As a potent narcotic opiate,
fentanyl (
Abstral®,
Actiq®,
Duragesic®,
Fentora®,
Onsolis™) has significant potential for abuse and addiction. However, it is important to understand that there is a significant difference between an addiction and a physical dependence on a drug. Physical dependence is a predictable, physical response to chronic use of the narcotic.
Addiction, on the other hand, is a serious and complex disease in which a person has uncontrollable cravings and will abuse the drug despite potential harm. Abusing fentanyl can be dangerous physically, possibly causing breathing problems, extreme sedation, and even death. If you are not used to taking opioid medications, even small doses of fentanyl can lead to life-threatening complications.
(Click Fentanyl Abuse for more information on the dangers of fentanyl addiction. This article also describes the difference between abuse and a physical dependence on the medication, and explains where to go for help.)
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