Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

Fentanyl is a highly potent, quick-acting synthetic opioid with a high risk for dependence.¹ If you are physically dependent on fentanyl and you cut back significantly or attempt to quit using it, you will experience symptoms that are characteristic of the opioid withdrawal syndrome.¹ This article will help you understand more about fentanyl addiction and withdrawal, including:

• Symptoms to expect.
• The typical timeline of fentanyl withdrawal.
• What to expect from medical detox.

 Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl-dependent individuals continue taking fentanyl or other opioids to feel “normal” or functional.² If they stop taking fentanyl or other opioids, withdrawal symptoms can set in quickly, causing extreme discomfort and a strong urge to relapse back to opioids.^1,2 Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may include:^1-4

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

Fentanyl is a short-acting opioid with a withdrawal timeline similar to heroin.^1,4,5 The first withdrawal symptoms begin quickly, as soon as 6 hours after the last dose.^1,4

Symptoms typically get progressively worse over the next 1-3 days.⁴ After they peak in intensity, symptoms will slowly resolve over the next few days and generally subside within 5–7 days.⁴

Withdrawal timelines may vary among individuals and may be impacted by factors such as:³

• How much fentanyl you use.
• How long you’ve used fentanyl.
• The typical time between fentanyl doses.
• Other opioid use.

Some symptoms experience during withdrawal may linger for several weeks or months.^4,6 These symptoms may fluctuate in intensity or disappear and come back.⁶ These protracted, or post-acute, withdrawal symptoms may include:⁴

• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Feelings of uneasiness or dissatisfaction with life.
• Inability to feel pleasure.

Medically Assisted Fentanyl Detox

Medical detox involves medical supervision and prescribed medications that can make the opioid withdrawal process safer and more comfortable.^3,7

During inpatient medical detox, you will be thoroughly assessed to identify your medical history and all of your potential treatment needs, and an individualized treatment plan will be developed. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help ease your withdrawal symptoms, and medical staff will regularly monitor your condition and watch for any concerning medical complications such as dehydration.³

As you get close to completing detox, staff will work with you to refer you to the next step in treatment.^3,7 Completing detox is an important first step of addiction treatment, but detox alone is rarely sufficient in reaching long-term abstinence. Without additional treatment, you may at increased risk for relapse, which can lead to a deadly overdose since opioid tolerance drops during detox.^3,7,8

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada

Treatment settings and level of care will depend on your individual needs. Programs like Desert Hope Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ drug rehab program in Las Vegas, offer a full continuum of care, including:

• Inpatient residential treatment. You stay at the facility for the duration of treatment, receiving round-the-clock support plus group and individual
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), or day programs. You receive intensive support and treatment for much of the day 5 days a week and go home at night.
• Intensive outpatient (IOP) and standard outpatient treatment. You attend scheduled treatment appointments while living at home. IOP involves longer sessions several times a week, while standard outpatient involves shorter sessions that take place less frequently.

Call our compassionate and helpful admissions navigators at to learn more about your treatment options. If you’re worried about the cost of rehab, most health insurance plans cover opioid detox and addiction treatment. The coverage may differ depending on your plan and your needs. We can help you