What Are the Common Side Effects of Remifentanil?
The dangers of opioids are widely known at this point, with opioids, especially synthetic ones like fentanyl, now being responsible for the majority of drug overdose deaths in the United States each year. While popular prescription painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone and illicit drugs like heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl are household names by now, there are many other types of opioids available, including powerful pain relievers that are provided in medical settings to provide pain relief and sedation during surgery, in intensive care, and during childbirth. It’s important to watch out for the dangers of opioids from strongest to weakest, including knowing about the side effects of remifentanil and other synthetic opioids like this.
Table of contents
» How Does Remifentanil Affect the Central Nervous System?
» What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects?
» Can Remifentanil Cause Dependence or Withdrawal?
» Who Is Most at Risk for Remifentanil Complications?
» Key Takeaways on Side Effects of Remifentanil
» Resources
How Does Remifentanil Affect the Central Nervous System?
Many potent opioids are used in carefully controlled medical settings to provide quick and effective pain relief and sedation, such as after an accident or during a surgery or major medical procedure. One of these prescription drugs used quite often today is remifentanil, which is considered to be an ultra-short-acting opioid because of its incredibly short half-life of just three to 10 minutes, which means it’s quickly metabolized and broken down in the body. Because of this, it can provide critically important pain relief and sedation, but also allow the patient to quickly recover from its effects once the surgery is over or the mother delivers her child.
Remifentanil affects the central nervous system by activating and binding to specific opioid receptors in the brain, which slows brain activity in areas related to pain. This is why patients who receive the drug will quickly feel pain relief and slowed brain activity, which can help them feel calm and sedated and help them fall asleep or not remember the procedure they’re about to have.
There are many common side effects of remifentanil, which goes by the brand name Ultiva, including:
- Respiratory depression, such as slow or shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Muscle stiffness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shivering
- Chills
- Itching
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Feeling agitated or confused
- Pain after the surgery or medical procedure
While most of these side effects resolve very quickly once the medication is discontinued, remifentanil can also cause more serious side effects that can become medical emergencies, such as:
- Difficult breathing, or stopping breathing entirely
- Chest pain
- Rapid or slow heart rate
- Pounding heart
- Extreme confusion or drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
In addition, this drug can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome, in which the person has a dangerously high level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Symptoms of this condition can include agitation, high fever and sweating, extreme muscle stiffness, and twitching.
Because of the potency of this drug and the fact that it is administered intravenously, it’s only approved to be provided by medical professionals in controlled settings, such as hospitals and emergency rooms.
What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects?
If you’re wondering about the short-term and long-term side effects of remifentanil, it’s helpful to keep in mind that this is another example of opioids, which means its potential side effects are representative of opioid side effects in general. Still, remifentanil is incredibly fast-acting and short-lived, which means it’s a much more rapid and intense set of effects when compared to something like hydrocodone or oxycodone painkillers.
Short-term side effects of remifentanil typically happen immediately after the medication is provided and will resolve within minutes of discontinuing the infusion rate of this drug. These side effects can include:
- Slow breathing
- Stopped breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Muscle stiffness or chest wall rigidity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion and agitation
- Headaches
- Shivering or sweating
- Itching
- Pain in the injection site
Long-term side effects, on the other hand, are usually related to long-term misuse of remifentanil rather than carefully controlled doses in a medical setting. That’s because the drug is rapidly metabolized and broken down in the body, meaning its effects will resolve just minutes after the injection is stopped. If this drug is misused or abused for a long period of time, long-term side effects can include things like:
- Physical dependence, or a need to use this drug to feel “normal”
- A growing tolerance or need to use more of the drug to feel the same high
- Addiction, or when the person is compelled to continue seeking out and using the drug despite the consequences of doing so
- Severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, pain, and stomach problems, can occur if they suddenly stop taking the drug
- Chronic constipation
- Bowel obstruction and other serious gastrointestinal issues
- Sexual dysfunction
- Infertility
- Cognitive impairment, such as problems with memory, focus, learning, and decision-making
Can Remifentanil Cause Dependence or Withdrawal?
If someone is misusing or abusing remifentanil, they’re at a very high risk of quickly developing a physical dependence on this drug, meaning they feel like they need it to feel normal, and if that’s the case, addiction and the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms are right around the corner.
It’s helpful to understand what to look for in the warning signs of addiction if you suspect a loved one has a problem with remifentanil or similar opioids:
- They continue using the drug even though it’s causing them harm to their physical or mental health.
- They’re struggling at home, work, or school because of drug use.
- They increasingly spend their time trying to obtain, use, or recover from using the drug.
- They try unsuccessfully to quit using the drug.
- They’re starting to withdraw from people, places, and activities they once enjoyed.
- They’re getting in trouble with the law, such as being charged with drug possession, or they’re frequently driving while under the influence of drugs.
- They’re showing signs of significant changes to their eating or sleeping habits.
- They suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they don’t use the drug.
Remifentanil is a highly potent opioid, and all opioids have the potential for dependence, tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal. So, yes, remifentanil misuse can easily lead to these problems and become a destructive force in the person’s life in just a short amount of time.
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Who Is Most at Risk for Remifentanil Complications?
The side effects of remifentanil are basically powerful and rapid versions of possible effects of opioids, such as cardiovascular problems, slow or stopped breathing, and cognitive impairment and damage. Because this drug is so powerful, it can lead to potentially dangerous complications in patients, especially those who have other underlying medical or mental health problems.
People at the highest risk for remifentanil complications include:
- Elderly patients
- Those who are debilitated by other medical conditions
- People with respiratory problems, such as sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Patients who have had brain tumors, head injuries, or other central nervous system problems
- Pregnant women
- People with a history of substance abuse or substance use disorder
- Obese patients, who are more at risk of breathing problems
If someone you love is struggling with remifentanil complications, misuse, and addiction, it’s time to get them professional help from a Florida prescription drug addiction treatment center that can get them back on track.
Key Takeaways on Side Effects of Remifentanil
- Opioids are often used in medical settings to provide quick pain relief and sedation, such as after an accident or during a surgery, or the delivery of a child.
- Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid that is given as an intravenous pain reliever and sedation medication in medical settings.
- Side effects of remifentanil can include slow or stopped breathing, cognitive problems, and a fast or slow heartbeat.
- Remifentanil is a potent opioid that can quickly lead to dependence, tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal if it’s misused.
- Prescription drug addiction treatment can help people get back on track after falling into the trap of addiction to this medication.
If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of remifentanil, WhiteSands Treatment can help. Call us at 877-855-3470 and let’s discuss how you can get started on the path to a better future after addiction.
Resources
- Mayo Clinic – Remifentanil (Intravenous Route)
- National Library of Medicine – Remifentanil and the Brain
- Medicine Net – Remifentanil
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.
