“How long does fentanyl stay in your system?” is a common question people ask when someone they know is taking fentanyl and concerned about safety. Fentanyl is a potent opioid used as an anesthetic and to treat severe pain. It comes with an extreme risk of overdose and death, as just two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal. Those who are taking fentanyl should be aware of the risks involved and how long it stays in the body.
Recovery Ranch TN welcomes anyone struggling with fentanyl abuse who needs help breaking the addiction and getting healthy. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program focuses on your symptoms and triggers, helping you find new ways of coping. Therapists will evaluate you and create a comprehensive recovery program that includes medication-assisted treatment and behavioral and holistic therapies.
What are the risks of fentanyl abuse?
Abuse of fentanyl is hazardous, and hundreds of people die every day because of this drug. In Tennessee, 40 out of every 100,000 people overdosed on fentanyl in 2022.
Why are people still taking fentanyl if it’s so dangerous? It’s a very potent pain reliever and can be very effective in reducing pain when taken in small doses. It’s used to treat severe pain after surgery and for those with late-stage cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, and cancer in the brain.
If you abuse your fentanyl prescription for its euphoric effects, you may increase your tolerance to the medication. That means you will have to take more to feel the same impact. This can lead to a strong addiction that can be very dangerous to your health.
Some of the risks of fentanyl abuse include:
- Extreme potency: Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. A two-milligram dose is enough to be lethal, especially when mixed with other opioids.
- Margin of error: The difference between a therapeutic dose and a fatal dose is minimal and can lead to an overdose.
- Respiratory depression: Fentanyl abuse can cause slow or labored breathing, causing hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen to the brain.
- Highly addictive: Abusing fentanyl can cause intense euphoria, leading to dependence and addiction. Tolerance levels can increase rapidly, meaning you must take the same amount or more to feel the same effects.
Illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other ingredients to heighten its effect, including other opioids, baby powder, and laundry detergent. This makes taking fentanyl very risky, as you don’t know how many milligrams you are taking, which can lead to an overdose.
How long does fentanyl stay in your system?
Many factors affect how long fentanyl remains in your system, and drug testing methods can vary significantly. Depending on whether they use urine, blood, saliva, or hair tests, fentanyl can be detected for different lengths of time—but how long can any trace of the drug be found?
Fentanyl half-life
Fentanyl’s half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug’s active ingredients to be eliminated from your body. This typically ranges from three to 12 hours, depending on how the drug is used. On average, it takes about five half-lives—roughly two to three days—for fentanyl to fully clear your system. During that time, you may face strong withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include nausea and vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, muscle cramps, diarrhea, and watery discharge from the eyes. It also usually includes intense cravings that may not stop for several days.
What conditions play a role in how long fentanyl stays in your system? Fentanyl is fat-soluble, so the drug may take longer to process in people with a higher BMI. Other factors that influence the time it takes for fentanyl to leave the system include the following:
- Chronic use: In people who have abused fentanyl for long periods, the drug may take much longer to clear.
- Liver function: Impaired metabolism can slow the process of fentanyl leaving the body.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated can reduce the amount of time that fentanyl stays in your system.
If you are given a test for fentanyl, here is how long the drug remains detectable:
- Urine test: Up to 24 to 72 hours from last use
- Blood test: Up to 12 hours from last use
- Saliva test: Up to 12–48 hours from last use
- Hair test: Up to 90 days
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug when abused. If you are abusing fentanyl, you must enroll in a drug treatment program to start healing.
Enroll in fentanyl addiction treatment at Recovery Ranch TN today
How long does fentanyl stay in your system? Now that you know the answer, it’s time to do something about the addiction. Recovery Ranch TN welcomes anyone struggling with fentanyl addiction or abuse of other opioids.
Our team has experience treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and will create a comprehensive treatment program based on your unique symptoms and triggers. You will work with a therapist in group and private therapy sessions, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), adventure therapy, equine therapy, and other holistic programs.
If you’re struggling with fentanyl abuse, you aren’t alone. Contact us using our convenient online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and begin healing.
Source:
USAFacts. “Are Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Rising in the US?” Accessed on 04/14/2025