Fentanyl Detox & Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller with a high addiction potential that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

People who use fentanyl on a regular basis may develop dependence, meaning that stopping or drastically decreasing use can result in withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can also occur if a person suddenly dramatically decreases their dose or dosing frequency.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms depends on many factors, including other substances being used, physical and mental health and other individual factors. However, a general timeline is as follows:

• Hours 8-30: Mild symptoms typically begin.
• Hours 36-72: The worst physical symptoms typically feel the most intense. After the peak, symptoms will begin to decrease.
• Days 5-8: Primary withdrawal symptoms should end around this time, and the person will begin to feel more normal. However, in some individuals it can take a few weeks.
• Several weeks or even months: A few physical symptoms (such as increased sensitivity to pain) and several psychological symptoms (such as cravings, depression, sleep disturbances, irritability, and anxiety) may persist, a phenomenon known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome or a protracted withdrawal phase. Some sources state this can last for years.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl are similar to those of other opioids. Possible symptoms include both physical and psychological symptoms. They may include:

• Agitation, anxiety.
• Muscle aches.
• Increased tearing, runny nose.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Yawning.
• Sweating.
• Stomach cramping, diarrhea.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Dilated pupils.
• Goose bumps.

Fentanyl Detox

Because opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, individuals may find that going through a medically supervised detox program is the best course of action. In a supervised detox program, medications can be used to alleviate the more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Treatment specialists are on hand to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible as your body adapts to a drug-free state.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in California

If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, there is effective available. At our inpatient rehab in Southern California, we use evidence-based addiction-focused healthcare to help people get on the road to recovery and back to living the life they deserve.

Contact our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators at to learn more about our different levels of care and how to start treatment. If you’re worried about how to pay for rehab, our navigators can discuss our different rehab payment options — including using insurance coverage for treatment. Recovery is possible. Make the call today.