Actiq

There are several different forms of opiates and opioids, and all of them can vary in different ways. Most come under the heading of being used for pain mitigation in the medical realm, and a few others are illegal and only used for recreational purposes. Different types of opioids can range quite widely in their potency. This is of course because there need to be different medications for the varying levels of pain that people can experience. One of the most powerful forms of opioid medications out there is fentanyl, with a brand name of this drug called Actiq (fentanyl citrate).

Actiq is typically used to treat very severe levels of pain, such as cancer pain that cannot be addressed with other medications. It comes in the form of a lozenge on the end of a plastic handle. Each dose is contained within a child-proof blister pack that is opened when ready to be used. The individual takes hold of the handle and places the lozenge between their cheek and gum. The handle is held and twirled as the lozenge dissolves, swallowing when needed. One should not chew or bite the lozenge, but rather allow it to dissolve in their mouth for 15 minutes. The unit should be kept in its sealed pack until right before use. The dosage of fentanyl citrate within Actiq can be fatal to children who swallow or suck on the lozenge.

As mentioned above, fentanyl is probably the most powerful opiate available currently. This is why it should never be used by an individual that does not have a prescription. It should also not be used by individuals who have not already been on a different type of opiate, as they need to have built some sort of tolerance. The strength of fentanyl can be far too much for individuals without any tolerance to opiates.

Actiq should not be used if you are allergic to fentanyl. It should also not be combined with many medications. Some combinations could result in a condition called serotonin syndrome. You should always inform your doctor if you are taking medications for any other conditions before beginning Actiq. There are also many health conditions that Actiq could produce adverse reactions upon. Ensure to advise your doctor of any current health conditions or history of health conditions.

Side Effects of Actiq/Fentanyl

There can be numerous side effects that are associated with Actiq or fentanyl. Some of these are less serious, whereas others can be extremely dangerous.

Less serious side effects can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dry Mouth

The more serious and dangerous side effects can include:

• Extreme Sleepiness
• Feeling like you may pass out
• Shallow or Weak Breathing
• Slow Heart Rate

This is not a complete list, as there many other side effects than the above. If you experience any of the above, or some other type of effect, you should immediately contact your doctor or emergency medical attention in severe situations. Using too large of a dose or incorrectly using Actiq could potentially result in overdose or death in some cases. If overdose occurs, the person should be immediately administered medical attention.

Of course, Actiq/fentanyl can be easily habit forming. It should only be used by those prescribed it for their pain, and should not be given to those without a prescription, as it could be incredibly dangerous for them. It should always be kept in a secured location that cannot be accessed by those without the prescription. Addiction to fentanyl and other potent opioids can be extremely severe. It can form a heavy dependency that will often require a formal detox for the individual to safely come off of these substances. The detox should then be followed by comprehensive addiction treatment to fully address the issue.

Finding Treatment for an Addiction

Struggling with addiction can be an extremely difficult position for a person to find themselves in. Addiction can completely take over an individual’s life, and cause them to neglect many things that were once important. It can affect family, friendships, relationships, education, career, and much more. Fortunately, it is not impossible to overcome addiction. Through proper treatment, a person can be able to break free of their addiction to opiates or any other substance. There are many different types of treatment modalities and facilities that can help individuals to achieve this. With the numerous options available, it can be tough to know what is the best choice, but we are here to help with just that. Our advisors can explain the various facilities and their offerings, as well as help find the center that would be a good fit for you or your loved one. Begin the path of recovery, and give New Beginnings a call today.