Fentanyl Patch | Uses, Abuse Potential, & Side Effects

A fentanyl transdermal patch (brand name Duragesic) is used only for opioid-tolerant patients who suffer from chronic pain and need around-the-clock pain relief.

Fentanyl patches belong to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics used primarily for treating and managing severe pain.

Although a fentanyl patch can be used for pain, it also has abuse potential and can cause serious side effects. Those who use fentanyl patches may experience sedative effects which, when abused, can lead to life-threatening health problems.

Fentanyl Patch Uses

A fentanyl patch is used as a form of pain relief and the sticky side of the patch can be applied to the skin every 72 hours.

Approved Use

To use a fentanyl patch correctly, you must apply the patch with clear water without the use of soap and then dry gently. A new patch must be applied to the upper arm, upper back, or chest.

If your patch comes loose while in use, it can be taped with first aid tape. Fully used patches should never be reapplied, nor should you use patches that are cut.

If a patch is torn or damaged in any way, it can cause you to receive a large amount of fentanyl in a short amount of time which can lead to an overdose or serious health consequences including death.

Misuse

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), used fentanyl patches can retain a large amount of fentanyl even after use for three days. Those who abuse fentanyl can use new or old fentanyl transdermal patches.

In order to be abused, the gel contents of the patch must be removed. Those partaking in opioid abuse may inject or ingest these contents, causing sedation.

In addition to this, patches that have been frozen can be taken in pieces by being placed underneath the tongue or in the cavity of the cheek. The drug can be absorbed through the oral mucosa of the mouth.

Fentanyl Patch Abuse Potential

Fentanyl is a schedule II controlled substance that belongs to the synthetic opioid drug class which has a high potential for abuse.

Abusing the drug may start when a person takes an extra dose of fentanyl or doesn’t use it as prescribed. Any form of fentanyl abuse increases the risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.

Fentanyl Dependency

This opioid pain medicine affects the central nervous system (CNS) causing relaxation and pain relief. When abused, a person may take larger doses of the medication to experience a “high” or sense of euphoria.

If a person becomes physically reliant on fentanyl, they are suffering from drug dependency. This may cause a person to take higher doses, which can lead to an overdose.

Fentanyl Overdose

If a person has taken too much fentanyl, an accidental overdose may occur. If a person experiences fentanyl toxicity, they may have the following symptoms:

• shallow breathing
• fainting
• dizziness
• rise in body temperature
• small pupils
• confusion
• blood pressure fluctuations
• inability to respond or be woken
• drowsiness

If you suspect an overdose has occurred, seek medical help right away. A healthcare professional may administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can help reverse the side effects of an opioid overdose.

Fentanyl Patch Side Effects

Fentanyl patches have the ability to cause a number of short-term and long-term side effects that range in severity.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of fentanyl use include:

• headache
• dry mouth
• changes in mood
• sedation
• itching

Long-Term Side Effects

Long-term side effects of fentanyl may include:

• constipation
• loss of appetite
• hoarseness
• decreased sexual desire
• irregular menstruation

Withdrawal symptoms may also occur in those who abruptly stop using the medication. To avoid the potential for adverse effects, you should also tell your healthcare provider if you:

• are breastfeeding
• have a history of breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• have ever had a head injury
• have paralytic ileus
• are taking any CNS depressants
• have a history of seizures

Fentanyl Patch Warnings

In addition to the numerous side effects that can occur when abusing fentanyl patches, there are a number of warnings that come with taking this drug.

What To Avoid While Wearing A Fentanyl Patch

When wearing a fentanyl patch, you must avoid:

• electric blankets
• heating pads
• CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or muscle relaxants
• saunas or hot baths
• grapefruit or grapefruit juice
• painkillers containing codeine
• drugs that affect serotonin levels in the brain

Storing Fentanyl Patches Safely

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), young children can easily be accidentally exposed to fentanyl patches, which can lead to death. This is why it’s so important that all patches must be stored at room temperature and kept out of reach of children.

If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for opioid addiction, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today for information on our outpatient rehab program.