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Home How Do Fentanyl Patches Work?

How Do Fentanyl Patches Work?

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There has been much talk about Fentanyl in the news. The use of this synthetic opiate pain reliever called Fentanyl is for the treatment of severe pain. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of deaths related to fentanyl in the United States. A lot of deaths related to fentanyl are as a result of individuals altering the time-release mechanism, abusing the drug and/or making a mixture of the drug with others. People who have been prescribed this medication have a lot of health benefits from it but there is a high risk for the development of physical and emotional dependence, particularly for persons who abuse the medication.

There are several forms of fentanyl; patch, lozenge, tablet, and spray. In order to have an intense and a rapid high, addicts usually disable the time-release mechanisms of the drug. This is often the case with the fentanyl patch. There is an increasing rate of fentanyl patch abuse. The various ways in which fentanyl patches are abused and how it works will be explored in this article.

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What is a Fentanyl Patch?

Fentanyl is an opiate pain reliever which is synthetic. Patients who have undergone surgery are usually prescribed fentanyl or patients who are experiencing a lot of pain from an injury. Fentanyl is over 100 times powerful than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Due to Fentanyl’s high possibility of drug abuse and the potential for it to lead to severe physical or psychological dependence, it is classed as a Schedule II drug. It is unfortunate that it is often abused despite its several health benefits.

Fentanyl has several forms. A transdermal patch is one of the forms which the drug comes in. There is an alcohol gel filled with a particular fentanyl dose which transdermal fentanyl patches contain. This patch is supposed to be used on the skin and worn to constantly relief pain for about 48 to 72 hours. They generally prescribe transdermal fentanyl patches for pain particularly in managing post-operative pain and palliative treatment for cancer patients. Patients who are affected by other pain medications or who don’t like other ways of administration find transdermal fentanyl patches beneficial.

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How Does the Fentanyl Patch Work?

Fentanyl is a very powerful pain medication. Fentanyl ought to be used only when a doctor prescribes it and ought to be taken following the prescription. Time-release pain relief is said to be provided by fentanyl patches for over 48-72 hours. How do Fentanyl Patches Work? Fentanyl slowly penetrates into the skin once the patch has been applied to the skin. With regards to the dosage, a certain amount of the medicine ought to accumulate in the skin before it penetrates into the bloodstream of the individual. The first dose starts working after 24 hours in some cases. In some cases, during this “waiting period”, a doctor may prescribe a supplemental pain medication to be taken. It is essential for patients not to increase the dose, irrespective of when they experience the effects of the drug. The prescribing doctor should be contacted by patients with any related concerns or questions.

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How Are Fentanyl Patches Abused?

The aim of fentanyl patches is to give time-release pain relief for a period of over 48-72 hours. The time-release mechanism of the drug is tampered with by addicts so as to rapidly experience the effects. This tends to give users an intense and more rapid high. Several ways of abusing fentanyl patches have been documented. The abuse of fentanyl patches are done in some of these common ways:

  • Inhaling fentanyl gel.
  • Extracting fentanyl from the patch and injecting the drug into the veins.
  • Changing the patches more frequently than prescribed by the doctor.
  • Inserting patches into the rectum.
  • Diluting fentanyl in hot water and taking it like a tea.
  • Chewing or swallowing the patches.
  • Applying more than one patch at a time.

Don’t Hesitate to Intervene – Seek Help Immediately

In case you are worried that a loved one is using fentanyl or other drugs, it is good that you act immediately. You can never intervene too early or be too safe. Even if you think that the teen could just be making experiments with fentanyl or other substances, the first step is to confront the problem. Casual drug or alcohol use and experimentation may quickly lead to addiction, dependence or abuse. Don’t hesitate to call us if you know a person who needs help and we would happily give answers to all your questions.

 

Contact us via the number 1-866-677-0090 now if you know anyone who is a victim of drug or alcohol abuse. Our knowledgeable and reliable staff will get to you promptly. Visit Our Homepage

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