How Long Does Fentanyl Last?

How long does fentanyl last is one of the most urgent and important questions people in Tennessee ask when they are struggling with opioid use. Whether you live in Michie, Guys, Gates, Braden, Dunlap, or Springfield, understanding how long fentanyl lasts in the body can help you make safer, more informed decisions — especially if you’re thinking about stopping or starting Suboxone treatment.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we speak daily with adults ages 18 to 65 who are afraid of fentanyl withdrawal, worried about overdose risk, or unsure when they can safely begin medication-assisted treatment. Let’s walk through this clearly and compassionately.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last in the Body?

The answer depends on what you mean by “last.”

Fentanyl can refer to:

  • How long the effects are felt
  • How long it stays detectable in your system
  • How long withdrawal symptoms last

Each of these is different.

Recovery for Tennesseans by Tennesseans in Recovery

Recovery Care of Columbia provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required.

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last When You Use It?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that works quickly.

  • Medical fentanyl (IV or patch): effects may last 30 minutes to several hours depending on the form.
  • Illicit fentanyl (powder or pressed pills): effects are often short-lived, sometimes 30–90 minutes.

Because fentanyl is extremely potent, its high can be intense but brief. This short duration often leads people to use repeatedly throughout the day to avoid withdrawal.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) (https://dea.gov), fentanyl is significantly more potent than morphine and heroin, increasing overdose risk.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last in Your System?

When people search how long does fentanyl last, they often mean how long it stays in the body.

In general:

  • Blood: up to 12 hours
  • Urine: 1–3 days for occasional use
  • Chronic use: may remain detectable longer

However, fentanyl behaves differently than many other opioids.

Why Fentanyl Can Stay Longer in Chronic Users

Fentanyl is fat-soluble. With repeated use:

  • It can accumulate in fatty tissues
  • It may slowly release back into the bloodstream
  • Withdrawal may be delayed or prolonged

This is especially important in Tennessee communities like Murfreesboro or Clarksville, where many patients unknowingly use fentanyl mixed into heroin or counterfeit pills.

Tired of Visiting Clinics and Pharmacies? You Don’t Have to Anymore

We know the frustrations and stigmas often associated with addiction treatment, as well as the time it takes to get to a clinic, sit in a waiting room with unfamiliar people, wondering if you’re being judged, watching the second hands on the clock in hopes of leaving within a few hours. 

Sadly, your day isn’t over yet. You still have to drive to a pharmacy to pick up your Suboxone medications, which can sometimes be met with judgement, stigma, embarrassment, and even rejection.

By using our telemedicine addiction treatment and overnight Suboxone delivery program, you can receive professional addiction care entirely from home—without ever having to visit a clinic or a pharmacy again.

How Long Does Fentanyl Last Compared to Other Opioids?

Here’s a general comparison:

  • Hydrocodone: 1–2 days in urine
  • Oxycodone: 1–3 days
  • Heroin: 1–3 days
  • Methadone: up to 5–7 days
  • Fentanyl: 1–3 days (longer with heavy use)

But detection windows are not the same as withdrawal timelines.

Fentanyl Withdrawal: What to Expect

Many patients asking how long does fentanyl last are really asking:

  • When will withdrawal start?
  • How bad will it be?
  • When can I start Suboxone?

When Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Begin?

Withdrawal often begins:

  • 8–24 hours after last use
  • Sometimes later in chronic users

Symptoms may include:

  • Severe anxiety
  • Muscle aches
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Intense cravings

Because fentanyl is so potent, withdrawal can feel overwhelming. This is why medical guidance is critical.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes buprenorphine (Suboxone) as an effective treatment for opioid use disorder when properly prescribed.

Starting Suboxone After Fentanyl

Transitioning from fentanyl to Suboxone requires careful timing.

If Suboxone is started too early, it can trigger precipitated withdrawal, which feels sudden and intense.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, our experienced providers:

  • Evaluate your last use
  • Assess your withdrawal symptoms
  • Guide safe induction timing
  • Provide supportive follow-up

We have treated over 1,000 patients across Tennessee and are the first clinic in the state with a virtual OBOT license. We are also Joint Commission Accredited and have served Tennessee for over six years.

Why So Many Tennesseans Are Struggling With Fentanyl

Across Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, and rural communities, fentanyl is now commonly found in:

  • Counterfeit pain pills
  • Heroin
  • Street-purchased “Roxies”
  • Illicit opioid mixtures

Many patients never intended to use fentanyl. They were trying to manage pain, trauma, anxiety, or emotional stress.

Opioid addiction is a medical condition — not a moral failure.

How Telemedicine Suboxone Treatment Works

At Recovery Care of Columbia, treatment is 100% virtual and available statewide.

Step 1: Register Online

Choose the option that fits your situation:

Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Click here to check your insurance coverage now.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, Norcos, Roxicodone, Vicodin, Tramadol, Opana, Percocet, codeine, oxymorphone, and other opioids.

Call or text us at (931) 548-3062 to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

Step 2: Private Video Appointment

  • Secure
  • Confidential
  • Judgment-free
  • Designed for working adults and parents

Step 3: Same-Day Prescription

Suboxone prescriptions can be:

  • Sent to your local pharmacy
  • Delivered overnight when appropriate

Suboxone reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping stabilize your life safely.

We safely guide patients transitioning from:

Addicted to Kratom or 7-Hydroxy in Tennessee? Safe Suboxone Treatment Is Available

If you’re struggling with Kratom addiction or products containing 7-hydroxy (7-OH), you are not alone. Many people across Tennessee have experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and loss of control after using these highly potent substances.

Recovery Care of Columbia has extensive experience helping patients safely transition from Kratom and 7-hydroxy products to buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) through secure telemedicine appointments. Since 2024, we have treated hundreds of Tennesseans seeking relief from Kratom dependence—including individuals using daily amounts in excess of 800 mg.

Our providers understand the unique withdrawal patterns associated with 7-hydroxy and Kratom extracts. We develop personalized induction plans designed to reduce discomfort and stabilize you safely, without ever stepping into our clinic.

If you’re ready to stop Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, confidential online treatment is available now—no matter where you live in Tennessee.

FAQ: How Long Does Fentanyl Last?

1. How long does fentanyl last in your system if used daily?

Chronic use may extend detection beyond 3 days due to fat storage and slow release.

2. Is fentanyl withdrawal worse than other opioids?

Many patients report intense symptoms due to potency, but proper medical support makes recovery manageable.

3. Can I start Suboxone 12 hours after fentanyl?

Sometimes, but not always. Timing depends on your symptoms. Our providers guide you carefully.

4. What if I’ve been using fentanyl unknowingly?

This is very common. We assess your situation without judgment.

5. Will my treatment be confidential?

Yes. Telemedicine appointments are private and secure.

Why Trust Recovery Care of Columbia for Your Fentanyl Addiction Treatment?

Key strengths include:

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

You Don’t Have to Face Fentanyl Alone

If you’re searching how long does fentanyl last, you may be closer to recovery than you think.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we provide compassionate, statewide Suboxone telemedicine treatment for adults 18–65. Our owners are in long-term recovery themselves and built this clinic to treat patients with dignity, respect, and hope.

You don’t have to go through withdrawal alone. Safe help is available today.

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