What Happens After a Fentanyl Overdose?

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Deaths due to opioid overdoses have risen in the past few years, mainly due to a new potent drug called fentanyl. Since fentanyl is between 50 and 100 times more potent than other opioids and morphine, the chances of fentanyl overdose are high.

Modern medicine has opened the pharmaceutical world, empowering doctors with new treatment options. However, these drugs have side effects, and sometimes the impact is far from therapeutic. The sharp rise in fentanyl-related deaths may be due to the increased availability of illegally made, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl and prescribed fentanyl.

Signs of a fentanyl overdose

An overdose happens when fentanyl overwhelms the central nervous system and blocks the brain’s ability to control breathing.

Because fentanyl is a potent respiratory depressant, an overdose may start with drowsiness and end with the person falling asleep and never waking up.

Signs to watch for include:

Dizziness or fainting
Shallow or slow breathing
Constricted pupils
Drowsiness or extreme fatigue
Confusion or clouded thinking
Slurred speech and poor coordination

Recognizing these signs early can save a life. Call emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose.

What to do after an overdose

One of the most effective ways to combat a fentanyl overdose is to use naloxone. Naloxone is another synthetic drug. It effectively blocks the opiate receptors, serving as an apt counterbalance to the effect of fentanyl.

This allows the body to reverse the effects of the overdose. When administered correctly, naloxone works within minutes and can help save lives.

Naloxone is useful against many opioids in addition to fentanyl. This includes heroin, oxycodone, methadone, and morphine.

Naloxone works quickly but wears off within an hour. Therefore, some people will require a second treatment of naloxone after an overdose.

When using naloxone, you should be confident that an overdose is occurring.

It is important to remember that while naloxone is effective in reversing fentanyl overdoses, it is still a powerful drug with side effects of its own. It should only be used as directed.

Get medical treatment

While naloxone is useful, it is still important to get medical help. Sometimes, people are afraid to call for emergency help after an overdose due to fear of prosecution on drug charges. That is why 911 immunity laws exist. Under these laws, there is no risk of arrest or prosecution related to opioid possession or paraphernalia. These laws usually protect both the person suffering an overdose and the person calling for help.

How Modern Recovery can help

Modern Recovery offers online support for people recovering from fentanyl use. It’s built for those who have gone through detox or inpatient care and still need structure and support at home. Staying connected can help prevent another overdose.

What our virtual recovery support offers

Involve family members to rebuild trust and support
Meet with counselors and support groups from anywhere
Learn ways to manage cravings, stress, and triggers
Get one-on-one support from someone who understands fentanyl recovery

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