Recognizing fentanyl overdose symptoms and acting accordingly can literally save someone’s life. Thanks to interventions like education, Narcan, and fentanyl addiction treatment, deaths from fentanyl are decreasing overall. However, the substance still poses a serious health risk that can’t ignored.
Like other opioids, fentanyl can be highly addictive, and even the most casual experimentation with the drug can lead to fentanyl use disorder. The compassionate team at Promises provides the support, resources, and evidence-based therapies needed to recover from fentanyl misuse and reclaim your life. Contact Promises at 888.483.7451 for more information about next steps.
How Does Fentanyl Abuse Cause Overdose?
The steps that lead to an overdose can be different for each person. They can be accidental or intentional. Intentional overdose is an attempt at self-harm or suicide. Accidental overdose can happen in several ways.
A person who has become physically dependent on fentanyl may refrain from the substance for a while and then relapse. It can be difficult to gauge a non-lethal dosage after detoxing, making accidental overdose a serious risk.
Because illicitly sold fentanyl isn’t regulated, the strength of the substance is unknown. A person may ingest an amount they believe is “safe,” but the higher potency of the drug can cause an overdose.
The practice of lacing other substances with fentanyl can also cause overdose. Individuals may be experimenting with other drugs, such as marijuana, without knowing fentanyl is present.
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services or visiting your local emergency room.
What Happens During a Fentanyl Overdose?
Opioids like fentanyl bind to the receptors in the brain that release endorphins. The drug induces a sense of calm and euphoria. However, these brain receptors are connected to the portion of the brain that’s responsible for regulating breath. Larger doses of fentanyl cause breathing to slow or stop.
This is known as respiratory depression. Cardiac arrest is also a potentially fatal side effect of an overdose. During cardiac arrest, the heart rate and blood pressure can become too low to sustain life.
Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms
Narcan and fentanyl test strips can reduce the risk of a lethal overdose, but the only way to avoid overdose is to stop ingesting fentanyl in any form. If you or someone you care about has a fentanyl use disorder, these symptoms can warn you of a possible overdose:
- Vomiting
- Limp arms and legs
- Pale, cold, or clammy skin
- Bluish or purple tint to the lips or nails
- Slowed or undetectable heart rate and/or breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Gurgling and choking
Call emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose. Stay with the person until help arrives. Even if you are under the influence of fentanyl or other substances, you will not be arrested for calling 911 in an emergency.
About Narcan
Narcan is the brand name of a nasal spray medication known as naloxone. It reverses the effects of fentanyl and other opioids. It returns breathing to normal and restores regular heart rate. Call 911 before administering Narcan.
Narcan/naloxone is found to be effective when it’s administered correctly and quickly. Turn the person onto their back and insert the nozzle into one nostril. Press the plunger and empty the entire dose into the person’s nostril. If the person doesn’t respond, administer a second dose.
Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. If you’re uncertain whether fentanyl or another substance caused the overdose, it is still safe to use Narcan. Narcan is only effective against opioids, but it is not harmful even if there are no substances present in the person’s system.
Stop Fentanyl Abuse With Help From Promises
Fentanyl abuse can cause several serious and long-lasting health problems, including fatal overdose. There is no “safe” amount of fentanyl, and anyone who tries the drug outside of medical use is at risk for overdose.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an opioid addiction, Promises can help. Call Promises today at 888.483.7451 for more information. You can also reach out through our online contact form.