil is available as:

• spray
• blotter paper
• tablet
• powder
• patch

Those who partake in carfentanil abuse may experience severe or life-threatening side effects. Depending on the route of administration, such as snorting, inhaling, or injecting, stronger side effects may occur.

Side Effects Of Carfentanil

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common fentanyl analogues used are carfentanil, furanylfentanyl, and acetylfentanyl. Because of the potency of synthetic opioids, carfentanil can cause a variety of short-term and long-term side effects.

Short-Term Side Effects

When carfentanil is first used, there are immediate side effects that take place.

Some of the short-term side effects of carfentanil may include:

• sedation
• feelings of euphoria
• relaxation
• drowsiness
• nausea

Long-Term Side Effects

There are several long-term side effects of carfentanil use that may include:

• anxiety
• constipation
• depression
• itching
• dependency
• tremors
• irritability

Opioid drug use over the long-term may impact your day-to-day life. The side effects can range in severity depending on several factors, such as how much of the drug has been consumed, if other drugs were used, and the route of administration.

Carfentanil Warnings

Carefentail comes with a variety of warnings because the drug is not approved for use in humans. Any use of carfentanil is considered drug abuse, and using it can be hazardous to your health.

Carfentanil Overdose

Due to the potency of carfentanil, a drug overdose can take place more quickly than one might realize. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, immediately seek urgent medical attention.

Some of the overdose symptoms a person can experience may consist of:

• slowed heart rate
• respiratory depression
• low blood pressure
• clammy skin
• lips or fingernails turning blue

Doctors may administer naloxone (Narcan), a drug that may help reverse the effects of an overdose.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), those who have overdosed on illicit potent opioids such as carfentanil may require additional doses of naloxone.

Carfentanil-Laced Street Drugs

Carfentanil may be used to adulterate street drugs unbeknownst to the person taking the drug. This can lead to an accidental drug overdose, coma, or even death.

When carfentanil is combined with fentanyl, heroin, or other opioids, this mixture can lead to what is referred to as the “gray death.” This is a dangerous cocktail of drugs that greatly increases the risk of overdose.

Opioid Addiction

A person who becomes dependent on carfentanil may also develop an opioid addiction. When this takes place, it becomes harder for the person suffering from drug addiction to stop using the substance, despite the possible dangerous consequences that can occur.

Those who have developed a physical dependence on opioids may experience a wide array of withdrawal symptoms like intense cravings, restlessness, and excessive sweating.

Addiction Treatment For Carfentanil Abuse

When undergoing treatment for carfentanil use at a treatment facility, you may undergo detox, a process in which the toxins and harmful substances in your body can be removed. Throughout this process, you will be monitored by healthcare professionals.

Following detox, you have access to inpatient or outpatient treatment options, which include behavioral therapy, peer support groups, and mental health counseling.

To find out if our outpatient opioid treatment program is a good fit for yourself or a loved one, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.