Fentanyl — a synthetic opioid that is commonly used in hospitals. Fentanyl is almost 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl has been used in two different ways, for example:
- Pharmaceuticals Fentanyl
- Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl
How to test fentanyl overdose?
You must be thinking, how can I detect that a person has a fentanyl overdose? Well! There are fentanyl test strips that indicate whether a person is overdosed or not. The strips are inexpensive and give results in only 5 minutes.However, you don't need to have fentanyl test strips at home. There are other factors also from there; you can detect whether a person is overdosed or not.Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms -
Pinpointed Pupil -
Shallow Breathing -
Dizziness/ Confusion -
Cyanosis - Blue and Gray lips -
Stiffness of Body -
Foaming Coming Out of the Mouth -
Cold and clammy skin -
Decreased Heart Rate -
Low Blood Pressure -
Limp Body -
Nausea and Vomiting -
The Routes of Taking Fentanyl -
Transdermal patch -
A transdermal patch is applied to the skin.Buccal tablet -
A tablet that can melt between your cheek and gums.Sublingual tablet -
The tablet that you dissolve under your tongue.Sublingual spray -
A sublingual spray solution that you can spray under your tongue.Oral lozenge -
The tablet that you suck in your mouth until it dissolves.Nasal spray -
A solution that you spray into your nose.Injectable -
An injectable solution that professionals only administer. Also Read: 4 Heroin Abuse TreatmentRelated Warning of Fentanyl -
- Fentanyl comes under narcotics which the Narcotic Control Bureau controls.
- This is because it is an addictive drug and illegal to use Fentanyl.
- The misuse of fentanyl drugs can lead to death.
- The newborn can also see withdrawal symptoms if a pregnant woman takes dental care.
- Then Fentanyl should never be taken with alcohol as it results in coma and death.
- You can purchase only prescribed medicine. Otherwise, it will be illegal to purchase, and you can be punished for using illegal drugs.
Precautions for Taking Fentanyl -
You can avoid Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms by following the precautions while taking the Fentanyl -- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Fentanyl and its ingredients.
- Tell your doctors if you are taking any additional treatments like herbal medicines.
- Notify of any medications you are taking home because the drug may have interacted with Fentanyl.
- Do not drive or work on heavy machinery while taking fentanyl medications.
- Do not eat grapefruit during fentanyl treatment.
- Fentanyl can be taken with other pain medications.
- Take care of your sugar level while taking a tablet containing 2g of sugar.
- Never touch the sticky part of fentanyl patches. If you do, then rinse with water.
- Do not use heat therapy on fentanyl patches, as it increases the absorption rate. Do avoid water baths also.
- Always keep Fentanyl in locked cupboards, especially from children.
Outlook -
Fentanyl is an addictive drug, and the National Control Bureau has implemented stringent policies in the hospital to regulate tablets and platforms for patients. An up-to-date prescription is required, which means the same when you issue narcotics. Then only you can collect your medicines. Safety precautions should be kept in mind, and it is good to have naloxone tablets in everyone's home to reverse the case of a fentanyl overdose.Always consult a doctor if any of these symptoms of fentanyl overdose persist and start to worsen. An anesthesiologist is a good approach to pain management.Reviewed by