How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is often prescribed for severe pain, but it’s also known for its high risk of misuse and overdose. As one of the strongest drugs available, even a small amount can be dangerous. 

Knowing how long fentanyl stays in your system is important for both medical reasons and those struggling with addiction. This guide outlines the many factors that affect how long fentanyl lasts in the body, the risks involved, and what can be done to get help for fentanyl addiction.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which means it’s a man-made drug designed to relieve pain. It is much stronger than most other opioids, including morphine – up to 100 times stronger. Healthcare providers often prescribe fentanyl to help people who are dealing with severe pain, like cancer patients or those recovering from major surgery. It can come in many forms, such as patches, injections, or lozenges, but it’s also found illegally on the streets, where it’s often mixed with other drugs like heroin. This makes fentanyl especially dangerous because people may not even know they’re taking it. 

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

The length of time fentanyl stays in your system depends on how it’s taken, your body’s metabolism, and how often you use it. Generally, fentanyl can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours, in blood for up to 48 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days. These timeframes can vary depending on your age, weight, and overall health, as well as how long you’ve been using fentanyl and in what doses. With regular or heavy use, the drug tends to linger longer.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last?

Fentanyl is a fast-acting drug, but how long its effects last depends on how it is used. When injected, fentanyl can provide pain relief almost instantly, with effects lasting up to a few hours. When used in a patch, the drug is released slowly, providing relief for up to 72 hours. However, even though the pain-relieving effects wear off after a few hours or days, fentanyl and its metabolites – substances your body breaks it down into – can still be found in the body for days or even weeks, depending on the type of drug test used.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Urine?

Urine tests are commonly used to detect fentanyl. The synthetic opioid can show up in urine for up to 3 days. For some people, the detection timeframe may vary depending on how much was taken, how often, and the person’s overall health. With regular or heavy use, fentanyl stays in urine for longer because the drug can build up in the body with repeated use.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Blood?

Fentanyl can be found in the blood shortly after it’s taken. It can show up in a blood test within minutes and be detected for 48 hours. Blood tests are often used in emergencies to check for recent drug use, especially if someone has overdosed. While fentanyl doesn’t stay in the blood for as long as it does in urine or hair, blood tests are useful for detecting the drug quickly after it’s been taken, helpful if immediate treatment is needed.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your Hair?

Hair tests provide the longest window of detection for opioids. Once the drug enters the hair follicles, it can be found 90 days or more. Hair tests are often used to check for long-term or past drug use because the drug stays in the hair as it grows. That said, hair tests don’t show recent use as accurately as blood or urine tests, since it takes time for the drug to become part of the hair. This method is helpful for seeing patterns of substance use over a few months rather than days.

Factors That Impact How Long Fentanyl Stays in Your System

The amount of time fentanyl stays in your system depends on a few key factors. These include how your body breaks down the drug, how much you use, and how often you use it. Every person’s body is different, so fentanyl can last longer in some people than others. Factors like age, weight, liver and kidney function, and overall health all play a role. Here are some of the main things that affect how long fentanyl stays in your system.

Half-Life

The half-life of a drug is how long it takes for half of the drug to leave your body. Fentanyl’s half-life varies depending on how it’s taken. When fentanyl is injected, for instance, the half-life is about 2 to 4 hours. If you’re using a patch, the half-life can be much longer, lasting around 17 hours. The average half-life is 7 to 9 hours. This means that even after the drug’s effects wear off, some of it remains in your body and continues to be processed over time. The longer the half-life, the longer it takes for your body to fully eliminate fentanyl.

Metabolism

Your body’s metabolism plays a part in how quickly fentanyl leaves your system. People with faster metabolisms can process drugs quicker, while those with slower metabolisms may take longer. Your metabolism is influenced by things like age, gender, genetics, and overall health. For example, younger people generally have faster metabolisms than older people, and this can affect how long fentanyl stays in the body. If your liver or kidneys are not working well, it can also slow down the process of breaking down and removing fentanyl.

Frequency of Use

How often you use fentanyl also impacts how long it stays in your system. If you only use fentanyl once, your body will likely process it faster than someone who uses it regularly. With regular use, fentanyl can build up in your body, making it take longer to fully clear out. People who use fentanyl frequently or in large doses may have it in their system for a longer time, even after they stop taking it. This is because the drug can accumulate in tissues and be slowly released over time.

Fentanyl Risks & Dangers

Fentanyl is a powerful drug that can be lethal if not used as prescribed. While it’s an effective pain reliever, especially for people with severe pain like cancer patients, its strength also makes it risky. Even a small amount can cause serious harm, especially when misused or taken without medical supervision. The risks of fentanyl use include addiction, overdose, and a range of dangerous health problems.

Because fentanyl is so much stronger than other opioids, like morphine or heroin, the chances of overdose are higher. This is especially true when fentanyl is used illegally, as it is often mixed with other drugs without the person’s knowledge. People may take a dose thinking they are using a different drug, but instead, they are getting fentanyl, which can quickly lead to overdose and even death.

Another risk is the rapid development of dependence. When someone uses fentanyl regularly, their body becomes used to the drug. This means they will need higher doses to get the same effect, which increases the risk of overdose. Fentanyl also affects the brain’s reward system, making it very easy to become addicted.

Addiction

Fentanyl is highly addictive, even more so than many other opioids. Addiction can happen quickly, sometimes after just a few uses. People who are prescribed fentanyl for pain management can become dependent on the drug if they take it for long periods. However, addiction often starts when fentanyl is misused for its powerful euphoric effects.

Addiction to fentanyl is dangerous because it changes how the brain functions. Over time, the brain starts to rely on the drug to feel good or even just to feel normal. This can lead to cravings that are so strong that it becomes very difficult to stop using fentanyl, even if the person wants to quit. The cravings, along with the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, can trap people in a cycle of drug use.

The signs of fentanyl addiction can be physical, emotional, and behavioral. Physical signs include needing more of the drug to feel its effects (called tolerance) and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug wears off. Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, muscle pain, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and sweating. Emotional signs of addiction can include feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not using the drug. Behaviorally, people addicted to fentanyl may neglect responsibilities, have trouble at work or school, and isolate themselves from friends and family.

Because fentanyl addiction can quickly take over a person’s life, learning to recognize the signs early can inform timely intervention. The longer someone uses fentanyl, the harder it can be to stop, and the more at risk they are of overdose or long-term health problems.

Overdose

One of the biggest dangers of fentanyl use is the risk of overdose. An overdose happens when someone takes too much of the drug, causing their body to shut down. Because fentanyl is so potent, even a small amount can lead to a fatal overdose. Fentanyl overdoses often happen because the drug slows down the body’s ability to breathe, which can cause respiratory failure. When this happens, oxygen can’t get to the brain and other vital organs, which can lead to death.

The symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can come on quickly and can be life-threatening. Some common signs include:

• Slow or stopped breathing
• Weak or no pulse
• Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Cold or clammy skin
• Blue or pale lips and fingernails
• Small, pinpoint pupils

If someone is showing signs of a fentanyl overdose, get help right away. Call emergency services immediately, and if available, administer naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, including fentanyl, by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. Multiple doses of naloxone may be required to reverse fentanyl overdose due to its strength. 

Fentanyl overdoses are on the rise, especially with the increase in illegal fentanyl being mixed with other street drugs like heroin or cocaine. People who use these drugs may not even know that fentanyl is present, which significantly raises the risk of accidental overdose. This makes education and prevention efforts integral to fighting the growing fentanyl crisis.

Treatment

Treating fentanyl addiction is challenging, but recovery is possible with the right support. Treatment for fentanyl addiction usually starts with detoxification, or detox, which is the process of getting the drug out of the person’s system. Because withdrawal from fentanyl can be intense and uncomfortable, it’s often best to go through detox in a medical facility where healthcare professionals can provide support and monitor symptoms.

After detox, treatment focuses on helping the person stay off fentanyl and learn how to live a healthy, drug-free life. This can include different types of therapy, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), which helps people understand the thoughts and behaviors that led to their drug use, and how to change them. Group therapy and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous can also be helpful for people recovering from fentanyl addiction, as they provide a sense of community and shared experience.

In many cases, MAT (medication-assisted treatment) may be recommended. MAT involves medications like naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications can help make it easier for people to stay off fentanyl while they work on their recovery. MAT is often combined with therapy and other forms of treatment to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Long-term support is key to staying in recovery from fentanyl addiction. This can include ongoing therapy, regular attendance at support groups, and creating a strong support system of family and friends. Some people may also choose to live in a sober living home after completing rehab, which can provide a drug-free environment while they adjust to life without fentanyl. 

Long-Term Effects

Using fentanyl over a long period of time can cause serious and lasting damage to both physical and mental health. One of the most dangerous long-term effects of fentanyl use is the risk of overdose, which can happen at any time, especially as the body builds tolerance and the person takes more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Chronic fentanyl use can also lead to permanent changes in the brain, making it harder to feel pleasure without the drug. This is why many people with fentanyl addiction struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Physically, long-term fentanyl use can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to combat infections. It can also damage the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for processing and removing toxins from the body. Other long-term effects can include constipation, nausea, and sleep problems.

In addition to these health risks, long-term fentanyl use can impact a person’s relationships, career, and overall quality of life. People addicted to fentanyl often find themselves isolating from loved ones, losing jobs, and experiencing financial difficulties as their drug use takes priority over everything else. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and make it even harder to quit.

The longer someone uses fentanyl, the more damage it can cause, and the harder it becomes to stop. With the right treatment and support, however, recovery is possible, and many people go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives after fentanyl addiction.

Get Insurance-Covered Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

Now you know how long does it take to get fentanyl out of your system, maybe you feel you need help dealing with opioid abuse. If so, reach out to Renaissance Recovery.

We have welcoming, inclusive rehabs by the beach in California and Florida where we treat all addictions and mental health issues in an outpatient setting.

Every fentanyl addiction is unique, so all our treatment plans are personalized. Therapies include:

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

Start dealing with fentanyl addiction right away by calling 866-330-9449.