How Does Fentanyl Affect the Body?

Fentanyl is a potent, dangerous substance. This synthetic opioid is significantly more powerful than heroin and morphine. Originally, fentanyl was developed to manage severe pain, especially in cancer patients. Now, it’s become known for its role in fueling the opioid crisis, contributing to a soaring number of overdoses and deaths.

We’ll explore the different ways fentanyl can affect the body to shed light on why it’s such a dangerous drug.

A Brief Overview of Fentanyl

Fentanyl, because of how potent it is, is only meant to be used in controlled medical environments.

However, it’s also illegally made and sold, often mixed with other drugs like cocaine, pills or heroin, without the user knowing. This makes it incredibly dangerous. Even a very small amount can lead to overdose and death.

What Happens When Someone Takes Fentanyl?

When someone uses fentanyl, it interacts with their brain and body quickly.

Entry into the body: Fentanyl can be used in different forms, including injection, transdermal patches or lozenges. It’s rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and begins taking effect in minutes.
Binding to opioid receptors: Quickly making its way across the blood-brain barrier, fentanyl binds to specific opioid receptors. Opioid receptors are part of the body’s pain regulation system. When fentanyl binds to these sites, it triggers chemical reactions, changing how the brain perceives pain.
Initial brain effects: One of the primary effects of fentanyl in the short term is powerful pain relief. When opioid receptors are activated, it also triggers a dopamine release. Dopamine is what causes the euphoria or high of fentanyl. Fentanyl slows down brain activity, creating drowsy, relaxed feelings.
Effects on the body: Fentanyl significantly slows the body’s respiratory rate because it acts on the brain stem. The brainstem controls automatic body functions, like breathing. This is one of fentanyl’s most dangerous effects, and if a dose is too high, it can cause respiratory arrest. Fentanyl can also cause blood pressure and heart rate to drop.
Short-term aftereffects: As the drug continues affecting the brain, a person may feel extremely tired or fall asleep. It can trigger nausea and vomiting, and the sedative effects can lead to problems concentrating, confusion and impaired decision-making.
Risk of overdose: If too much fentanyl is taken, it can lead to severe respiratory depression and hypoxia. Hypoxia is when oxygen levels are dangerously low and can cause brain damage or death.

Once the effects of fentanyl wear off, a person may go through early withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, muscle aches and restlessness, especially if they use it regularly.

Long-Term Fentanyl Effects

The long-term effects of fentanyl can be devastating. Chronic fentanyl use can lead to:

Tolerance development: Your body can become accustomed to fentanyl over time. The initial dose no longer has the same effect; you would need higher doses to get the desired effects. That then raises the risk of overdose.
Physical dependence: With continued use, the chemistry of the brain starts changing, and it relies on fentanyl to function normally.
Respiratory issues: Long-term opioid use can lead to ongoing respiratory depression. At that point, a person’s breathing might stay shallow or slow even when they’re not actively under the influence of the drug. That can cause chronic oxygen deprivation, damaging vital organs. It raises the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia.
Cardiovascular damage: Fentanyl can cause long-term damage to the cardiovascular system, including chronic low blood pressure and slow heart rate, as well as a raised risk of heart attack or failure.
Cognitive and mental health effects: Chronic fentanyl use can lead to long-term cognitive impairments like memory loss and problems concentrating. It can also worsen or lead to the development of mental health disorders. Psychological fentanyl dependence can fuel an addiction cycle as well.
Sleep apnea: Related to the respiratory effects of fentanyl, long-term use can cause or worsen sleep apnea. This is when breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, further reducing oxygen levels.
Digestive issues: Fentanyl slows down the digestive system, causing chronic constipation. It can become severe and eventually require medical treatment.
Liver damage: The liver metabolizes fentanyl, and chronic use can strain it, leading to damage or failure. If fentanyl is used with other substances like alcohol that also burden the liver, these risks can be especially high.
Kidney damage: The kidneys filter waste out of the blood, including drug use. Prolonged use of fentanyl can lead to kidney damage or failure, especially if the drug leads to dehydration or other toxic substances are being used.
Immune system: Chronic opioid use suppresses the immune system and makes the body more at risk of frequent and potentially severe infections.
Hormonal imbalances: Long-term use can disrupt the endocrine system and cause hormonal imbalances. It can result in symptoms like reduced libido, depression, fatigue and infertility. Fentanyl can also lead to adrenal insufficiency, so the body can no longer produce enough of the hormones regulating stress and other body functions.
Sexual dysfunction: Both men and women might experience sexual dysfunction because of the effects of fentanyl on hormone levels and overall physical health.

Along with the above, chronic use of opioids can decrease bone density and lead to muscle weakness and wasting.

Getting Help for Fentanyl Dependence

Fentanyl’s impact on the body is both immediate and also long-lasting. Devastating effects can alter every part of a person’s physical health. From respiratory and heart damage to severe cognitive issues, the consequences of fentanyl use are profound and often life-threatening. Long-term use also leads to a dangerous addiction cycle that’s tough to break.

Recovery is possible, though.

Recognizing the dangers of fentanyl is the first step to seeking the needed help to overcome addiction. If you or a loved one is using fentanyl, it’s crucial to get professional support as soon as possible.

At San Diego Detox, we understand the distinct challenges of fentanyl addiction. Our team of caring professionals can guide you through the detoxification process. Once you’ve finished the detoxification process, we can help guide you through continued recovery via our treatment programs, which include: