Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms

Some drugs are merely recreational, while others have legitimate medical uses. As a synthetic opioid, Fentanyl can be prescribed by a doctor, but its use comes with numerous dangers, including overdose and addiction.

Drug dealers have realized the addictive potential of Fentanyl, which is why they are using it to cut and adulterate other drugs like heroin and cocaine. As a result, many people are finding themselves inadvertently addicted to Fentanyl, trying in vain to break the chains of that addiction on their own.


One of the biggest impediments for those who want to stop using Fentanyl is the powerful hold the drug takes on the body. Once that dependency develops, getting clean will mean enduring painful and sometimes debilitating withdrawal symptoms. That is why addicts need to have professional medical support as they go through this journey.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we understand the unique nature of fentanyl withdrawal. We have the medical staff, the ongoing monitoring, and the professional assistance it takes to break addiction chains. We can also help you understand the timeline of fentanyl withdrawal, so you will know precisely how long does fentanyl withdrawal last as you take the first step on your road to a lifetime of recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

What Is Fentanyl Withdrawal?

One of the aspects that makes Fentanyl such a powerful drug involves its physically addictive nature. It can easily take hold of your body, exerting powerful withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit using it.

Fentanyl withdrawal happens when your body begins to heal, but the process can be painful and even dangerous. That is why it is essential to have professional help and guidance by your side as you undergo the process, which you will enjoy working with WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab. We will develop a customized fentanyl withdrawal management plan just for you to begin your journey to recovery in a safe and supportive environment.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms is perhaps the biggest impediment to getting better. If you have tried to stop using on your own, you know firsthand just how complicated the process can be, but you do not have to do it on your own. If you genuinely want to get better and gain control of your life, understanding the withdrawal symptoms and how long does fentanyl withdrawal last can improve the process.

Fentanyl has a short half-life at just under three and a half hours. As a result, the first withdrawal symptoms typically appear within two to four hours from the last time you used the drug. Even if the Fentanyl you had been using was designed with a slow-release delivery system, you could expect the initial withdrawal symptoms to happen within the first 24 to 36 hours.

Stages of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Fentanyl withdrawal happens in stages, with each phase of detox having its own set of challenges. That is why it is so important to have full medical support throughout your entire detox journey. Here are some of the scenarios you can expect as you move from fentanyl addiction to recovery:

Early-stage withdrawal

  • Intense physical cravings
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Runny nose

Peak withdrawal

  • Severe muscle aches
  • Severe chills
  • Intense hot flashes
  • Shaking
  • Goosebumps
  • Heavy sweating
  • Severe insomnia

Long-Term withdrawal

  • Intense psychological cravings
  • Vivid dreams about drug use and relapse
  • An inability to experience pleasure
  • Excessive feelings of happiness, the so-called pink cloud
  • Feelings of guilt or remorse
  • Low self-esteem

Getting Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl entails one of the most dangerous of an already perilous class of drugs. This powerful opioid does have some legitimate medical uses, but it also has a powerful potential for addiction, and once that physical dependency takes hold, it can be challenging to break.

If you are ready to get help with your fentanyl addiction and anxious to take your life back, we encourage you to reach out today to get the assistance you need. At our locations throughout Florida, we understand the unique nature of Fentanyl, including how it sparks addiction, what it takes to break the dependency and how to make fentanyl withdrawal as fast, effective, and comfortable as possible.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.