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An example of fentanyl citrate

Fentanyl citrate is a narcotic opioid that doctors administer for pain. Specifically, they use it for breakthrough pain people experience during cancer treatment. Other medicines are unable to effectively treat this pain level. Above all, the drug is incredibly potent and addictive, which means you should never take it for non-cancer-related pain. Learn more about fentanyl citrate, its dangers, and how to break free from fentanyl addiction through a treatment program at San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 today.

What Is Fentanyl Citrate?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that's much more potent than morphine. Doctors use it to relieve severe pain from injuries, surgeries, and cancer treatments. Overall, opioids are the strongest pain relievers. They bind to receptors in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and spinal cord to reduce pain signals, thus alleviating physical discomfort.

Fentanyl citrate is one of the many forms of fentanyl. As a rapid-acting form, it relieves any discomfort for people already taking chronic pain relievers.

Additionally, the Actiq brand is a lozenge on a plastic stick. Patients rub it on the insides of their mouths or place it under their tongues for about 15 minutes. Sublimaze is another brand that hospitals use because it's an injection. Sometimes it is also used alongside anesthetics.

Side Effects and Addiction Risk

Despite how helpful this fentanyl variant is, it can cause various side effects. Since it's an opioid, it has a high risk of causing addiction. You should be careful with any opioid, as it can produce a feeling similar to euphoria, and for many, that feeling is tempting. They want to return to that feeling and will take opioids in different forms in order to feel the same effects.

Generally, among the less serious side effects, patients may experience:

  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches

The drug can also cause nausea, vomiting, and weakness as well. However, patients should immediately call their doctors if they become sleepy or feel they'll pass out, as they could be experiencing an overdose. Additional serious side effects include shallow or weak breathing and slow heart rate.

Overall, there's also a reason why doctors only give this form of fentanyl to people already taking opioids. The reason is that people who don't have an opioid tolerance have a higher chance of fentanyl overdose. Above all, the drug is so strong the body needs to be familiar with it, or it will go into shock. Overdose can be fatal, and if you see someone who is struggling after taking fentanyl or any other opioid, reach out for help right away.

Furthermore, another dangerous side effect is addiction. Regardless of its form, fentanyl has a massive risk.

Addiction develops because opioids stimulate dopamine production. Too much of this neurotransmitter causes cognitive chemical imbalance. At this point, people can become mentally and physically dependent on the drug. They can't stop using it even if they try.

Additionally, addiction could develop when people take the drug as their doctor prescribes. Those who abuse it have a higher risk of developing the disease. Overall, they abuse it to achieve an intense euphoria. However, fentanyl abuse can cause respiratory failure.

Get Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction at San Antonio Recovery Center

If you have an addiction to opiates or opioids, help is available at San Antonio Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas. We offer a wide range of therapies and addiction treatment programs rooted in the 12-step philosophy. Our treatment center offers several opiate addiction rehab programs, including:

Don't lose your life to opiate or opioid addiction. Regain control and learn to live a healthy, sober life. Contact us today at 866.957.7885, or contact us online to begin your treatment today.

Now is the time to focus on your recovery.

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