A pain medication, fentanyl binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that when fentanyl binds to these receptors, it increases the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes relaxation. Doctors prescribe fentanyl to people with certain conditions; however, some people do use fentanyl for non-medical purposes.
Types
The National Institute on Drug Abuse points out that doctors can prescribe different types of fentanyl. For example, patients can take fentanyl as a lozenge, in which the medication dissolves in the mouth. Patients can also receive fentanyl as an injection, or a transdermal patch, in which the medication passes through the skin from the patch to the body. The dosages differ in each form of fentanyl. Drugs.com notes that lower doses of fentanyl are in the transdermal patch compared to the lozenge.
Medical Purposes
Doctors prescribe fentanyl for only certain types of pain. Drugs.com explains that doctors will give fentanyl to cancer patients who have pain that does not respond to other medications. Medical professionals do not prescribe fentanyl for minor pain conditions such as headaches or back aches. The National Institute on Drug Abuse adds that people who have a physical tolerance to opiates can take fentanyl.
Restrictions
Individuals who have certain medical conditions may not be able to take fentanyl. For example, patients with neurological conditions like a past head injury, epilepsy, or brain tumor, may have problems if they take fentanyl. Patients who have depression or a history of drug or alcohol addiction may not be able to take the drug. Other diseases that can restrict use of fentanyl include liver or kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, low blood pressure and heart rhythm disorder. Drugs.com points out that if a patient has one of these disorders and has severe pain, he will need to take an alternative drug or a smaller dose under the supervision of his doctor.
Abuse
Some people make take fentanyl for recreational purposes, as the drug can also cause a euphoric effect when it binds to the opioid receptors. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that people who abuse fentanyl may combine the drug with heroin or cocaine to increase the euphoric effect. But negative effects can occur with fentanyl abuse. These problems include respiratory depression, confusion, drug tolerance and unconsciousness. Some users may enter into a coma if they take too much of the drug.
Considerations
The Food and Drug Administration explains that fentanyl can become dangerous for patients if used incorrectly. For example, heat increases the amount of fentanyl released from the patch, which enters the blood and can cause serious health issues, such as breathing problems or death. To prevent this from occurring, patients using the fentanyl patch should avoid sources of heat such as hot baths, saunas, sun bathing and heating pads. Patients should alert their doctors if they develop a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more while wearing the patch.
