Alfenta
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Alfenta is the band name for the medication Alfentanil Hydrochloride, which is generally administered through an injection. It is an opioid analgesic that is a sterile, non-pyrogenic and preservative free aqueous solution. Alfenta is also an analgesic adjunct that is often given in incremental doses to maintain anesthesia with barbiturate/nitrous oxide/oxygen.
Opioid analgesics are often used as narcotic pain relievers to treat moderate to severe pain. Alfenta and its generic Alfentanil Hydrochloride are used specifically in the administration of anesthesia. Alfenta works by acting on the central nervous system through the manipulation of the receptors in the brain and depresses them in an effort to cause drowsiness or sleep.
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Abuses of Alfenta
Alfenta is an opium derivative and therefore, there is a liability for abuse. The dosage amount should never be increased and the medication should not be diverted for recreational purposes as it can be very addictive and dangerous. Alfenta is a Schedule II controlled substance that is known to produce drug dependence of the morphine type.
The ability of Alfenta to deliver a euphoric high the first time it is used often leads to subsequent uses. The only problem is the medication does not deliver the same intensity on subsequent uses and individuals typically try to increase the dose to achieve the desired effect. Those who are seeking Alfenta for illicit means have been known to use such tactics as emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing or referral.
Effects of Alfenta
To achieve the desired anesthetic effect, Alfenta works on the central nervous system. In addition to this benefit, the medication has been known to cause certain effects in individuals, such as skeletal muscle rigidity, hypoxia, apnea, bradypnea, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, pruritus, confusion somnolence and agitation.
Other side effects occurring in patients using Alfenta include arrhythmia, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, chest wall rigidity, postoperative respiratory depression, blurred vision, dizziness, sleepiness and postoperative sedation. Less common side effects can easily include headache, postoperative confusion, postoperative euphoria, shivering, itching, urticaria, pain at the injection site, bronchospasm, hypercarbia and laryngospasm.
Withdrawal of Alfenta
Any prolonged or continuous use of Alfenta can result in a dependence on the medication. If a tolerance develops, the individual needs more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. With abrupt cessation, the individual can experience symptoms of withdrawal.
The symptoms associated with abrupt cessation of Alfenta can include, but are not limited to:
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Tremulousness
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Cold sweats
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• In-coordination
• Hallucinations
• Aches and pains
• Cold- or flu-like symptoms
• Goose bumps
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Pain
• Respiratory problems
• Rigors (fever chills)
• Sleeping difficulties
• Sweating
Treatment of Alfenta Addiction
Alfenta withdrawal has been known to cause potentially dangerous and uncomfortable symptoms for a dependent individual. To keep these symptoms at pay and monitor the individual’s health, it is important the addicts seek prioritized care from a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist to ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely.
This process will include entering a center for 24/7 comfortable detox treatment. This approach relies on withdrawal medications designed specifically for those suffering with an Alfenta addiction. The comfortable detox method is used to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual and should be combined with psychological evaluations and medical care to address cravings for the drug.
