Fentanyl Withdrawal: Symptoms & Detox Timeline

Fentanyl is a highly potent and addictive synthetic opioid.¹ In 2021, synthetic opioids like fentanyl were responsible for more than 71,000 overdose deaths, a 23% increase from the previous year.²

In addition to several health risks, including overdose, fentanyl use can lead to dependence and withdrawal. When a person takes fentanyl for an extended period and suddenly stops or reduces the amount, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.¹

This page will cover the symptoms and timeline of fentanyl withdrawal, as well as treatment options for Veterans seeking help for fentanyl addiction.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl withdrawal occurs when a person has been using fentanyl regularly and either suddenly stops or significantly decreases the amount they are using.

Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:^1,3

• Insomnia
• Muscle and bone pain
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Fever, chills, and goosebumps
• Severe cravings

Withdrawal from fentanyl can be very uncomfortable, which can make it challenging for people to quit.¹

How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?

The length and course of fentanyl withdrawal may vary depending on the individual. But typically, withdrawal from a short-acting opioid like fentanyl can last anywhere from 7–10 days.⁴

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

Certain factors may affect the fentanyl withdrawal timeline, but generally for short-acting opioids:⁴

• Symptoms appear within 8–24 hours after the last use.
• Symptoms peak 1–3 days after the last use.
• Symptoms may largely resolve within 7–10 days after the last use.

If a person has been taking an extended-release formulation of fentanyl, the onset of withdrawal symptoms may be slightly more delayed, beginning around 24 hours after the last use.⁵

Less acute withdrawal symptoms—including more chronic anxiety, depression, and insomnia—may persist for weeks to months. These lingering symptoms are sometimes referred to as protracted withdrawal.³

Is Fentanyl Withdrawal Dangerous?

Fentanyl withdrawal is often more uncomfortable than dangerous, but in rare cases, medical complications can occur. For example, severe vomiting and diarrhea could lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous if left untreated.⁶

In addition, certain symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal may be dangerous for people with underlying heart conditions and can worsen pre-existing anxiety or any conditions involving pain.⁶

Can You Die From Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Generally, fentanyl withdrawal is not deadly. However, it can be so uncomfortable that inpatient detox is often recommended to avoid unnecessary suffering. A medically supervised detox allows for closer monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and medical intervention, should symptom severity progress or if withdrawal complications arise.⁶

Medical Detox for Fentanyl Withdrawal

Medical detox is a form of treatment that focuses on helping a person go through the withdrawal process as safely and comfortably as possible. During detox, medical professionals monitor a person’s vitals and symptoms and may provide medications as needed to ease discomfort.⁶

Buprenorphine and methadone are two medications used for treating opioid withdrawal. Medical staff may also administer IV fluids if the patient is severely dehydrated.⁶

A person going through detox is encouraged to rest in the beginning and then gradually begin attending therapy to start working on their recovery.⁶

Though detox protocols may vary somewhat from one caregiver to the next, three essential elements of effective medical detox include:⁶

• Evaluation, which helps detox providers identify what substances a person is withdrawing from, any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions, and social supports. This is done through a comprehensive intake, toxicology testing, and screening tools. Providers then use this information to develop a treatment plan for the person once they have completed detox.
• Stabilization, which involves assisting the person through the withdrawal process until they are medically stable. During the stabilization phase, providers may prescribe medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce discomfort. Stabilization also includes educating the person and their family on what to expect during the treatment process.
• Fostering entry into more comprehensive rehab, which supports a person’s transition into additional inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment after detox. Detox is typically just the first step in a full continuum of care. Continuing treatment beyond detox gives patients more time to work on understanding their drug or alcohol addiction and learning healthier ways to cope with common triggers.

Using VA Coverage for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

There are a few ways Veterans can get treatment for fentanyl addition. The VA covers medical detox, as well as inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment for Veterans struggling with addiction to fentanyl or other substances.

To get treatment through the VA, you can speak with your VA primary care provider, contact your local VA medical center, or call the VA general information hotline at (800) 827-1000.⁷

Unfortunately, some VA facilities have long waitlists, and if you live far from a VA medical center, you might find it difficult to access treatment. If the VA is unable to provide treatment, Veterans may be eligible to receive treatment through local community care providers. This allows Veterans to see providers outside of the VA and have their treatment fully covered.⁸

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is an approved community care provider and offers addiction treatment for Veterans at its facilities located across the United States. At AAC, Veterans can access high-quality addiction treatment services, including medical detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment, and have their treatment covered by the VA.

AAC’s treatment centers also offer the Salute to Recovery program, which is a program specifically designed for Veterans and first responders. Veterans can get treated for co-occurring disorders in a safe and supportive environment with clinicians who understand their experiences. The goal of treatment is to help Veterans learn tools to cope with their past experiences without the use of drugs and alcohol.

To see if you qualify for community care with American Addiction Centers, contact a staff member at the VA. You can also call us at for more information on community care at our facilities and our Salute to Recovery program. Or you can check your coverage online by filling out the simple and secure form below.