Looking for information about Onsolis? Use this helpful guide.
1. How Is Onsolis Used?
2. Street names
3. Recognizing Onsolis Addiction
4. Side Effects of Onsolis Abuse
5. Onsolis Long-Term Use Effects
6. Dangers of Onsolis Overdose
7. Signs of Overdose
8. Treating an Overdose of Onsolis
9. Onsolis Withdrawal Symptoms
10. Medical Detox from Onsolis
11. Treatment Plans for Onsolis Addiction
12. Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Evaluating Your Options
13. Aftercare and Self-Help Groups
14. Finding the Best Onsolis Rehab Facility for You
Onsolis is a medication used to relieve sudden pain for cancer patients. This medication is a brand name of one of the several types of fentanyl that are used in the medical field. Onsolis is strictly for patients aged 18 years or older who are not receiving the relief they need from other opioid medications. Specifically, Onsolis is classified as a painkilling opioid. It works by changing the way that the brain and body respond to pain.
When a person is prescribed Onsolis, they probably have developed a tolerance to other opioid painkillers. With a high opioid tolerance, the potential for misuse increases. The ideal goal of Onsolis is to help someone who is living with cancer to feel less pain. Yet, it is possible for a person to become dependent on the opioid. It is also possible to become addicted to Onsolis if it is not taken as directed. Careful medical supervision and monitoring at a top rehab facility can allow for a safe recovery from opioids with less risk of starting a new addiction.
How Is Onsolis Used?
It is important to only use Onsolis as instructed by your physician. Onsolis is not a typical pill-form medication. This film-like medication is not to be swallowed, but instead it will dissolve in your mouth. After moistening your mouth with water or saliva, the small film square of medication is placed between your gum and cheek. After holding the Onsolis film in place for five seconds, it will stick in place and dissolve within 15-30 minutes.
Because fentanyl is becoming a more commonly used drug, it has several nicknames on the street. Some common street names for different types of fentanyl include the following:
- Apace
- China Girl
- China Town
- China White
- Dance Fever
- Good-fellas
- Great Bear
- He-Man
- Poison
- Tango & Cash
Recognizing Onsolis Addiction
Onsolis is a type of fentanyl, the strongest opioid drug on the market. It is prescribed to suppress pain, though it is often abused because of its strong addictive qualities. An individual who has been abusing Onsolis may exhibit many signs and symptoms, including the following:
- Exhaustion or drowsiness
- Withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to love
- Lying or being deceptive
- Engaging in risky, reckless or dangerous behaviors
- Slow or difficulty breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Fever and sweating
- Nausea, constipation and other gastrointestinal distress
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Euphoria or dysphoria
Side Effects of Onsolis Abuse
Like any medication, there are some common side effects associated with using Onsolis, including:
- Reduced appetite and nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Drowsiness, confusion and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Euphoria
- Headache
- Incoherent or slurred speech and impaired balance
- Slow pulse and lowered blood pressure
- Swollen hands or feet
- Pain or mouth sores where the medicine is placed
- Overdose
These side-effects are common with the use of Onsolis and should diminish after your body adjusts to the medicine. Even when taken as prescribed, however, Onsolis is a potentially fatal drug. It is safest to take only the dosage suggested by your doctor and to notify them if the side effects are undesirable. If the effects listed above persist or worsen, your doctor should be notified immediately. Onsolis may affect each user differently, based on:
- One’s size, weight, body fat percentage and health
- Whether the person is used to taking it
- Whether other drugs are taken as well
- The amount of drug taken
Onsolis Long-Term Use Effects
A common long-term effect of Onsolis use for pain relief is developing an Onsolis tolerance. The body naturally builds a tolerance to medications. However, with the amazing strength of Onsolis, the drug produces a tolerance for all opiates very quickly. One dose of Onsolis could result in drowsiness and euphoria, but the same dose two days later may have no effect. This characteristic could make it impossible for other opiates to relieve pain after using Onsolis because of the quick tolerance-building effect.
High tolerance often leads to using more than the recommended dose or using other drugs along with the Onsolis to achieve a greater pain relief effect. These options are dangerous and potentially fatal. Onsolis abuse can quickly lead to overdose.
Dangers of Onsolis Overdose
Doctors prescribe the minimum effective dose of Onsolis when treating a patient. Effective doses will depend greatly on the person’s size, body fat percentage and medical history. The amount of Onsolis it takes to overdose depends on the person’s unique metabolism. For instance, a beneficial dose for one person may be fatal to a patient who is smaller. Onsolis prescriptions should never be shared for this reason.
A person’s physical health can also affect the likelihood of overdose. Fentanyl products like Onsolis are mostly metabolized by the liver. Impairment of the liver or kidney can lead to the drug staying in a person’s body, leading to overdose.
Signs of Overdose
When a person experiences an overdose due to Onsolis misuse, they usually lose consciousness. Some opioid products, such as Onsolis, activate complete sleepiness and confusion. The person will likely fall asleep and be unresponsive to waking attempts when shaken or spoken to. However, lack of consciousness is only one indication of an Onsolis overdose. Other symptoms may include:
- Small, unresponsive pupils
- Slow, shallow breathing or lack of breathing
- Changes in heart rate
- Sleepiness, dizziness or loss of coordination
- Bluish tint around the lips or fingernails
- Cold or clammy skin
All opioids reduce breathing rate to the point where their brain cannot get enough oxygen. When this occurs, a person’s body systems will begin to shut down. This may also lead to blood pressure and heart rate changes, causing a heart attack.
Treating an Overdose of Onsolis
Onsolis use should be stopped if a person experiences serious side effects of Onsolis such as:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Pale skin
- Feeling light-headed or short of breath
- Rapid heart rate
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling hot
- Being unable to urinate
- Heavy sweating
- Hot skin
- Dry skin
A person should seek emergency medical help immediately if they notice signs of an allergic reaction to Onsolis, including:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
The first step to treating an overdose of Onsolis is to secure the person’s airway, which may require assisted ventilation. Oxygen therapy may be necessary in the case of cardiovascular shock or pulmonary edema. An opioid antagonist medication, like naloxone, may be used to quickly reverse the effects of Onsolis.
Onsolis Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal can be painful and dangerous. The potential for relapse is highly possible without professional support during detox. Attempting detox at home is not recommended as the person may experience strong urges to relapse and suppress the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Once the body goes without Onsolis, the person will begin to lose tolerance that has built up. If relapse occurs, an overdose is more likely than before.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when the brain attempts to produce enough natural pain relieving chemicals, which cannot match the potency of Onsolis. When the person first stops using Onsolis, the brain will not produce pain-relieving neurotransmitters that were being replaced by the opioid. Once the brain realizes the body is no longer receiving this medicated pain relief, it will again begin producing the chemicals on its own. This is the primary reason why withdrawing from Onsolis can be painful and should be done under medical supervision. Relapse is difficult to avoid when the discomfort, mood changes and cravings for Onsolis begin to arise.
Some symptoms that may be experienced during Onsolis withdrawal may include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Goosebumps
- Extreme restlessness
- Yawning
- Sweating or chills
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Muscle and bone pain
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
Medical Detox from Onsolis
Patients who choose to forgo the use of Onsolis for their cancer-related pain should first meet with their doctor before adjusting their treatment. Onsolis should not be stopped suddenly because of the severe Onsolis withdrawal symptoms that will be produced. Most doctors will help the patient taper off the drug by gradually lowering the patient’s dosage over time. This method helps their body adjust appropriately to decreasing amounts of the medication. Tapering off of Onsolis will allow the patient to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detox is the safest method of withdrawing from fentanyl addiction. A doctor can prescribe medications to ease psychological symptoms such as anxiety. Being under a doctor’s care can help prevent abuse of these substances while the individual attempts to withdraw from Onsolis.
Buprenorphine has become a popular opioid replacement therapy. This medication eases pain for people struggling with addiction to opioids. Buprenorphine can bind to opioid receptors in the brain, releasing the same pain-relieving neurotransmitters as other opioids. This medication will not create the same high as drugs containing fentanyl; however, it will still ease some withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detox is the first step in getting treatment for Onsolis addiction, but it causes serious withdrawal symptoms. Even patients who have been prescribed Onsolis and use it as directed may still experience withdrawal. Onsolis withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioids but may be more intense because of the increased potency. These symptoms include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Runny nose
- Muscle pain and abdominal cramps
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
Treatment Plans for Onsolis Addiction
Onsolis addiction is challenging to overcome, but a comprehensive treatment plan can provide the patient with a positive prognosis. Following a medically supervised detox, a person addicted to Onsolis can begin the process of treatment. Residential treatment is the best option for this very serious addiction, as it is more likely to provide a successful recovery. The risks of relapse is too great without residential treatment and a medical detox.
A comprehensive treatment plan for Onsolis addiction typically includes a variety of therapy sessions. Therapy is intended to help the patient confront issues and life events that may have caused substance abuse. Patients will participate in individual therapy to create the base of their treatment plan. Group therapy will allow interactions and support from peers who are living with the same struggles. Therapies are provided on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
The best Onsolis addiction rehabs will make efforts to involve the patient’s loved ones in the recovery process. Family involvement in addiction treatment can help heal significant relationships that have been damaged by the addiction. Therapists can teach family members and loved ones how to provide essential emotional support for their loved one during recovery and after treatment is completed. Support from loved ones significantly increases the likelihood of success for a patient in rehab.
The best Onsolis treatment facilities offer a wide variety of proven therapies. Some therapies that may be available include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Experiential therapy
- EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
- Aftercare preparation
- Alternative therapies (yoga, art therapy, music therapy, biofeedback, etc.)
Dual diagnosis treatment services are offered by many rehab facilities for those patients who have co-occurring mental health conditions or addictions. Dual diagnosis programs can help patients receive treatment for their Onsolis addiction as well as co-occurring depression, anxiety or substance abuse that requires treatment at the same time.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Evaluating Your Options
The best Onsolis addiction treatment facilities will offer recovery services on both inpatient and outpatient bases. Either program usually lasts around one to three months, depending on the nature and severity of the substance dependency.
For most people with an addiction to Onsolis, inpatient treatment would be the right choice. There are important reasons for this. Someone addicted to Onsolis has likely been prescribed the medication because other opioids were not providing enough pain relief. This could mean they are a long-term opioid patient. Long-term addictions are more complex and more difficult to treat. Because opioids are linked with a severe level of addiction, inpatient treatment the best option for many people.
During inpatient Onsolis rehab, the patient resides in the rehab facility from the time they begin medical Onsolis detox until they are prepared for outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour monitoring and allow immediate professional assistance whenever needed. During inpatient rehab, patients are able to focus all their time and attention on their recovery without obligations of work, family and daily life stresses. They are surrounded by a supportive environment where others are seeking help for the same struggles.
The best inpatient Onsolis rehabs will provide individual therapies, group therapies and alternative therapies. Alternative therapies include a wider range of treatment options. These are options many people struggling with addiction find to be helpful. Some common therapies include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Mindfulness meditation
- Yoga
The major advantage of inpatient treatment is the removal of temptation, triggers and other negative influences that might hinder recovery. Stressful situations at home or work can often contribute to substance abuse. Unfortunately, parental and financial responsibilities often keep people from pursuing inpatient treatment. These people are in need of more flexible services than what an inpatient program can provide.
Outpatient Onsolis programs are available to allow participants to live at home, yet still receive all the elements of a drug addiction treatment plan included in their recovery plan. An outpatient Onsolis treatment program would include weekly therapy sessions and education classes for a set number of hours. Participants can continue with their daily lives while attending their required meetings and therapies. However, this does not eliminate the daily stresses of life that can make recovery more difficult. When considering Onsolis addiction treatment, most programs are more successful when they begin with inpatient care before moving into outpatient programs.
Aftercare and Self-Help Groups
Patients in recovery are always at risk of relapse. Participation in an aftercare program is recommended to continued therapy and avoid relapse. Preparation for life after treatment can be scary without some assistance. The best rehab facilities will help prepare their patients for sober life through aftercare programs and activities. This can be a challenging transition. It requires support to help patients avoid triggers from previous drug use and live a healthy and happy life. Aftercare support groups help patients build a network of people who can help them stay sober in the long-term.
Aftercare preparation may include:
- Healthy coping strategies
- Stress management
- How to make positive lifestyle changes, like exercising and eating well
- How to prevent relapses
Finding the Best Onsolis Rehab Facility for You
Finding an Onsolis rehab facility to fit your treatment needs is an important step in living a happier, healthier life. Your doctor can suggest features to look for in an Onsolis rehab center that will better aid in your recovery.
Before treatment for Onsolis addiction begins, there needs to be a professional assessment and an official diagnosis by a mental health professional. During this initial assessment, the specialists may also diagnose other mental health disorders that are present. Co-existing mental health disorders can complicate recovery and must also be treated. Physical exams may be included in an initial assessment to rule out any pre-existing physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms.
Before you decide on a rehab center for Onsolis addiction, you should visit a few facilities with a family member or someone you trust. The best rehab center for you may not be close to home. You should search for a center that can offer comprehensive treatment services for your specific condition. While some prefer rehab centers with alternative treatment options, other patients may not be interested in such healing practices. However, the more treatment methods a facility offers, the better your chances of a customized treatment plan that meets all of your individual needs.
You should seek out facilities with well-maintained grounds and professional appearance. They should offer comfortable and attractive housing for inpatient care to make you feel as relaxed as possible during treatment. You may desire extra conveniences from a luxury rehab experience. It may also be more appealing for the facility to provide motivating and interesting recreational activities that can keep you active and focused on wellness when you are not in Onsolis therapy. There are many Onsolis rehab facilities that offer a plethora of recreational hobbies.
The top rehab facilities will provide programs that are aimed around family support. Programs like these promote healing for family members and help loved ones learn how to support each other.
The most important thing to look for in your search for the best treatment facility for you is a proven track record. A flashy and appealing website does not always mean they have successful patient turnaround. They should have qualified, highly trained professionals and experts in addiction treatment staffed at their facility. In your conversations with them, ask specific questions that will help you see if it is the right place for you. A few good questions to ask include:
- Does your facility have experience treating Onsolis addiction?
- What’s the cost for the treatment I am looking at, and will insurance cover any or all of the costs?
- Does your facility provide aftercare planning?
- How long does treatment last?
What are the best rehabs for Onsolis addiction, and which is the best rehab for you? While input and advice of loved ones and professionals can help, you are the one choosing the facility that feels right to you.
