Most overdoses today are caused by illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), which is produced overseas. This illicit fentanyl is then smuggled into the U.S. in powder or liquid form.
Fentanyl can be detected on a drug test within 24-72 hours after the final dose. It can also show up in hair, blood, and saliva tests for varying lengths of time. Several factors influence exactly how long fentanyl remains in your system. The extent of your fentanyl use, metabolism, and even body fat percentage can affect how long it takes to metabolize.
Understanding the Effects of Fentanyl and How it’s Metabolized
Like other opioids, fentanyl is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that works by attaching to and activating opioid receptors throughout the brain and body. Opioid receptors regulate pain, emotion, respiratory function, and more. When fentanyl binds to and activates these receptors, it increases dopamine activity, resulting in feelings of euphoria and significant pain relief. This potent effect can rapidly lead to opioid addiction.
Because of its effects on the respiratory system, using fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, meaning it will slow down your breathing and heart rate. Taking too much can lead to respiratory arrest, resulting in a life-threatening fentanyl overdose. Additionally, the drug affects liver and kidney function, as both organs are involved in metabolizing and excreting it from the body.
Common side effects of fentanyl use include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Heaviness in the arms and legs
- Itching
How quickly these effects appear and how long they stay in your system depends on several factors. Does fentanyl stay longer depending on the method of use? Smoking or taking fentanyl by intravenous injection will produce effects almost immediately while snorting the powder form or taking it orally will take longer for it to kick in. The effects of fentanyl usually last 1-2 hours unless you have taken an extended-release version such as Duragesic or Abstal, which are brand names for fentanyl skin patches.
After ingestion, fentanyl is primarily metabolized in the liver through several enzymatic processes. The liver breaks fentanyl down into several metabolites, norfentanyl, hydroxyfentanyl, norhydrofentanyl, dihydrofentanyl, and nor-dihydrofentanyl. Norfentanyl, the primary metabolite of fentanyl, has a longer half-life than fentanyl itself and can be detected in your system for longer periods of time.
Once metabolized, norfentanyl and other metabolites are eliminated from the body via urine.
Fentanyl Detection Estimates in Urine, Blood, Saliva, and Hair Drug Tests
Even though the effects only last for a few hours, fentanyl stays in your system for much longer. Exactly how long depends on the type of test and individual factors such as your length of use, weight, age, and liver and kidney function.[3] The following are estimates for the average healthy adult.
Urine Tests
Fentanyl can show up on a urine test for 24-72 hours after your last dose. Some urine tests can screen for norfentanyl, which can be detected in the body for up to 96 hours after the last use.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can detect fentanyl for 5-48 hours after the last dose.
Saliva Tests
Testing with saliva is not considered to be reliable when it comes to detecting fentanyl use.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect fentanyl for up to 3 months (90 days) after the last dose.
When Does a Drug Test Check for Fentanyl?
Most standard drug tests can detect fentanyl use for several hours or days after the last dose. Some tests may specify fentanyl, while others will test positive for opioids without specifying which one. However, tests can be sent off for laboratory testing to confirm the type(s) of metabolites found in your system.
There are several situations that may require your compliance when it comes to drug testing, such as:
- Pre-employment drug testing
- Legal situations, such as in the event of a car accident or crime
- Healthcare settings
Factors That Affect How Long Fentanyl Stays in Your System
There are several variables that can influence how your body breaks down fentanyl. These include:
- Age
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Liver health
- Length of fentanyl use
- Dose taken
- Frequency of fentanyl use
- Method of administration
- pH of urine
Is There Any Way to Get Fentanyl Out of Your System Quickly?
Over-the-counter detox cleanses, or tricks and tips found on online forums are often ineffective at getting drugs out of your system any faster. The only way to do so is to let your body break the fentanyl down and eliminate it. A few things you can do to aid in the process include eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep. Each of these actions will help boost your immune system and metabolism.
How to Stop Taking Fentanyl Safely
After chronic and prolonged chronic and prolonged use of substance abuse, you may be physically dependent on it. As a result, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.
Fentanyl withdrawal begins about 6-12 hours after the last dose and can last for about a week. Symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Weakness
- Chills
- Sweating
- Body aches
- Appetite loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms can be severe, so it is always important to detox under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
The best way to cope with fentanyl withdrawal is to seek help from a trusted detox center. A fentanyl detox program can provide you with around-the-clock care and support, care for any co-occurring mental health issues, as well as medications like methadone or buprenorphine that can be used to treat severe pain and withdrawal symptoms.
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction And Drug Abuse Today
If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one who is using fentanyl, please contact our team today. We offer a variety of comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs, including fentanyl addiction treatment, with flexible schedules and levels of intensity, so we can help you choose the program that meets your needs. Reach out to us today to get started.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Fentanyl Facts, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Fentanyl, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl
- National Library of Medicine, Protracted Renal Clearance of Fentanyl in Persons with Opioid Use Disorder, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7594258/
