Nodding off from fentanyl use is a form of semi-consciousness and can be dangerous. Fentanyl is considered one of the most lethal drugs, not just in the United States but the world. Not fentanyl fold only is the drug incredibly potent, but it also comes with a range of side effects and symptoms that can become deadly. The Chronicle spoke to fentanyl users and medical professionals in an effort to better understand this particular effect of fentanyl use. Discover the shocking truth behind the ‘fentanyl fold’ and its implications on drug use. We also provide aftercare services to assist clients as they reintegrate into society.
Respiratory Depression
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. There is a curious thing about opiates and the downward force they exert on the spine. They warp the back from line to curve; they coax column to arch, y-axis to parabola. They can fold the back so completely, a person walks and lives frozen in a deep bow, in deference to the substance with which they intoxicate themselves.
If you suddenly stop using fentanyl, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. For more information on our recovery and treatment programs, contact us today. Fentanyl disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, particularly areas responsible for equilibrium and coordination. This can cause lightheadedness or dizziness even before the drug fully takes effect. As the drug overwhelms the central nervous system, it can cause the person to slump forward uncontrollably as they try to compensate for the sudden physical disorientation. It’s important to note that drug-induced nodding off is not the same as falling asleep or acting sleepy because you are tired.
Side effects of fentanyl
- The “fentanyl fold” effect can reportedly kick in within two or three minutes after taking the drug, Ciccarone said.
- Your doctor may also prescribe you naloxone if you are living in a household where there are small children or someone who has abused street or prescription drugs.
- Staying with them, monitoring their breathing, and being ready to perform rescue breathing if necessary can all make a critical difference in the outcome.
- She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery.
How many people have died of fentanyl poisoning in California and the United States?
- It’s the body’s way of signaling deep internal dysfunction caused by prolonged, high-potency opioid use.
- Hypoxia can lead to a coma, permanent brain damage, and even death.
- This loss of control is particularly evident in the back and neck muscles, resulting in the user bending forward or hunching over.
You’ll benefit from our continuing guidance and encouragement as you adapt to life as a sober person. He says fentanyl in long-term users takes time to clear out of the system because the drug tends to accumulate in the fat tissue. “It’s a degree of loss of consciousness and a degree of lost muscular control,” said Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a UCSF professor of addiction medicine.
What’s The “Fenty Fold” And Why Does It Happen To Fentanyl Users?
People who previously used other opioids safely may find themselves in life-threatening situations when they unknowingly encounter fentanyl. Medications are the standard treatment for fentanyl addiction.32,33 Several medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Another medication, lofexidine, has been approved for treatment of withdrawal symptoms.34 See “Medications for Opioid Use Disorder” for more information. The fentanyl fold posture should never be mistaken for simple drowsiness. Even if the person appears calm or stable, their body may be struggling to get enough oxygen.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction at Design for Change
The person’s unresponsiveness to normal stimuli indicates that their brain is severely impacted by the drug’s effects. When someone displays the Fenty Fold, their body is experiencing severe respiratory depression and altered consciousness. Fentanyl’s potency — estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine — overwhelms the brain’s ability to regulate essential functions like breathing and heart rate. The Fenty Fold describes the characteristic bent-forward posture that individuals may assume while under the influence of fentanyl. This position typically involves the person bending forward at the waist while remaining upright, often appearing frozen in place despite being conscious.
Creating a Recovery-Supportive Environment
Healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the public should stay aware of these changes. Fentanyl can be made into pills or powders, which can unknowingly get mixed into other drugs. Recognizing the fentanyl fold could be the key to saving a life. This is where community education and awareness play a pivotal role, empowering us all to make a difference. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, the CDC recommends following the steps below. Prescription fentanyl is available under such names as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze® in the form of tablets, an injectable liquid, lozenges and patches.
- They will explain how they have slept for years on the street before they walked like this.
- We can help you overcome fentanyl misuse and addiction with our full continuum of care that addresses the physical, psychological, and spiritual elements of substance use.
- This percentage may be even higher as fentanyl can easily be mixed with other drugs, often without the user’s knowledge, which has made it particularly dangerous.
- While the dangers of addiction to fentanyl cannot be understated, one should not focus on addiction but on the dangers of the drug itself, with or without addiction.
Being able to identify and understand the behaviours that come with Fentanyl sure is important in order to mitigate risk. Education and awareness can help people step in and provide help before a dangerous situation becomes fatal. Life saving intervention such as Narcan or Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose when administered in a timely manner.
This unpredictability dramatically increases the risk of accidental overdose and is a major contributor to the current opioid crisis. Many of these fatal overdoses occur quickly and silently, especially when fentanyl is unknowingly mixed with other drugs like counterfeit oxycodone, heroin, or methamphetamine. Some users may not even be aware that they’ve ingested fentanyl until it’s too late. An overdose happens when a drug produces serious adverse effects and life-threatening symptoms.
Always prioritize your health and safety, and do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are dealing with fentanyl addiction or other substance use issues. Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options. Fentanyl overdoses can happen shockingly fast, sometimes in less than a minute. The drug’s potency makes traditional warning signs tricky to spot until it’s nearly too late, especially when someone doesn’t even know they’ve taken it. The quiet, tragic climb of fentanyl-related deaths is no longer something families can ignore. If you or someone you love is dealing with addiction, you’ve probably heard the word “fentanyl” more than once.
Do not stop taking your other pain medication(s) when you begin your treatment with fentanyl. If you stop taking your other pain medication(s) you will need to stop using fentanyl. The effects of fentanyl can be deadly, and prolonged use can cause long-term health problems for users, heroin addiction even if they quit.