Fentanyl is the generic name of a narcotic analgesic, or pain killer medication, that may be prescribed as a pill, lozenge or patch on your skin. As a patch, it may be used in the treatment of chronic or long-term pain. This and any long-time use of a narcotic can lead to addiction or dependence upon the drug. In the pill or lozenge form, fentanyl may be used to control what the Mayo Clinic refers to as breakthrough pain associated with cancer. Not all overdose symptoms occur with each form of fentanyl.
Breathing Problems
Fentanyl, as with many narcotic analgesics, can depress your respiratory system. This means your lungs will have a difficult time working normally. Fentanyl may make you breathe very slowly or it can make your breaths shallow if you take too much of it. It is possible for your body to react to fentanyl overdoses whether you consciously take more than the recommended dose or not. The Mayo Clinic states you should seek emergency medical aid if you have breathing problems while taking the drug. Go to your nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic.
Seizures
Using the fentanyl transdermal patch can cause seizures if your body absorbs too much of the medication. Seizures can be the most commonly known form of convulsions in which you appear to be unaware of your surroundings and your body uncontrollably twitches and jerks. Seizures also may be less obvious in that you may blank out, stare off into the distance or simply not respond to those around you. Emergency medical aid is required for any evidence of seizures from fentanyl use.
Drowsiness
Drowsiness in most normal cases simply means you are very tired and ready to fall asleep. An overdose of the fentanyl patch's medication, however, can make you severely drowsy. The Mayo Clinic states you may not be able to respond to anyone because of this form of drowsiness. An overdose of the drug also may put you into a deep sleep from which you are not able to wake from. Get emergency help.
Heart Rate Drop
Fentanyl in the patch form also can slow down your heart rate and cause hypotension, or low blood pressure, if your body absorbs too much. Normally, your heart will beat between 60 and 100 times per minute if you are not active. Fewer than 60 beats each minute--called bradycardia--is a serious condition associated with the drug. Again, emergency aid is required.
