Sublimaze Addiction and Abuse

Sublimaze, an injectable form of the opioid fentanyl, has a high risk for abuse, dependence and addiction. Treatment is available to help those struggling with Sublimaze.

Sublimaze, a brand name for the opioid fentanyl, is an injectable drug that is generally restricted to a hospital setting but may be illegally diverted and taken recreationally. Taking Sublimaze with other central nervous system depressants can lead to life-threatening side effects, including severe respiratory depression. Even those who take the medication as prescribed may still develop a physical dependence or psychological addiction.

Sublimaze Addiction

Fentanyl-based drugs are highly addictive and carry a high potential for overdose. For these reasons, Sublimaze is tightly regulated. Sublimaze should only be given by medical professionals specifically trained in the administration of intravenous or intramuscular pain medications. Specialized knowledge is required to safely manage the respiratory depressant effects of powerful opioids.

Sublimaze is categorized as a Schedule II substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Although it rarely makes it into the hands of recreational users, many individuals who misuse narcotic opioids were first introduced to them in a hospital setting.

When a person’s prescription runs out, drug cravings and opioid dependency may remain. Those who have become reliant on opioids may engage in drug-seeking behavior such as faking injuries to gain admittance to the emergency room. Emergency room staff are trained to identify drug-seeking behavior and to recall frequent visitors. Programs are in place within the US to track the number of narcotic medications prescribed to individuals across hospitals.

If you begin to suspect someone in your life is addicted to opioid pain medication, seek professional help as soon as possible.

What is Sublimaze?

Sublimaze is a brand name for the injectable form of fentanyl citrate. It is often used for the management of pain associated with surgery and may be given during or after surgery.

Sublimaze has a rapid onset and short duration of action. It can be given as an injection into a vein or muscle. When given intravenously, Sublimaze takes effect almost immediately and provides pain relief for 30 to 60 minutes. When given via intramuscular injection, the drug can take up to eight minutes to take effect and lasts up to two hours.

Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects of Abuse

Signs that point to addiction include exhibiting “drug seeking behaviors” such as becoming obsessed with finding and taking Sublimaze. A person may also lose interest in daily life or the hobbies, activities and social interactions they once enjoyed.

Common Sublimaze side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rigid muscles
• Blood pressure changes
• Slow heart rate
• Sedation

Sublimaze Overdose

As a narcotic, Sublimaze has a high risk of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include a decreased level of consciousness, severe respiratory depression and pinpointed pupils. These three symptoms are known as the “opioid overdose triad.”

Respiratory depression, or slowed breathing, is the most dangerous side effect of an opioid overdose. Sublimaze inhibits the brain stem’s ability to regulate automatic breathing. When a person overdoses, the brain stem becomes unable to monitor the blood for elevated carbon dioxide levels. As a result, the body becomes unaware of the need to breathe and the person may stop breathing.

Drug overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.

Sublimaze and Alcohol

Due to the risk of additive effects, Sublimaze should not be mixed with alcohol. Using Sublimaze or other fentanyl drugs with alcohol increases the risk for severe respiratory depression, overdose and blood pressure changes. If you take Sublimaze or another opioid product and feel you need to drink alcohol, you should talk with your doctor.

Long-Term Consequences

People who take Sublimaze for a prolonged amount of time may develop a tolerance as a long-term effect. Tolerance means that your body gets used to a certain dose and that you may need a dose increase if your pain increases. However, you should never adjust your dose without instruction from your doctor.

Sublimaze Withdrawal

If you abruptly stop taking Sublimaze or any other opioid, you will have a risk of experiencing unwanted, severe withdrawal symptoms. You should never adjust your opioid dosage levels or treatment schedule without consent from your doctor.

Doctors will often gradually lower your dose over time. This tapering off strategy gives the body ample time to adjust to less and less of the medication. This strategy can also minimize the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Those who are having trouble managing withdrawal symptoms may want to seek a medical detoxification program to support them during this difficult time. In this program, you can detox under the supervision of medically-trained staff.

Remember, everyone experiences withdrawal differently. Do not be afraid to seek help if you are having trouble during this time.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Common Sublimaze withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioids and include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Hot and cold flashes
• Sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Watery eyes and nose
• Diarrhea

Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Duration

The Sublimaze withdrawal timeline is different for everyone. This is due to each person’s unique physiology, which influences how medications are removed from the body.

On average, withdrawal symptoms of opioids like Sublimaze start within 24 hours after stopping the drug and can last up to 10 days.

Sublimaze Addiction Treatment & Detox

Those who are suffering from Sublimaze addiction can greatly benefit from The Recovery Village’s resources and programs. The Recovery Village offers many treatment options that can lead you into a happier, healthier, substance-free life.

Before entering either inpatient or outpatient rehab, you will need to come off Sublimaze. The Recovery Village offers a medical detox program to assist with this. In medical detox, you stop taking Sublimaze in a medically-supervised inpatient setting to minimize withdrawal symptoms. After detox, you can access individual and group counseling sessions as well as recreational therapy activities at The Recovery Village.

Choosing a Rehab Center

Many different kinds of rehab centers exist. Choosing one that has experience in helping people overcome Sublimaze or fentanyl addictions is important to help you on your road to recovery. Rehab centers that offer all three services — medical detox, inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab — can help you maintain sobriety.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a reliance upon Sublimaze, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. The Recovery Village is staffed with experts in opioid addiction who offer medical detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab options and will be with you every step of the way on your journey to recovery. For more information, contact us today.

Editor – Rob Alston

Rob Alston has traveled around Australia, Japan, Europe, and America as a writer and editor for industries including personal wellness and recovery. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more