How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used to treat severe pain. It is also increasingly being abused as a recreational drug, leading to a rising number of overdose deaths. If you or a loved one have taken fentanyl, you may be wondering how long it will stay in your system. In this article, we’ll look at the answer to this question and give you some more details about fentanyl.

How Fentanyl Works

Fentanyl works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals throughout the body. By blocking these receptors, fentanyl can provide powerful pain relief, but it can also lead to a range of side effects, including dizziness, nausea, constipation, and respiratory depression.

Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, which means that even small doses can be dangerous. It is estimated that fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, making it much more likely to cause an overdose.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

The amount of time that fentanyl stays in your system can vary depending on a range of factors, including your age, weight, metabolism, and the dose of fentanyl that you took. Fentanyl can usually be found in urine, blood, and saliva for different amounts of time.

Urine

Fentanyl can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours after the last use.

Blood

Fentanyl can be detected in blood for up to 24 hours after the last use.

Saliva

Fentanyl can be detected in saliva for up to 72 hours after the last use.

It is important to note that these are only general guidelines and that the exact amount of time that fentanyl stays in your system can vary from person to person. Additionally, if you have been using fentanyl regularly or in high doses, it may take longer for the drug to clear from your system.

Effects of Fentanyl

The effects of fentanyl can vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors. Some of the common effects of fentanyl use include:

Pain relief
Euphoria
Sedation
Respiratory depression
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Itching
Confusion
Hallucinations
Seizures

Fentanyl is a potent drug that can cause serious harm or even death if not used properly. It is important to only use fentanyl as directed by a healthcare provider and to never take more than the prescribed dose.

Detection of Fentanyl

There are several ways to detect fentanyl in the body, including urine, blood, and saliva tests. These tests work by detecting the presence of fentanyl or its metabolites in the body. Fentanyl is rapidly metabolized in the body, which means that its metabolites can be detected for longer periods of time than the drug itself.

Urine tests are the most commonly used method for detecting fentanyl, as they are non-invasive and can detect the drug for up to 72 hours after the last use. Blood tests can also be used to detect fentanyl, but they are more invasive and can only detect the drug for up to 24 hours after the last use. Saliva tests are another option, but they are less commonly used than urine or blood tests.

Treatment for Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl overdose can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Some of the signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

Slow or shallow breathing
Blue or gray skin
Unresponsiveness
Pinpoint pupils
Cold and clammy skin
Extreme drowsiness or confusion

If you or someone you know is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment may involve administering naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. In severe cases, emergency medical services may need to be called to provide additional support.

Prevention of Fentanyl Abuse

Preventing fentanyl abuse is an important public health goal. Some of the ways to reduce the risk of fentanyl abuse include:

Only using fentanyl as directed by a healthcare provider
Not sharing prescription medications with others
Properly disposing of unused medications
Avoiding the use of illicit drugs
Seeking help for substance abuse or addiction

Conclusion

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can provide powerful pain relief, but it also carries a high risk of abuse and overdose. The amount of time that fentanyl stays in your system can vary depending on a range of factors, but it can generally be detected in urine, blood, and saliva for up to 72 hours after the last use. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl abuse or addiction, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist.

Related Article: How long does klonopin stay in your system?

References:

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Fentanyl. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/fentanyl
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Drug Testing. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing