Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that stays in the system for several days. Many factors influence detection time.

If you are concerned about fentanyl use, read on to learn how different tests detect fentanyl in the system for different lengths of time. You can also find out what’s involved in fentanyl addiction treatment and how to connect with compassionate care.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful drug used to relieve severe pain. It is much stronger than other painkillers like morphine. Doctors often give fentanyl to patients who are in extreme pain, such as after surgery or for cancer treatment. The use of illicit fentanyl is a growing problem in the United States, leading to increased rates of overdose [1].

Fentanyl works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It binds to certain receptors in the brain [2], blocking the feeling of pain and causing a sense of euphoria or happiness. Because it is so strong, even a small amount can have a big effect.

Fentanyl can be extremely dangerous if not used correctly. Here are some reasons why:

• High potency: Fentanyl is about 100 times stronger than morphine [3]. This means that even a tiny amount can cause a person to stop breathing, which can be fatal.

• Easy to overdose: Because it is so strong, it is easy to take too much fentanyl by accident. This can lead to an overdose, which can be deadly.

• Illicit use: Some people use fentanyl illegally to get high. Illegally made fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs, which increases the risk of overdose.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

Fentanyl can stay in your body for different lengths of time, depending on the type of test used to detect it.

The effects of fentanyl can be felt quickly, usually within minutes if taken through a patch, injection, or lozenge. These effects can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the dose and how it’s administered. However, even after the effects wear off, fentanyl can still be detected in the body for a while.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Urine?

Fentanyl can show up in urine tests for a short period. Usually, fentanyl is detectable in urine for 24 hours after using the drug. However, norfentanyl [4] – a substance that the body creates when it breaks down fentanyl – can be found in urine for up to 96 hours.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Blood?

Blood tests can detect the presence of fentanyl for a shorter time than urine tests. Fentanyl can be found in the blood for about 5 to 48 hours after use, depending on the amount taken. Norfentanyl, however, can only stay in the blood for up to 4 hours.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your Hair?

Fentanyl is detectable in hair tests for much longer. Fentanyl can be found in samples of hair for up to 3 months after use. This is because substances stay in hair longer as hair grows slowly over time.

Factors That Impact How Long Fentanyl Stays in Your System

The length of time fentanyl stays in your body can be different for everyone. Several factors influence how long fentanyl remains detectable in your system. 

Half-Life

The half-life of a drug [5] is how long it takes for the 50% of the drug to leave your bloodstream Fentanyl’s half-life depends on how you take it:

• Intravenous fentanyl: If fentanyl is injected into a vein, its half-life is between 2 to 4 hours.

• Transdermal fentanyl: When fentanyl is given through a patch on the skin, it has a half-life of about 17 hours.

• Transmucosal fentanyl: If fentanyl is taken as a lozenge or in another form that dissolves in the mouth, its half-life is between 5 and 14 hours.

Metabolism

Metabolism is how your body breaks down and gets rid of drugs. Different things can affect how quickly your body processes fentanyl:

• Age: Older people may metabolize fentanyl more slowly [6].

• Gender: Men and women might process the drug differently.

• Body mass: People with more body mass might process fentanyl differently than those with less.

• Body fat percentage: Fentanyl can be stored in body fat, affecting how long it stays in the system.

• Hydration status: Being well-hydrated can help your body eliminate fentanyl faster.

• Liver function: The liver helps break down drugs. If your liver is not working well, it might take longer to process fentanyl.

• Genetics: Some people are naturally faster or slower at metabolizing drugs because of their genes.

Frequency of Use

How often you use fentanyl also affects how long it stays in your system. If you use fentanyl regularly, it can build up in your body and take longer to get rid of. Those who use the drug occasionally might eliminate the drug more quickly.

Understanding these factors can help you know why fentanyl might stay in your system for different lengths of time. Always use fentanyl as prescribed and talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about its use.

Fentanyl Risks & Dangers

While it can be effective when used properly, fentanyl also carries significant risks and dangers, especially when misused. Understanding these risks can help people make more informed decisions and seek help when necessary.

Addiction

Fentanyl is highly addictive, leading to both physical dependence [7] and psychological cravings, even when taken as prescribed.  Here’s how the addiction process generally occurs:

• Initial use: Fentanyl is prescribed for managing severe pain. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, significantly reducing pain perception and producing a feeling of euphoria.

• Increased tolerance: With continued use, the body becomes accustomed to fentanyl, requiring higher doses [8] to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.

• Dependence: As the body adjusts to fentanyl, it begins to rely on the drug to function normally. Stopping fentanyl suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, indicating physical dependence.

• Cravings and psychological dependence: In addition to physical dependence, psychological cravings for fentanyl develop. These cravings can dominate a person’s thoughts and behaviors, making it difficult to resist using fentanyl even when it is no longer medically necessary.

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction can help inform timely intervention. Here are some common indicators:

• Physical signs: Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, constipation, nausea, and respiratory issues.

• Behavioral changes: Those with addictions may exhibit increased secrecy, social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, and noticeable changes in mood or behavior.

• Psychological symptoms: Intense cravings for fentanyl, along with anxiety, depression, and mood swings, are common psychological symptoms of addiction.

Fentanyl addiction can profoundly affect various aspects of life:

• Health: Long-term fentanyl use can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system.

• Relationships: Addiction often strains personal relationships, leading to conflicts, communication breakdowns, and trust issues.

• Financial stability: Maintaining a fentanyl addiction can be expensive, often leading to financial difficulties, job loss, and potential legal issues.

• Mental health: Addiction is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. The stress of maintaining an addiction can inflame these conditions.

Overdose

One of the biggest dangers of fentanyl is the risk of overdose. Because fentanyl is so strong, even a tiny amount can be deadly.  Fentanyl overdoses can happen for several reasons:

• Accidental overdose: Sometimes, even taking the prescribed amount can cause an overdose if your body’s tolerance changes or if the dose is not adjusted correctly.

• Illicit use: Illegal fentanyl is often combined with other drugs like heroin or cocaine, and counterfeit painkillers. People might not know they are taking fentanyl, which increases the risk of overdose.

• Improper use: Misusing fentanyl patches, such as by cutting them or using more than one patch, can cause a dangerous amount of the drug to enter the bloodstream.

Knowing the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can save lives. Here are the common signs:

• Respiratory depression: This is the most critical symptom. Breathing can become very slow or stop completely [9].

• Extreme drowsiness: The person may be very hard to wake up.

• Loss of consciousness: The person may pass out and not respond to touch or sound.

• Pinpoint pupils: The pupils of the eye may become very small.

• Cold and clammy skin: The skin might feel cold and sweaty.

• Blue or purple skin: The skin, especially around the lips and fingertips, may turn blue or purple due to lack of oxygen.

If you think someone is overdosing on fentanyl, act quickly. Here’s what to do:

• Call emergency services: Dial emergency services right away. Every second counts.

• Administer naloxone (Narcan): Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose [10]. It can be given as a nasal spray or injection and can quickly restore normal breathing. Naloxone is available without a prescription in many places and should be kept on hand if there is a risk of opioid use.

• Provide support: While waiting for emergency services, try to keep the person awake and breathing. If they stop breathing, perform rescue breathing or CPR if you are trained.

• Monitor: Naloxone can wear off, and the person might overdose again. Keep watching them until help arrives and be ready to give another dose of naloxone if necessary.

By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to respond, you can help save a life in the event of a fentanyl overdose. 

Treatment

Treating fentanyl addiction requires professional help. Here are some common treatment options:

• Detoxification: This is the process of allowing your body to get rid of fentanyl. Detox should be done under medical supervision because withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

• Inpatient and outpatient programs: Depending on the severity of your addiction, you might need to stay in a treatment facility (inpatient) or attend regular treatment sessions while living at home (outpatient).

• MAT: MAT (medication-assisted treatment) uses FDA approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These medications are often used in combination with counseling and therapy.

• Counseling and therapy: Talking with a counselor or therapist can help you understand your addiction and develop strategies to avoid using fentanyl. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is one type of therapy that is often used to treat fentanyl addiction.

• Support groups: Joining a support group like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can provide you with a community of people who understand what you’re going through. Support groups can offer encouragement and advice.

Long-Term Effects

Using fentanyl for a long time can have serious health consequences. Here are some long-term effects of abusing the drug:

• Brain damage: Long-term fentanyl use can cause changes in the brain [11]. It can affect your ability to think clearly, remember things, and make decisions.

• Hormonal imbalance: Fentanyl can interfere with the production of hormones in your body. This can lead to issues like decreased sex drive, infertility, and bone loss.

• Immune system problems: Fentanyl can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections.

• Chronic constipation: Long-term use of fentanyl can lead to severe constipation, which can cause other health problems like hemorrhoids or bowel obstruction.

• Mental health issues: Fentanyl can contribute to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These issues can be both a cause and a result of drug use.

• Social and financial problems: Addiction to fentanyl can affect all areas of your life. You may have trouble maintaining relationships, holding down a job, or managing your finances. The cost of buying the drug illegally can also lead to financial strain.

Understanding the risks and dangers of fentanyl is essential for anyone using this powerful drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl use, seek help from a healthcare professional. There are many resources available to support recovery and help people live healthier, drug-free lives.

Get Insurance-Covered Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

Now you know how long does it take to get fentanyl out of your system, contact Gratitude Lodge in Southern California if you need help fighting opioid addiction. We offer inpatient fentanyl addiction treatment at our luxury rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA.

Our fentanyl detox program helps you move beyond opioid dependence during a week of withdrawal. Medications and 24/7 care make this process as safe and comfortable as possible, preparing you for ongoing treatment at one of our rehabs by the beach.

Due to the unique nature of all fentanyl addictions, we offer personalized treatment plans at Gratitude Lodge. Therapies include:

• Talk therapies
• Counseling
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db491.pdf

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551554/

[3] https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl

[4] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Norfentanyl

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554498/

[6] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-older-adults-drugfacts

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

[9] https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/sedation-program/sedation-education/sedation-respiratory-depression/

[10] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone

[11] https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/brainchange/