The question on many people’s lips these days is, how to taper off Fentanyl? This synthetic opioid is one of the more popular opiate drugs. It is often prescribed for those who are experiencing pain from a debilitating illnesses like cancer or MS, and it can also be used to help people manage their depression and anxiety. Fentanyl addiction is much like any other type of addiction and it can quickly move from manageable to life-threatening complications, so people need to know how to taper off Fentanyl.
Opiate drugs, like most prescription painkillers = have an onset stage where the patient may feel little or no pain. That is the time to begin discussing ways to transition the patient into relief, without suffering withdrawal symptoms. According to medical professionals, the first step in handling an addict is recognizing that he or she has an addiction problem and getting help. Those who want to know how to taper off Fentanyl should make sure they find a doctor experienced in prescribing it and who will administer the medication under strict orders. Doctors who know how to taper off Fentanyl do not just give it to patients with a prescription for it; they also give it when people are suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. People may become agitated when given Fentanyl, but doctors must be careful not to administer too much because it can kill the patient if it becomes concentrated enough.
After the doctor gives the patient the Fentanyl to begin the tapering process = the patient must follow the order the doctor laid out. Patients can choose how long they want to be on the tapering schedule. The medical professionals can tell the patient at any time that he or she is not on the tapering schedule and may start the medication immediately. The doctor will also make notes about how long it took for the patient to stop using the drug, if he or she experiences any new side effects and what steps the patient is taking to prevent relapse.
After being on the tapering schedule = the patient must then take an anti-narcotic to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. Doctors will keep track of how many times the patient goes back to drugs or substances during the day. Those who exhibit more symptoms of withdrawal, such as chills, sweats, confusion and difficulty breathing should be monitored closely. After a few weeks of stopping the substance or drugs, the doctor will increase the dose and decrease the dose again. Those patients who do not respond well to anti-narcotics should be further evaluated and should see a psychiatrist to find out why they are having such a difficult time quitting.
When the patient has reached his or her goal of being drug free = he or she can go back to his or her dose of Fentanyl. He or she will not need to take the medication for the rest of his or her life because the body has gotten used to the dosage and will not be adversely affected by any more Fentanyl. After the individual has had a chance to return to living normally and is feeling back to normal, the physician will likely discontinue the tapering schedule and begin a new one. This process can take several months or even years, depending on how long the person has been struggling with heroin addiction.
The recovery rate from Fentanyl patches varies greatly = Some individuals recover within a few days, while others may struggle for a full year before they become free of the addictive substance. If you or someone you know is experiencing how to taper off Fentanyl patch without withdrawal symptoms, contact a medical professional right away.