Fentanyl withdrawal can feel frightening, painful, and overwhelming, especially when someone is trying to stop using without knowing what to expect. For many people and families in Spokane and Eastern Washington, the first few days of fentanyl withdrawal are the hardest because symptoms can become intense quickly, and cravings can feel difficult to control.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center provides medical detox for fentanyl withdrawal in Spokane, helping adults take the first step toward recovery with medical support, medication management, and compassionate care. Medical detox does not make withdrawal effortless, but it can make the process safer, more manageable, and less isolating.
This guide explains what fentanyl withdrawal is, what fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may feel like, what the day-by-day fentanyl withdrawal timeline often looks like, how long withdrawal can last, and how medical detox can help. If you or someone you love needs help beyond detox, Spokane Falls Recovery Center also offers fentanyl addiction treatment designed to support long-term recovery.
What is fentanyl withdrawal?
Fentanyl withdrawal happens when the body has become dependent on fentanyl and then has to adjust after fentanyl use is reduced or stopped. Dependence means the brain and body have adapted to the presence of the drug. When fentanyl is no longer in the system at the level the body expects, withdrawal symptoms can begin.
What does fentanyl withdrawal feel like? Fentanyl withdrawal can affect nearly every part of the body. A person may feel physically sick, emotionally overwhelmed, unable to sleep, and intensely uncomfortable. Many people describe opioid withdrawal symptoms as feeling like a severe case of the flu, combined with:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Powerful cravings
Fentanyl withdrawal can be especially intense because fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid. It can also have a relatively short duration of action, which means withdrawal symptoms may begin sooner than some people expect. For some people, symptoms may begin within hours after last use. For others, the timeline may vary depending on how long they used fentanyl, how much they used, the route of use, whether other substances were involved, and their overall health.
Fentanyl withdrawal management and medical supervision matter during withdrawal. Trying to detox from fentanyl alone can be dangerous because symptoms may become difficult to manage, cravings can become severe, and relapse risk can rise. Medication for fentanyl withdrawal can help under professional supervision. Returning to fentanyl use after a period of withdrawal can also increase overdose risk because tolerance may change quickly.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can include both physical and psychological symptoms. Some symptoms begin early, while others become more intense during the peak withdrawal period.
Common signs of fentanyl withdrawal may include:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Chills
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Yawning
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Abdominal cramping
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability
Fentanyl patch withdrawal symptoms may be similar to other fentanyl detox symptoms, although the timing can vary based on how the medication was used, how long it was used, and whether it was taken as prescribed or misused. Anyone experiencing withdrawal from fentanyl patches, illicit fentanyl, pressed pills, or fentanyl mixed with other substances should seek medical guidance.
Early symptoms and peak symptoms
| Early symptoms (6–24 hours) | Peak symptoms (Days 2–4) |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Vomiting |
| Restlessness | Diarrhea |
| Yawning | Severe muscle aches |
| Runny nose | Abdominal cramping |
| Sweating | Chills |
| Irritability | Heavy sweating |
| Trouble sleeping | Intense cravings |
| Early nausea | Agitation |
| Watery eyes | Severe insomnia |
Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience more intense stomach symptoms, while others may struggle most with anxiety, insomnia, body aches, or cravings. The safest way to manage fentanyl withdrawal is with professional medical support.
Fentanyl withdrawal timeline: Day by day
The fentanyl withdrawal timeline is not exactly the same for every person. Symptoms can vary based on length of use, dosage, route of administration, individual metabolism, mental health, physical health, and whether other substances are involved.
The fentanyl detox timeline below is a general guide to what many people experience during fentanyl detox. It should not replace medical advice or a medical assessment.
Hours 6 to 24: Early onset
For some people, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can begin within six to 24 hours after the last use. This early phase may feel like uneasiness in the body before symptoms become more severe.
Early symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, yawning, a runny nose, watery eyes, sweating, irritability, and trouble sleeping. Cravings may also begin during this stage. Some people describe feeling like they “cannot get comfortable” or like their body is starting to panic.
This is an important time to seek support. Even if symptoms seem manageable at first, fentanyl withdrawal can intensify quickly.
Days 1 to 2: Escalating symptoms
During the first one to two days, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms often become stronger. Muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, nausea, chills, stomach discomfort, and anxiety may increase. Some people may also experience goosebumps, shaking, headaches, and worsening cravings.
Sleep can be especially difficult during this phase. A person may feel exhausted but unable to rest. Emotionally, they may feel overwhelmed, agitated, fearful, or discouraged.
Medical detox can help during this stage by monitoring symptoms, supporting hydration, managing discomfort, and using medications when medically appropriate.
Days 2 to 4: Peak withdrawal
Days two to four are often the most intense part of the fentanyl withdrawal timeline. This peak phase can include vomiting, diarrhea, severe cramping, chills, sweating, body aches, insomnia, agitation, and extreme cravings.
This stage is also one of the highest-risk periods for relapse. The body is under stress, cravings may feel urgent, and the person may want relief as quickly as possible. Without medical support, it can be difficult to stay safe and continue through the process.
During medical detox, a medical team can monitor vital signs, help manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and use medication for fentanyl withdrawal when appropriate. Buprenorphine or Suboxone for fentanyl withdrawal when medically appropriate.
Days 5 to 7: Tapering symptoms
By days five to seven, many people begin to notice that the most intense physical symptoms are starting to ease. Vomiting and diarrhea may decrease, body aches may become less severe, and chills or sweating may improve.
However, this does not mean withdrawal is over. Fatigue, low energy, mood swings, sleep problems, and cravings can continue. A person may feel physically drained and emotionally vulnerable. This is one reason detox should be integrated directly into ongoing treatment.
After stabilization, Spokane Falls Recovery Center helps clients transition into the next appropriate level of care, such as residential treatment or a partial hospitalization program (PHP), so they are not leaving detox without a plan.
Week 2 and beyond: PAWS
After the acute phase of fentanyl withdrawal, some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as PAWS. PAWS can include lingering depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, low motivation, irritability, and cravings.
PAWS can last for weeks to months. These symptoms can be frustrating because a person may expect to feel “normal” once the first week of detox is over. Instead, they may continue to have emotional and physical symptoms that come and go.
Ongoing fentanyl addiction treatment can help people manage PAWS, build relapse prevention skills, address underlying mental health needs, and continue healing after detox.
Fentanyl withdrawal timeline: At a glance
How long does fentanyl withdrawal last?
The acute phase of fentanyl withdrawal typically lasts about five to 10 days. For many people, symptoms begin within the first day, peak around days two to four, and start to ease around days five to seven. Some symptoms may last longer, especially sleep disruption, fatigue, mood changes, and cravings.
It is important to remember that fentanyl withdrawal duration can vary from person to person. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.
Factors that can affect how long fentanyl withdrawal lasts include:
- How long someone has been using fentanyl
- How much fentanyl they have been using
- How often they use
- Route of administration
- Whether fentanyl was mixed with other substances
- Individual metabolism
- Overall physical health
- Mental health history
- Previous detox or withdrawal experiences
- Whether medication support is used during detox
Fentanyl withdrawal can be unpredictable because fentanyl is highly potent and may be mixed with other substances in the illicit drug supply. A person may not always know the exact amount they have taken or what else was included.
For some people, the acute withdrawal phase improves within a week. For others, symptoms may continue for closer to 10 days or longer. PAWS can persist for weeks to months after acute withdrawal, especially when cravings, depression, anxiety, or sleep disruption continue.
Because the timeline can be unpredictable, medical detox gives clients support during the most difficult and highest-risk period of withdrawal.
Medical detox for fentanyl withdrawal in Spokane
Searching for fentanyl detox near you often means someone is already feeling overwhelmed. Fentanyl withdrawal treatment should not rely on willpower alone. Withdrawal is a medical process, and fentanyl detox can be dangerous without professional support.
Attempting fentanyl detox alone carries several risks, including dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, unmanaged anxiety or insomnia, severe cravings, relapse, and overdose if someone returns to use after their tolerance has changed. Detox alone also does not treat the underlying opioid use disorder.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center’s medical detox program provides support for adults who need help safely stopping fentanyl and beginning treatment.
Medical detox at Spokane Falls Recovery Center may include:
- Around-the-clock medical monitoring
- Medication management
- Support for nausea, vomiting, body aches, insomnia, anxiety, and cravings
- Buprenorphine or Suboxone for fentanyl withdrawal when medically appropriate
- Compassionate staff support
- ASAM criteria-based care
- Individualized treatment planning
- Transition support after stabilization
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, medical detox is not the end of care. After stabilization, clients can transition into residential treatment and a PHP to continue building recovery skills, addressing underlying issues, and preparing for life after detox.
Fentanyl addiction treatment in Spokane, WA—get help today
Reaching out for help with fentanyl withdrawal takes courage. You do not have to wait until symptoms become unbearable to ask for help.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center provides fentanyl addiction treatment for adults in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Eastern Washington. Our continuum of care includes medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programming, and intensive outpatient programming.
Fentanyl withdrawal can be painful, but you do not have to go through it alone. With medical detox, compassionate support, and ongoing treatment, recovery can begin safely.
Call 844.962.2775 or fill out a form to get started today.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fentanyl withdrawal can be dangerous, and anyone experiencing withdrawal symptoms should seek professional medical support. If you believe someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.
