fentanyl

Approved for medical use in 1968, Fentanyl is an opioid used in low doses to provide analgesia during short surgical procedures. It is also used in high doses as an analgesic/respiratory depressant in patients requiring assisted ventilation. Besides, Fentanyl is often used in combination with a neuroleptic drug as part of the technique of neuroleptanalgesia. Medically, this opioid is used by injection, as a patch on the skin, as a nasal spray, or in the mouth. Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, Fentanyl works by binding to the body's opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. As for the common side effects of Fentanyl, they include vomiting, constipation, sedation, confusion, hallucinations, and injuries related to poor coordination. Additionally, Fentanyl has other side effects that are quite serious such as decreased breathing, serotonin syndrome, low blood pressure, addiction, or coma. It is worth noting that taking opioid medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Fatal side effects can also occur if you use opioid medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.