Fentanyl is a opiate pain killer that is stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is prescribed for moderate to severe pain and used for individuals, especially cancer patients, who need continuous pain relief. Physicians do no prescribe fentanyl for mild pain.
Mechansim of Action
Fentanyl binds to opiate receptors in the brain, says the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Opiate receptors in the brain control pain responses and emotions. When fentanyl binds to opiate receptors, it increases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which produces a state of euphoria and relaxation, and decreases pain.
Side Effects
Common side effects of fentanyl include abdominal pain, confusion, constipation, loss of appetite, indigestion, nervousness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and headache, says Drugs.com. Common side effects are not life threatening and may go away as an individual's body adjusts to the medications. Serious side effects that require medical attention include fainting; mood and mental changes; spitting up blood; hallucinations and decrease in urine output.
Warnings
Fentanyl should not be combined with other narcotic pain medications because of the potential for overdose. Signs and symptoms of overdose include cold, clammy skin; convulsions; non-responsiveness; low blood pressure; pinpoint pupils; slow heartbeat and slow breathing, reports Drugs.com.
Tolerance/Dependence
When used at a high dose, for a long period of time an individual can become physically dependent and tolerant to fentanyl. Physical dependence can case withdrawal side effects including restlessness, chills, muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure, states the American Cancer Society.
Misconceptions
Some individuals are afraid to take Fentanyl for fear it will cause psychological dependence or addiction. When patients take fentanyl exactly as prescribed by a doctor, it will likely not cause psychological dependence, says the American Cancer Society.
