Can Fentanyl Cause Seizures?

Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid and a leading cause of overdose fatalities in the United States. This substance is incredibly addictive, and even tiny amounts can lead to overdose. Fentanyl operates by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, significantly disrupting the brain’s chemistry and neural pathways. The fentanyl side effects can include digestive problems, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, slowed breathing, and a decreased heart rate. Moreover, there is a notable link between fentanyl and seizures, which can occur immediately after consumption, during an overdose, or withdrawal.

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause muscle rigidity, locked limbs, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and fentanyl analogs can sometimes trigger seizure-like symptoms like these. Research published in the National Library of Medicine found that in patients with complex partial seizures, moderate doses of fentanyl can evoke electrical seizure activity. During a seizure, neurons fire excessively, which can overwhelm the brain’s ability to function normally.

When taken in excessive amounts, fentanyl can interfere with normal brain activity, potentially resulting in altered states of consciousness and seizures. The drug’s effect on the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain may clarify why some individuals experience seizures after use. Additionally, as highlighted in the study above, those with a predisposition to seizures face a greater risk of experiencing one when using fentanyl.

Which Opioid Causes Seizures?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription medications and illicit substances. They function by binding to opioid receptors located in the brain, spinal cord, digestive system, and other areas, effectively blocking pain signals while promoting sensations of relaxation and euphoria. Certain opioids, such as fentanyl, tramadol, oxycodone, and morphine, can trigger seizures, particularly in young children and individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Even those who are generally susceptible to seizures might experience them at therapeutic doses of opioids. According to the Epilepsy Society, the use of substances like ecstasy, speed, cocaine, opioids, alcohol, and cannabis can provoke or heighten seizure activity in some individuals, and these drugs can also disrupt the effectiveness of seizure medications.

Opiates can diminish the seizure threshold, leading to the potential for generalized seizures. This phenomenon may stem from a rare reaction known as paradoxical excitation, where certain drugs and sedatives induce agitation or excitement instead of the expected calming effects. Increased consumption of opiates, including morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol, can lead to recurrent seizures, which can be life-threatening. Furthermore, the risk of seizures is heightened during opioid withdrawal, especially when combined with alcohol withdrawal.

Does Fentanyl Overdoses Cause Seizures?

Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful opioid, estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two to three milligrams of this substance can lead to an overdose, which may result in dangerously slowed breathing, disorientation, sedation, seizures, coma, or even death. A seizure caused by fentanyl can inflict further harm to the brain, potentially leading to lasting cognitive and memory problems, paralysis, or loss of speech.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that the rise in drug overdose fatalities in the United States is largely attributed to illicit fentanyl. While some individuals may seek out fentanyl deliberately, it is often mixed into various illegal drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, resulting in unintentional overdoses. Opioid overdoses are critical emergencies that necessitate prompt medical intervention. To help prevent accidental overdoses, users can utilize fentanyl test strips before consuming street drugs. It is also essential for those who use drugs to have Narcan (Naloxone) on hand, as this vital medication can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Can Fentanyl Withdrawals Cause Seizures?

Drug withdrawals can throw the body into a state of shock, and seizures during fentanyl drug detox can happen. Attempting to go through withdrawals alone is not advisable, even with substances that don’t have inherently life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal can lead to a range of physical health issues, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe seizure activity. The likelihood of experiencing seizures is heightened in cases of polysubstance addiction, particularly with alcohol use disorders. Fentanyl withdrawals are quite intense and uncomfortable, presenting symptoms such as:

• Increased pain
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Restlessness or anxiety
• Fentanyl cravings
• Runny nose, watery eyes, and yawing
• Irritability, anxiety and depression

In addition to the seizure risk during fentanyl withdrawals, excessive vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, potentially resulting in critical medical issues like renal failure. Furthermore, individuals undergoing withdrawals may experience profound depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Medical detox programs offer continuous support and supervision, ensuring individuals can safely navigate fentanyl withdrawals. Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, can administer medications that alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as antiseizure drugs, and provide essential care.

How Do You Treat Drug-Induced Seizures?

If you witness someone having a seizure, you must call emergency services immediately; they can guide you on what to do next. Clear the area of any objects that might pose a risk of injury and, if possible, loosen any tight clothing around their neck. Protecting their head is vital to prevent further harm, so consider placing something soft, like a jacket or pillow, beneath it.

For seizures caused by drug use, the primary treatment involves administering benzodiazepines. These prescription medications slow down brain activity, inducing a calming or drowsy effect, and they act quickly to halt seizures. They can be utilized to manage seizures during withdrawal or to address active episodes. If benzodiazepines prove ineffective, healthcare providers may resort to barbiturates or propofol. Additionally, non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants are becoming more popular due to their non-habit-forming properties.

When stopping fentanyl use, entering a drug detox program for fentanyl can help you avoid withdrawal symptoms such as seizures. Medical professionals will evaluate your substance use disorder and develop a tailored treatment plan that may incorporate benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants to minimize the risk of seizures during the withdrawal process.

How to Get Help for Fentanyl and Seizures at Muse Treatment

Muse Treatment is a comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Los Angeles that specializes in opioid detox and rehab. Experiencing repeated seizures can result in lasting consequences such as memory issues, attention difficulties, mood disorders, cognitive decline, and in extreme cases, brain damage. If you are suffering from seizures due to fentanyl and find it hard to quit, seeking professional help is essential. At Muse Treatment, our treatment programs utilize evidence-based therapies and medications designed to support the long-term management of opioid use disorders.

We feature a full continuum of care, starting from medical detox and extending through inpatient and outpatient programs, all the way to aftercare services. Our medical detox programs ensure 24/7 supervision by a skilled team of doctors and nurses who can provide medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, including those related to fentanyl seizures. Once detox is complete, patients can smoothly transition into either inpatient or outpatient treatment, where they will develop essential coping strategies and explore the underlying causes of their addiction, paving the way for successful long-term recovery. Furthermore, we incorporate holistic therapies aimed at healing the body, mind, and spirit from the impacts of fentanyl addiction.

Recovery from opioid addiction is possible, and Muse Treatment can walk the road of recovery alongside you, guiding and supporting you every step of the way. To get help with fentanyl and seizures, contact us today at 800-426-1818.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine – Fentanyl-induced electrocorticographic seizures in patients with complex partial epilepsy 
• Epilepsy Society – Alcohol, drugs and epilepsy 
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Fentanyl Awareness