Activates opioid receptors that naturally exist in your body, which have a number of effects on your body. One of these is to provide analgesia and relieve pain, which is what the drug is used for.

Like other opioids, it mimics the effect of natural opioids in your body. 

Fentanyl is prescribed to patients for severe pain or injury, or after a patient has undergone surgery.

It works quickly to eliminate any pain in the body. However, it can also be very addictive.

Fentanyl (systemic) is used in the treatment of:
*Anesthesia
*Breakthrough Pain
*Chronic Pain
*Postoperative Pain
*Sedation

Brand names of fentanyl include:
*Duragesic
*Actiq
*Sublimaze
*Fentora
*Subsys
*Please note: There are other brand names that do exist.

**Take this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden (breakthrough) pain.

**Do NOT increase your dose, take the medication more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.**

Common side effects include
*slowed breathing;
*slow heart rate;
*muscle stiffness;
*dizziness, vision problems;
*nausea, vomiting;
*itching, sweating; or
*high blood pressure (confusion, anxiety, pounding in your neck or ears)

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious conditions occur:
*fainting
*seizure
*slow/shallow breathing
*severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up

Fentanyl can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You should not plan on driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert right after you are treated with this medication.

Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Avoid drinking alcohol for several hours after you receive fentanyl.

The risk of abuse and addiction is high with this medication.
*Abusing fentanyl can lead to greater chances of overdosing.
*This medication is more potent than most other opioids, including heroin.

Please consult your doctor/physician before considering alternatives and see if they are right for you.
*Methadose
*Demerol
*Oxycodone