Muse Treatment: Fentanyl Overdose Information & Treatment

A recent surge in fentanyl’s popularity has led to a sharp spike in drug-related hospitalizations and deaths. This synthetic opioid that’s significantly more potent than morphine has swept the nation, and its rapid onset of fentanyl side effects and the potential for accidental overdose make it a seriously dangerous drug. While fentanyl is prescribed by doctors for patients with extreme conditions, it’s also become a popular street drug owing to the many effects it provides, including a euphoric feeling of extreme relaxation.

Understanding the factors influencing the speed of fentanyl’s effects and recognizing the signs of an overdose is crucial in saving lives. Let’s examine some of the key factors that determine the speed of fentanyl’s onset, the timeline of an overdose, the potential consequences, and the critical steps to take in case of emergency. By understanding these aspects, we can raise awareness and hopefully reduce the tragic toll of fentanyl-related deaths.

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How Long Does Fentanyl Take to Set In?

The number of reported fentanyl overdose cases in Los Angeles is on the rise due in large part to the rapid onset of effects associated with this drug. This is particularly dangerous because even the smallest dose can be lethal, especially for individuals with little to no tolerance for opioids.

It can be difficult to pinpoint the speed at which fentanyl’s effects will take to set in. Several factors can influence this rate, including:

Dosage: While a higher dose of fentanyl will produce effects quicker than a lower dose, it cannot be understated just how powerful this drug is, with experts saying it’s 50-100 times more potent than morphine, a drug that’s commonly used after medical trauma or during end-of-life treatment.
Body Weight: People with larger bodies have more blood and tissue where the medication needs to travel, leading to lower drug concentrations in the bloodstream. This process slows down fentanyl’s journey to the brain, where it reacts with receptors to produce effects. For this reason, overweight patients may feel fentanyl affects them more slowly than their thinner counterparts do.
Metabolism: When anything is ingested, the compounds and substances contained therein are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where enzymes attach to molecules. In this process, the body breaks medications. If a patient’s metabolism is weaker, they will break down those prescriptions slower than someone with a strong one, altering the speed at which the effects kick in.
Tolerance: This mechanism is how the body adapts to certain drugs. With the repeated use of any substance, a growing tolerance will reduce the speed of effects, meaning that over time, a person will need to take more of the same drug to produce the same results.
Route: This contributing factor is the most variable as there are several methods for getting fentanyl into the body, and each one reacts differently for a multitude of response times.
- Intravenous (IV): This method involves injecting the drug into a vein and produces the quickest results, typically within seconds.
- Intramuscular: With a shot directly into the muscle, patients report a slightly slower response time than IV injections, with a few minutes before effects kick in.
- Inhalation: Common with illegal drug practices, snorting or smoking fentanyl can produce a powerful effect in just about a minute.
- Oral: Taking pills means the substance must first travel to the stomach and be broken down by metabolic functions. Thus, it is the slower option for feeling effects, taking a half hour or more to work.
- Transdermal: This option involves sticking a fentanyl-infused patch onto the skin, where the synthetic opioid is released into the bloodstream slowly over time to produce a steady, long-lasting effect that takes a little slower to begin.

How Long Does It Take For an Overdose to Begin?

Recognizing the impending signs of a fentanyl overdose could be the difference between life and death. Acting quickly during such a medical emergency is paramount to survival, so being aware of the specific timeline of events is necessary. Let’s take a look at a minute-by-minute breakdown.

Minute 1: Too much fentanyl is introduced to the bloodstream and heads for the brain.
Minutes 2-15 (depending on route): Effects begin, including euphoria, drowsiness, and slurred speech. Some negative possibilities can start now, such as confusion, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite and coordination.
Minutes 15-30: During this period, respiratory depression can start when a person’s breathing slows down. This is due to the extremely calming effects of the drug relaxing the muscles around the lungs too much and is the leading cause of death associated with it.
Minutes 30-60: At this point, the breathing slows to a complete halt, leaving the person unresponsive. Without enough oxygen getting to the brain, the body begins to shut down less vital appendages and organs to ration the remaining air. Left untreated, this can lead to permanent brain damage.
One Hour or More: The body consumes the little air left in the bloodstream, and death follows.

It’s important to remember that these time frames will vary depending on contributing body factors like metabolism, body weight, and more, so it’s critical to pay attention to breathing patterns more than a clock when watching for signs of an overdose.

Fentanyl Overdose Information & Treatment

What to Expect After a Fentanyl Overdose?

After an overdose is hopefully when the road to recovery begins, though this isn’t always the case for all users. The physical effects of a medical event such as this can take a significant toll, with many patients reporting extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, body shakes, and trouble regulating temperature. The detoxing from fentanyl is taxing and should be approached with caution and a medical team for assistance. Some additional symptoms during this time include:

Anxiety
Runny nose
Nausea and vomiting
Dilated pupils
High blood pressure
Stomach cramps

Fentanyl is a strong drug with powerful side effects that can lead to death. Surviving an overdose presents an opportunity to take back control of life, and rehab or other addiction treatment services are the best next step toward a better future.

How Are Fentanyl Overdoses Treated?

In the event of an overdose, prompt action is crucial. Staying calm and taking the following steps can increase the chances of survival:

Call 911. Even when unsure if it’s serious enough, time is a factor. Calling for help immediately sends professionals to the scene while other actions are taken. This way, if additional measures don’t work, there’s no lag time waiting for help to arrive.
Administer Narcan. Also known by its generic name, Naloxone, this medication comes in nasal spray or injectable forms and can rapidly reverse the effects of an overdose by blocking receptors in the brain affected by opioids. Each version has different included operation instructions, but emergency service personnel can verbally walk callers through the process if needed.
Monitor Breathing. If possible and safe, roll the patient on their side to prevent choking and closely watch for any signs of slowed breathing. It may be necessary to administer another dose of Narcan in this case.

Once an ambulance arrives, EMTs and paramedics will take over and bring the person to the nearest hospital for prompt treatment. There, doctors will provide oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure and improve hydration. They may also provide medications to offset the physical symptoms related to detoxing.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery With Muse Treatment.

Fentanyl’s rapid onset and the potential for lethal overdose underscore the urgent need for awareness and prevention. If you or someone you love has had a recent fentanyl overdose in Los Angeles or is dealing with substance abuse, know you’re not alone. Muse Treatment offers comprehensive addiction programs and services, such as detoxification, rehab, therapy, and aftercare. It doesn’t matter how this point was reached, but there is always a way out, free of shame or judgment, as you get your life back on track under the watchful eyes of dedicated professionals who care. Don’t let fentanyl take your life or the things you love. Call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 today to take the first step toward addiction recovery.