Medical Uses of Fentanyl: Why It Is Prescribed?
Fentanyl is popular among young adults for all the wrong reasons. It only takes a small amount of this drug to create the effect of analgesia (absence of pain) while causing effects like extreme happiness, confusion, drowsiness, sedation, and more. The illicit use of this drug is a major concern for law enforcement in the US. In fact, fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.
Even though there are high risks of fentanyl use, the drug has a major application in the medical sector. When used in a controlled environment under the supervision of medical experts, fentanyl can treat acute, severe pain caused by surgery or major trauma. It is also used to relieve chronic pain caused by cancer. If you or your loved one is prescribed a dose of fentanyl, you need to know a few things about its medical uses.
Definition of Fentanyl in Medical Terms
Fentanyl is an opioid medication that is used to treat severe pain. It helps block the pain signals in your brain. A healthcare professional may administer this medication to curb the pain experienced during and after surgeries. A medical practitioner may also prescribe this drug to manage extreme pain caused by certain medical conditions. It should be administered and consumed based on medical advice.
Forms of Fentanyl Available for Medical Use
In the medical sector, fentanyl is available in multiple formulations and in different strengths, including:
- Lozenges
- Patches to stick on the skin
- Sublingual (under the tongue) tablets
- Tablets that disintegrate in your mouth
- A spray applied inside your nose
Fentanyl can also be administered using an injection for acute, severe pain or as part of anesthesia before surgery.
Why Your Healthcare Provider May Prescribe Fentanyl?
As mentioned, fentanyl is primarily used to treat severe pain in individuals. However, your medical practitioner may prescribe the drug for other purposes as well. Generally, fentanyl is prescribed for the following reasons:
- As anesthesia for people undergoing a critical surgical procedure (such as heart surgery)
- To manage chronic pain in cancer patients who are already receiving opioid medication for underlying, persistent pain
- As a pain relief for people already taking analgesics or those who are opioid-tolerant
- For long-term pain management in people who have persistent chronic (moderate to severe) pain
Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine, which is why the drug is used in cases where other opioid medications are ineffective. While it should be administered by a medical practitioner in a controlled environment, it can still cause some side effects in individuals.
Side Effects of Fentanyl
It is important to note that all opioids, including fentanyl, can have side effects. In some cases, it can cause life-threatening breathing problems. However, the side effects of fentanyl often vary from one person to another. You are at higher risk of fentanyl side effects if you are
- Taking fentanyl for the first time
- Above the age of 50
- Receiving a higher dosage than usual
- Previously diagnosed with a lung problem
Since fentanyl affects everyone differently, you should speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects or feel something unusual. The common side effects include:
- Allergic reactions: itching, skin rash, hives, and swelling of the throat, face, lips, or tongue
- Low adrenal gland function: vomiting, nausea, unusual weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness
- CNS depression: shortness of breath, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, feeling faint, confusion, and trouble staying awake
- Low blood pressure: Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, blurry vision
- Muscle stiffness
While some of these symptoms may not require medical attention, you should report them to your care team if they persist or are causing discomfort. Also, if you have a pre-existing condition, mention it to your healthcare provider at the beginning.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is not a generic pain-relieving drug. It is a powerful analgesic which can be life-threatening if administered incorrectly. This is why medical practitioners prescribe it to patients only when other opioid drugs are not providing the desired results. This medication should be administered in a medical facility under the supervision of a medical practitioner, and you should never store it at home. If you have any questions about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
