Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is available both by prescription and from illegal street sources. It is used to manage pain under the supervision of a physician and can also be used recreationally to produce a feeling of euphoria. Like morphine, fentanyl attaches to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals. Fentanyl, however, is much more potent. This increases the risk of addiction for patients who are prescribed fentanyl and can lead to a higher chance of overdose among those who obtain this drug illegally. Using fentanyl without the supervision of a doctor or obtaining it illegally can pose serious risks to users. Even when fentanyl is prescribed by a doctor and used as directed, patients can become addicted to the pain relief and euphoria often associated with this powerful medication. Careful monitoring is required to ensure that patients use fentanyl only under medical supervision and only as prescribed. Depending on how it is administered, fentanyl can remain active in the human body for several days. It can often be detected by testing for a much longer period, which can pose additional problems for those who must pass drug tests to remain employed. Understanding the ways in which fentanyl affects the body and brain can help users and their friends and family members to address addiction to this dangerous substance in a more informed way.

Fentanyl: How Long Does It Stay In Your System? - Live Free Recovery Services

Home » Blog » Fentanyl: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?

Understanding the effects of drugs and alcohol on your body can help you make the most appropriate choices for yourself and your future. At Live Free Recovery Services, our team of caring professionals provides support and guidance for those facing substance abuse and drug abuse challenges. We specialize in delivering client-focused solutions that help individuals recover from addiction, whether to opioids, painkillers, or other substances like alcohol.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, including prescription opioids like methadone or suboxone, or dealing with the effects of opiate or prescription drug misuse, our team is here to help. We focus on helping you develop the skills and tools necessary for achieving long-term recovery from substance use and addiction.

Table of Contents

How Fentanyl Is Processed by the Body
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
Symptoms of Fentanyl Use and Withdrawal
Long-term Health Risks Associated With Fentanyl Use
Warning Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
Getting Help for Fentanyl Addiction
Live Free Recovery Services Can Help
FAQ

How Fentanyl Is Processed by the Body

The human brain contains numerous opioid receptors. These proteins interact with substances in the bloodstream to regulate pain and pleasure responses. When fentanyl travels to these receptors through the circulatory system, it bonds with opioid receptor proteins to reduce or eliminate pain and to produce a sense of euphoria and well-being in users. As the body and the receptors in the brain become more accustomed to the effects of fentanyl and other opioids, however, a higher dosage may be required to produce the same level of pain relief or pleasurable sensations for the user.

Over time, the body breaks down fentanyl and allows it to release from opioid receptors. The drug metabolites produced by this process are filtered through the liver and are usually excreted in urine. Once the opioid receptors in the brain have metabolized all the fentanyl in the bloodstream, patients may experience discomfort or a feeling of fatigue that can linger for several hours.

Fentanyl also depresses the signals that trigger breathing and other basic bodily functions. An overdose of fentanyl can cause slowed or shallow breathing, slowed heart rate and an increased risk of unconsciousness or even death. Fentanyl overdoses can occur at any time during use of the drug, including the first time it is taken.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

The sensation of euphoria and the pain relief produced by fentanyl can last as long as two hours. The duration varies depending on the method of administration and the extent to which the user has become habituated to fentanyl’s effects. However, once the high has worn off, drug testing can still detect fentanyl for an extended period after the last use. Factors like half-life, body fat, and individual metabolism affect the detection times. Here are some general guidelines for how long fentanyl can be detected:

Urine tests can detect fentanyl in the bloodstream from one hour to 72 hours after last use. The amount of time it stays detectable depends on the dosage, the level of hydration, and the frequency of fentanyl use.
Blood tests can detect fentanyl metabolites almost immediately and up to 12 hours after last use. These tests are primarily used in clinical settings to treat overdoses and assess immediate health risks.
Saliva tests, or mouth swab tests, can detect fentanyl for up to 72 hours after use.
Hair tests can detect fentanyl metabolites for 90 days or more, depending on the length of the hair, as metabolites remain in the hair until it is cut.

The times listed are averages and vary between individuals. Factors such as overall health, body fat, metabolic rate, and the amount and frequency of fentanyl use influence exactly how long the drug remains detectable in blood, saliva, urine, or hair. If drug testing is a concern, seeking professional treatment for fentanyl addiction is crucial to avoid further issues with dependence and failed drug tests.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Use and Withdrawal

Some of the most common symptoms of fentanyl use include the following:

Euphoria
Sleepiness, drowsiness or fatigue
Confusion or disorientation
Dizziness
Constricted or pinpoint pupils of the eye
Slowed breathing
Reduced heart rate
Extreme sense of relaxation
Nausea, possibly with vomiting
Retention of urine

These effects can occur in individuals who are using the drug under the supervision of a physician and in those who have obtained the drug illegally. Fentanyl use can make it difficult to manage regular daily activities and tasks.

Withdrawal from fentanyl can pose serious risks to patients who do not have the support of medical personnel and trained recovery professionals. Some of the most common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are listed here:

Irritability
Severe pain, including bone pain and muscle cramps
Runny nose and respiratory reactions
Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal upsets
Physical weakness
Intense craving for the drug
Sweating
Yawning and fatigue
Physical weakness
Insomnia or restless sleep
Chills
Severe or recurring anxiety

Seeking help from trained professionals who specialize in addiction recovery is usually the best way to navigate the withdrawal process. By combining necessary medication with a safe and supportive environment, your addiction recovery team can help you or your loved one to manage the challenges of withdrawal from fentanyl and the journey to a brighter future.

Long-term Health Risks Associated With Fentanyl Use

Fentanyl use can cause serious or chronic medical issues for patients who continue to use the drug for an extended period. Some of the most common health risks associated with long-term use of fentanyl include the following:

Addiction to fentanyl
Constipation
Depression and suicidal ideations
Impulsivity
Weight loss
Irregular menstrual periods
Sexual dysfunction

Additionally, use of fentanyl by a mother during pregnancy can cause miscarriages, premature labor, low birth weights and can contribute to a higher chance of infant mortality.

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

Slowed heart rate and slower breathing are two of the most common signs of a fentanyl overdose. If breathing or heart rate slows too much, the flow of oxygen to the brain can be interrupted, leading to a condition called hypoxia. Without prompt intervention, this can increase the risk of overdose leading to serious complications like a coma, brain damage, or even death. Given the rise in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, seeking treatment as quickly as possible is essential. Naloxone is often used by first responders to treat patients experiencing an opioid overdose, as it can reverse the effects and potentially save lives in a drug overdose situation.

Getting Help for Fentanyl Addiction

Depending on the degree of addiction, the amount of fentanyl normally used and the length of time the patient has used fentanyl, the recovery process may take weeks or months to complete. Because fentanyl is a dangerous and very addictive substance, professional treatment is always recommended to ensure the safety of patients and the success of the recovery process. At Live Free Recovery Services,
we offer a detox program, therapy, and long-term support for patients who want to overcome fentanyl addiction and to begin their journey to wellness once more.

Live Free Recovery Services Can Help

Live Free Recovery and Sober Living, located in New Hampshire, offers a wide range of addiction treatment options for patients seeking to overcome substance use disorders. Our treatment center provides outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, along with sober living centers designed with the unique needs of each patient in mind. Whether you’re struggling with addiction to fentanyl or any other substance, we have treatment options to support you on your path to recovery. Our team is committed to addressing both your mental health and physical well-being, ensuring comprehensive care throughout your journey. Contact us today to connect with our dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Live Free Recovery Services and begin your journey to a brighter tomorrow.

FAQ

What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is available both by prescription and from illegal street sources. It is used to manage pain under the supervision of a physician and can also be used recreationally to produce a feeling of euphoria. Like morphine, fentanyl attaches to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals. Fentanyl, however, is much more potent. This increases the risk of addiction for patients who are prescribed fentanyl and can lead to a higher chance of overdose among those who obtain this drug illegally.

Using fentanyl without the supervision of a doctor or obtaining it illegally can pose serious risks to users. Even when fentanyl is prescribed by a doctor and used as directed, patients can become addicted to the pain relief and euphoria often associated with this powerful medication. Careful monitoring is required to ensure that patients use fentanyl only under medical supervision and only as prescribed.

Depending on how it is administered, fentanyl can remain active in the human body for several days. It can often be detected by testing for a much longer period, which can pose additional problems for those who must pass drug tests to remain employed. Understanding the ways in which fentanyl affects the body and brain can help users and their friends and family members to address addiction to this dangerous substance in a more informed way.