Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that carries significant risks and dangers:

Key Points

• Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 20-40 times more potent than heroin.

• It can be lethal in very small amounts - just 2 milligrams (equivalent to 10-15 grains of salt) can be a fatal dose.

• Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs without the user's knowledge, greatly increasing overdose risk.

Effects and Risks

Fentanyl's effects include:

• Extreme euphoria

• Drowsiness

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Respiratory depression

The most serious risk is severe respiratory depression leading to overdose and death. Fentanyl overdose can occur within minutes of exposure.

Prevalence and Abuse

• Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are now the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the U.S.

• It is often found in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription opioids or mixed into heroin, cocaine, and other drugs.

• Many users may be unaware they are taking fentanyl, increasing overdose danger.

Precautions

• NEVER accept a prescription for Fentanyl from any doctor!

• Be aware that illicit drugs may contain fentanyl.

• Naloxone can reverse fentanyl overdose but multiple doses may be needed.

• First responders should take precautions to avoid accidental exposure.

Fentanyl's extreme potency makes it very dangerous, especially when used illicitly. Its presence in the drug supply has significantly worsened the opioid crisis.