An Introduction to Withdrawal From Abstral
Abstral® (
fentanyl sublingual tablets) is a prescription pain medication that contains
fentanyl, a strong opioid narcotic. It is used to treat breakthrough pain (sudden bursts of pain that "break through" regular pain medication treatment). As with other narcotic opioids, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using Abstral.
What Are the Symptoms of Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms from Abstral can vary, and are usually more severe with higher doses. Some signs of withdrawal may include:
- Restlessness
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Dilated (wide-open) pupils
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Backaches
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Abdominal (stomach) cramps
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fast breathing
- Increased heart rate.
Why Does Withdrawal Occur?
Abstral withdrawal symptoms occur because, like other opioid medications, Abstral can cause physical dependence.
This means that the body has become used to the medication and needs it to function normally.
Physical dependence is not the same as addiction, nor is it necessarily a sign of abuse. Instead, it is an expected and normal physical response to taking an opioid medication for long periods
(see Abstral Abuse for more information on this topic).
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