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How Long Does Fentanyl Last in Urine Drug Testing?

Fentanyl and Urine Drug Testing

Fentanyl can be detected in a urine drug test between 24-72 hours after its last use. Some tests show that results could vary depending on the amount used and how long you have used it.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid mainly used for pain management. It is one of the most popular prescriptions to treat pain in the United States. This drug has 2 types, illicitly manufactured Fentanyl and pharmaceutical Fentanyl.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is manufactured legally and used for medical purposes. It is best for treating severe types of pain, like providing pain relief after surgery. Healthcare professionals also administer Fentanyl to patients who have developed tolerance to other less potent opioids. They administer the drug as a tablet, patch, nasal spray, injectable solution, or lozenge. 

Illicitly manufactured Fentanyl can be in powder form or liquid. Though it can be used on its own, the usual practice is to mix it with other popular drugs like cocaine. The liquid form of this drug is added to other liquid products like nasal sprays or eye drops. It is important to remember that consuming drugs with Fentanyl is highly dangerous and could even cause death. People who abuse this drug often experience irregular heart rates and respiratory arrest.

The main difference between Fentanyl to other opioids is it’s not created from plants. It is manufactured in a laboratory. Therefore it’s called a “synthetic opioid.”

How Does Fentanyl Affect the Body

If you are one of the many who have used fentanyl before, you’ll remember the feeling of euphoria associated with its use. This drug can provide a certain level of “high” by suppressing some of the functions of the central nervous system. The effect is experiencing changes in heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rate. 

The body will also experience an increase in dopamine production, known as the “happy hormone.” This leads to an extreme feeling of happiness. And when taken in the right amount could lead to feeling relaxed.  

Fentanyl is an effective drug when it comes to dealing with pain. This is because it affects receptors in the brain area that deals with emotion and pain. Plus, it also increases dopamine release, which has a positive effect when experiencing a lot of pain.

Negative Effects of Fentanyl

It is easy to misuse this drug since it is highly addictive – known to be more powerful than heroin. Fentanyl provides a different level of ecstasy, leading people to want more of it. You will know that you are already addicted to this drug if you experience withdrawal symptoms once you stop using it.  

Misuse of this drug could lead to serious problems in the brain. One effect is that the dopamine produced by the brain no longer gets supplied independently. This leads to low dopamine in the body, which has the following effects:

  • Tremors
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Low sex drive 

Avoid using Fentanyl on a regular basis. Extended use of this drug could lead to the following:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Back and chest pain
  • Depression
  • Heartburn
  • Weight loss
  • Uncontrollable shaking of hands, arms, or legs.

If you are regularly using Fentanyl and you experience hallucinations, vomiting, seizures, or diarrhea, you should call a doctor for medical intervention.

Dealing with Fentanyl Addiction

People who tried quitting the use of fentanyl experience withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, insomnia, and drowsiness. Some people could also experience slowing down of breathing and heart rate. These symptoms could appear as early as 12 hours after your last use and last for up to a week. The first three days since stopping its use is usually the most difficult part.

To be safe in dealing with Fentanyl addiction, it is best to seek professional help. If misuse of the drug just recently started, outpatient treatment is possible. However, for long-term Fentanyl users, it is best to undergo a holistic inpatient treatment program.

In the hands of a reliable health professional, you are treated with procedures already proven to work. You will have personal counseling and interventions specifically intended for your level of addiction. They will create a recovery plan and help you follow this plan until you surpass the addiction period. 

The treatment also includes practices to avoid addiction to this drug again.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

Before being hired, most companies require a drug test. This drug test procedure will check the body for any traces of drugs, including Fentanyl. Most employers carry out urine drug testing to ensure the people they hire are not addicted to any form of drugs. 

Even if the effects of Fentanyl have worn off, it does not mean it’s completely out of your body. A urine drug test could detect the substance for up to 72 hours since the last use. If you need to undergo a drug test, it is highly advised that you stop the drug intake for 3-4 days to get the desired result. 

Some might say you only need a day or two to be safe with drug testing. It depends on various factors and the person taking the drug test. To have the peace of mind that you’ll get a negative result, stop the intake of Fentanyl for 3-4 days, then present yourself for the drug test.

When Fentanyl Becomes an Issue

There is certainly no problem with the medical use of Fentanyl. It is important to follow the doctor’s prescription and avoid the temptation of using it beyond what your doctor has prescribed. If you have a history of drug addiction before, it might be more difficult to restrain yourself.

Talk to your family about what you are experiencing so they can give you the support you need. However, if things are not getting better and you continue to use Fentanyl over an extended period, it’s best to seek the help of a healthcare professional.

If you or a loved one is concerned about fentanyl use, you should seek professional help. When addicted to fentanyl, it is difficult to break the addiction on your own. Fentanyl is a drug that is a part of a drug test panel. It will be detected if you have used it in recent days or weeks.

Work With A Trusted Toxicology Expert

Keystone Laboratories, a CAP-accredited North Carolina licensed laboratory and CLIA-licensed lab, is committed to helping you make important decisions that impact the safety and health of your patients with greater confidence. Clients in 48 states can get prescription drug and substance abuse recovery monitoring, specialized testing, workplace drug testing, screening, and program management services from Keystone. Contact Keystone Laboratories today to receive the industry-leading laboratory testing services!

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