Fentanyl is used to treat sudden episodes of pain associated with the presence of a tumor in adult patients (aged 18 years) who are already taking other narcotic regularly, to control the painful symptoms of cancer and to treat those who do not respond to the effect of other narcotics.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a narcotic. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
How should Fentanyl be taken?
Fentanyl can be taken orally by mouth or transmuscularly. Among the possible forms of Fentanyl include tablets, tablets to dissolve in the mouth or under the tongue and transdermal patches.
Your doctor will initially prescribe a low dose of Fentanyl and then gradually increase your dosage until you find one that is most effective.
Side effects associated with Fentanyl
Possible side effects of Fentanyl include the following:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficulty passing urine
- Weakness
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Strange thoughts or dreams
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Sudden redness in the face, neck or chest
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Back ache
- Chest pain
- Pain, blisters or mouth irritation
- Swelling of hands, feet, ankles or calves
You should immediately contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Convulsions
- Urticaria
- Rash
- Itch
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Fentanyl
Fentanyl should not be taken more than four times a day because it can create dependency. For this reason, you need to strictly adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor and never stop taking the medication on your own free will; otherwise withdrawal may lead to possible onset of symptoms Also while taking Fentanyl, stopping painkillers that are taken routinely is not advised.
The drug can impair the ability to drive and operate hazardous machinery. It may also cause dangerous dizziness and fainting when standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
Adverse effects of Fentanyl can be aggravated by alcohol. In general, proper nutrition helps reduce unwanted reactions of the organism while receiving treatment with this medication, especially constipation.
Before taking Fentanyl, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal supplements or supplements. Mentioning in particular: painkillers, antihistamines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, butorphanol, carbamazepine, efavirenz, antiemetics, modafinil, steroids (if taken orally), oxcarbazepine, pentazocine, phenytoin, pioglitazone, rifabutin, and rifampin, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and St. John's wort. You may also need to tell your doctor if you have stopped taking MAO inhibitors two weeks prior to Fentanyl.
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from head injuries, brain tumors, stroke or any condition that may increase intracranial pressure, seizures, heart problems, kidney problems, respiratory or liver disease, low blood pressure, psychiatric illness or hallucinations
- If you have not used drugs before or if you have abused drugs or alcohol
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Fentanyl.
