Contact Us

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System?

In recent years, the opioid crisis has cast a spotlight on powerful drugs like fentanyl. Originally developed as a prescription pain reliever, this synthetic opioid is now infamous for its extreme potency and high risk of overdose. Today, opioid use disorder impacts over 16 million people worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education to help prevent addiction.

A question that often arises is: “How long does fentanyl stay in your system?” To answer that, it’s important to explore how fentanyl works and how it’s processed by the body.

Our Fentanyl Detox Center

Interior view of Scottsdale Detox addiction treatment center

Scottsdale Detox

Luxury Medical Detox

Mesa Detox

Luxurious Medical Detox

Sport court outside the holistic addiction recovery treatment (HART) rehab

HART Rehab

Holistic Luxury Personalized Rehab

luxury negative edge pool outside The Hope House scottsdale rehab

Scottsdale Rehab

Luxury Personalized Rehab

Say goodbye to fentanyl addiction. Start your healing journey today.

Fentanyl Overview

Illegally manufactured fentanyl has become a leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. Despite growing awareness of its dangers, fentanyl misuse continues to escalate. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that fentanyl-related overdose fatalities rose by more than 22% between 2020 and 2021.

What is Fentanyl Used For?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid known for its extreme potency—approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Medically, it’s used to manage severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or following major surgery. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, altering pain perception and producing effects such as euphoria and deep relaxation. However, as a powerful respiratory depressant, its misuse can be highly dangerous.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl comes in various forms, including patches, lozenges, injections, and nasal sprays. Illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF), on the other hand, is available in multiple forms:

  • Powder
  • Liquid (used in nasal sprays or eye drops)

Powdered fentanyl is frequently mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine—often without the user’s knowledge. This significantly increases the risk of overdose and death. Because of its potency, even a tiny amount can be lethal, especially when consumed unknowingly.

Side Effects of Fentanyl Use

In the short term, fentanyl can provide pain relief, a sense of euphoria, and sedation. However, misuse can quickly lead to dangerous side effects such as respiratory depression, confusion, and potentially fatal overdose. With prolonged use, the body can develop tolerance, leading to physical dependence and addiction. Long-term use is also associated with serious health risks, including respiratory complications, cardiovascular issues, and mental health disorders.

Question Box: What is the lethal dose of fentanyl?

The lethal dose of fentanyl can differ greatly based on various factors such as a person’s individual physiology, how the drug is taken, and its purity and concentration. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly. However, for some individuals, even smaller amounts may prove fatal. When used outside of a controlled medical environment, any amount of fentanyl poses a high risk of overdose and death.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System

Understanding Fentanyl Half-Life

A drug’s half-life refers to the amount of time it takes for its concentration in the body to decrease by half. Fentanyl has a relatively short half-life, which can vary depending on how the drug is administered.

iv bag

Intravenous (IV)

2 to 4 hours

icon for capsules or medicine

Oral

3 to 12 hours

transdermal patch

Transdermal Patch

18 to 27 hours

sublingual spray

Sublingual Spray

5 to 12 hours

Factors Influencing Half-Life and Elimination

Dosage and Frequency of Use

The dosage and how often fentanyl is used play a key role in how long it stays in the body. Larger and more frequent doses can extend the detection period.

Metabolism

Individuals with a faster metabolic rate tend to eliminate drugs more quickly. Variations in metabolism can influence how long fentanyl remains in the system.

Hydration

Staying properly hydrated may support the body in expelling fentanyl more efficiently.

Other Health Conditions

Underlying health conditions can impact the way fentanyl is processed and eliminated by the body.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our addiction specialists can guide you.

Fentanyl Drug Test Detection Window

Although a drug’s half-life offers an estimate of how long it takes to reduce its levels by half, small traces of fentanyl can remain in the body even after that period. For example, while IV fentanyl has an elimination half-life of about 2 to 4 hours, it may take significantly longer for the drug to be fully cleared. As a result, fentanyl can still be detected by different drug tests, depending on the method used and the test’s sensitivity.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Urine?

Urine testing is among the most commonly used methods for detecting drug use. The duration of fentanyl remains detectable in urine can vary, but it typically ranges from 24 to 72 hours after use.

As the body metabolizes fentanyl, it produces byproducts—most notably norfentanyl—which may be present in urine for a longer period, sometimes up to 96 hours, depending on the sensitivity of the test.

There are different types of urine drug tests, each with varying detection windows. Standard immunoassay screenings usually detect fentanyl within 24 to 72 hours, while more advanced methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), can identify the drug and its metabolites over a longer timeframe.

Other Types of Drug Tests

blood testing

IV Form: 20 hours
Oral Form: 3 days
Patches: 3.5 days

saliva testing

Fentanyl can be detected in saliva for up to 1-2 days after use.

Hair Testing

Fentanyl can be detected in hair for a longer period, possibly up to 90 days or more after use.

Managing Fentanyl Withdrawal

Discontinuing fentanyl can trigger withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the drug’s addictive properties. Fentanyl withdrawal encompasses both the physical and mental symptoms individuals face when stopping the use of fentanyl.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Going through opioid withdrawal can bring on a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, typically starting within 12 to 30 hours after the last dose. Common physical symptoms include:

  • Chills and goosebumps
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle aches or fatigue
  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fever
  • Dilated pupils

Withdrawal also significantly impacts mental health. Individuals may experience heightened anxiety, depression, and mood swings, along with difficulty concentrating and a loss of interest in usual activities.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

Person With Anxiety

6 to 12 hours after last use
Early symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, sweating.

Person With Insomnia

1-3 days after last use
Symptoms may include muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, sweating, abdominal cramps, dilated pupils, and insomnia

Person With Late Withdrawal Symptoms

5-7 days after last use
Most acute symptoms subside within 5-7 days, although some discomfort may persist longer.

Person with Protracted Withdrawal

Some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), which may persist for weeks to months.

Find support and healing. Discover our treatment options today.

Fentanyl Detox & Rehab Near Me

The length of time fentanyl stays in the body is influenced by various factors. Understanding these factors, along with the associated risks and consequences, is vital for both individuals and communities in supporting those battling fentanyl addiction.

Seeking professional assistance and encouraging open discussions about fentanyl are essential steps in addressing the challenges posed by this drug. Treatment options include medical detox, medication-assisted therapy, counseling, and support groups.

If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction or opioid use disorder, help is always available. For those in Arizona, our Mesa addiction treatment centers are staffed with dedicated specialists who can provide the necessary support and care.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Contact us today and begin your path to recovery.