Fentanyl Side Effects

Possible side effects of fentanyl patches are listed below. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or continue after a few days.

• Skin irritation (redness, swelling, or itching at the application site)
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Feeling cold
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
• Burning, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
• Uncontrolled shaking 
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Back pain
• Problems with urination
• Itchy skin

Some of the adverse reactions of fentanyl patches are more serious. Immediately remove the patch and seek immediate medical help if you develop the following symptoms:

• Skin rash, hives, itching (signs of allergic reactions)
• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Chest pain
• Changes in heartbeat
• Menstrual irregularities
• Inability to get or keep an erection
• Changes in libido (sexual desire)
• Dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Fever, shivering, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, muscle twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

The above list may not include all the adverse effects of fentanyl. Call your doctor if the side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fentanyl (Duragesic) Overdose: In case of an overdose of fentanyl, contact your doctor immediately. You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person has collapsed, cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, or has had a seizure.

Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can include difficulty breathing, slowed or stopped breathing, slowed or stopped heartbeat, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, muscle weakness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, difficulty walking or talking normally, and unresponsiveness.

 Talk to your health care provider about having a rescue medication called Naloxone available for emergencies. Naloxone can reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Make sure you and others around you know how to recognize the signs of an overdose, how to use naloxone, and what to do until emergency medical services arrive.

Source: FDA