Duragesic has common side effects but also serious ones. If you or someone you love has been misusing this medication, it is time to seek help. Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now to find safe, effective rehab centers that will take your needs into account.

Serious Side Effects of Duragesic

All drugs have some sort of side effect, usually common issues like dry mouth or drowsiness. And while some of Duragesic’s side effects are common, there are certain issues for which you should see a doctor right away. According to the National Library of Medicine, the potentially severe side effects associated with fentanyl (Duragesic’s main ingredient) include:

The wrong dosage of Duragesic can cause agitation, confusion, and nausea.

• Changes in heartbeat
  • This issue could be a sign that Duragesic is putting an unnecessary strain on your heart or causing changes to your heart rate that could potentially be problematic.
• Agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Any combination of these side effects could indicate that your Duragesic dosage is too high or too low and needs to be adjusted. Especially if you begin to experience muscle stiffness, confusion, or hallucinations, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, or dizziness
  • This combination of side effects is also an indication that your fentanyl prescription needs to be adjusted.
• Inability to get or keep an erection, irregular menstruation, or decreased sexual desire
  • These are all indications that your prescription is negatively affecting your reproductive system. As a result, you should discuss the issue with your doctor and see if you can potentially be switched to another medication.
• Seizures
  • Seizures are a serious potential side effect of Duragesic and other fentanyl-based drugs. Though they do not occur often, if they do, it is important to get help immediately.
• Hives, rash, or itching
  • If you experience these effects, it is likely you are allergic to fentanyl. You may need to be put on another type of opioid drug, but this is for you and your doctor to decide.
• Shallow, slow breathing, a decreased urge to breathe, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or fainting
  • If you begin to experience these effects, it means you are likely overdosing on your Duragesic medication. Call 911 immediately and get help.
• Strong anxiety, depressive symptoms, or severe mood swings
  • These symptoms are likely a sign that you are developing a mood disorder as a result of your opioid use. While this is a more common effect of Duragesic, it is still very serious, and you should talk to your doctor immediately about whether or not you should be weaned off the medication.

Protecting Your Duragesic Medication from Accidental Exposure

Taking Duragesic Safely

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, all opioids must be prescribed in conformity with their labels and must be taken exactly as prescribed by one’s doctor. This is the only way to ensure safety when taking these medications, and even then, certain side effects can still arise. It is necessary to be vigilant and careful when using Duragesic.

Get Help Today

Have you been misusing your medication? Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now for help finding a rehab program.