When it comes to the treatment of chronic or severe pain, there are few medications higher on the list than fentanyl. Fentanyl is typically given to patients who have built tolerances to, or receive no relief from opiates such as morphine and oxycontin. Such a powerful pain medication is expected to come with a hefty warning label.
Addiction
Fentanyl is a high-powered narcotic. As such, it carries a high risk factor for addiction. Patients who exert poor control over the use of fentanyl, as well as those who continue using the drug after its need has been eradicated, are most at risk of becoming addicts.
Dependence
Prolonged use of fentanyl can cause the body to become accustomed to having the drug in its system. Those who require higher doses of the medication are also at risk for chemical dependence. When the body becomes deprived of what it has become used to, severe withdrawal symptoms may manifest.
Liver Damage
In some rare cases, fentanyl has been attributed with permanent damage to the liver. Those with a history of liver problems are usually not viable candidates for this method of pain management.
Respiratory Depression
One of fentanyl's side effects is slowness of breath. If high doses are used over a lengthy period of time, depression of the body's respiratory system can become long-term or permanent.
Warning
Side effect risks can increase if using a fentanyl patch that has been tampered with. Never use a fentanyl patch that has been cut or split.
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