Fentanyl is a prescription medication classified as an opioid analgesic. The fentanyl patch, or the brand product Duragesic, is used for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain. The patient should be instructed to place the patch on a hairless, non-irritated area on the skin, such as the chest, back or upper arm, and wear it for three days. Fentanyl enters the blood through the skin and binds to receptors in the brain. This increases the threshold for pain, altering the perception of pain and blocking pain pathways. The activity of the medication can cause many side effects.
Hypotension
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, may occur with the use of the fentanyl patch. Over 10 percent of individuals can experience this side effect. Patients may also experience a slow heart rate. Normally these side effects do not cause any symptoms or complications. However, if the blood pressure or heart rate drops too low, medical attention is required. Patients may experience dizziness, weakness, chest pain and fainting. These should be reported to a physician right away if they become worse.
Drowsiness
Drowsiness is another common side effect that may occur in users of Duragesic. The "Drug Information Handbook" reports that more than 10 percent of patients develop drowsiness. The patient should use caution when driving or performing any activity that requires alertness. The patient will notice that this side effect decreases over time and he can resume normal activity.
Behavior Changes
Confusion may develop in over 10 percent of patients. Abnormal thinking, anxiety, nervousness and fatigue may be present in about 5 percent of individuals. Up to 10 percent of individuals may develop euphoria, which is an extreme sense of well-being. Patients may also experience insomnia, abnormal dreams and hallucinations. The patient or caretaker should monitor for these side effects. Usually, reducing the dose or skipping a dose can decrease these adverse effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur with the use of fentanyl, according to Drugs.com. Dry mouth can also occur in over 10 percent of patients. The patient should avoid eating large meals with a high amount of fat and try to drink lots of water. Chewing gum may also help with the dry mouth. If these side effects do not improve over time, the patient should contact a physician.
Constipation and Urinary Retention
A common side effect that may develop is constipation, which can be seen in more than 10 percent of patients. Fentanyl causes the motility of the stomach and intestine to slow down, resulting in constipation. The patient may use over-the-counter medications such as a laxative; however, if this does not provide relief, she should call a physician right away. Urinary retention may also be seen in individuals using Duragesic. "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach" explains that the medication causes an increase in sphincter tone, which is the muscle in the anus, and causes the retention of urine. The patient should inform a physician if she notices that her urine output significantly decreases.
Respiratory Depression
Fentanyl causes a decrease in breathing rate, or respiratory depression. The medication has a boxed warning, stating that serious or life-threatening reduction in airflow may occur, notes the "Drug Information Handbook." The patient should seek medical care if he experiences difficulty breathing or chest pain.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- Drugs: Fentanyl Side Effects
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. DiPiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
