Fentanyl

Our Experience

Our experience with fentanyl is it has been one of the most deadly and lethal abused substances, and has changed the way we provide treatment for patients who suffer from opiate/fentanyl addictions. Though we have seen a recent decrease in opiate/fentanyl-dependent patients, we know it is still an ongoing nationwide epidemic.

WHAT IS FENTANYL?

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic piperidine opioid, is indeed a powerful analgesic. Let’s delve into some key facts about it:

Potency: Fentanyl is 50x more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine. Its clinical utility primarily lies in pain management for cancer patients and those recovering from painful surgeries.
Medical Uses: It is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, particularly after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Additionally, fentanyl is used as a sedative.
Fast-Acting and Overdose Risk: Depending on the method of delivery, fentanyl can be very fast-acting, and ingesting even a relatively small quantity can lead to overdose. Therefore, extreme caution is necessary when handling fentanyl.
Mechanism of Action: Fentanyl works by activating μ-opioid receptors.
Brand Names: Fentanyl is sold under various brand names, including Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze.
Adverse Effects: The adverse effects of pharmaceutical fentanyl are similar to those of other narcotic opioids. These include addiction, confusion, respiratory depression, drowsiness, nausea, visual disturbances, hallucinations, constipation, and even death.

Remember that fentanyl’s potency demands strict control and responsible use, especially given its potential risks and impact on public health.

ILLEGALLY MADE FENTANYL

Illegally made fentanyl (IMF) is indeed a grave concern. Its availability in various forms, including liquid and powder, poses significant risks to users. Here are some key points to consider:

Appearance: Powdered fentanyl closely resembles other drugs, making it difficult to distinguish. It can be easily mixed with substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Deceptive Pills: Some illicit manufacturers create pills that mimic prescription opioids. These pills may contain fentanyl, leading users to believe they are taking a different drug altogether.
Hidden Danger: Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous due to their potency. Even small amounts can cause overdose or death. Many people may unknowingly consume fentanyl when using other substances.
Risk Reduction:

To minimize risks:

Test Drugs: If you use recreational drugs, consider using drug testing kits to check for fentanyl.
Avoid Mixing: Avoid mixing substances, especially if their origin is uncertain.
Seek Help: If you suspect fentanyl exposure or overdose, seek immediate medical assistance.

FENTANYL OVERDOSE

Fentanyl, along with other synthetic opioids, is indeed a significant contributor to overdose deaths. Its potency is alarming—even small doses can be lethal. Tragically, over 150 people lose their lives daily due to synthetic opioid overdoses, including fentanyl.

The danger lies in the fact that drugs may contain hidden, fatal amounts of fentanyl, imperceptible to the senses. You can’t see, taste, or smell it. Detecting fentanyl’s presence is nearly impossible without specialized tools.

Fentanyl test strips are a crucial lifeline. These affordable strips provide results within 5 minutes, potentially making the difference between life and death.

However, it’s essential to remain cautious: while test strips can detect fentanyl, they might not identify even more potent fentanyl-like substances, such as carfentanil.

SIGNS OF OVERDOSE

Certainly, recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose is crucial for timely intervention. Here are the symptoms to be aware of:

Constricted (very small) pupils: Fentanyl overdose often leads to pinpoint pupils, where the eye’s pupils become extremely tiny.
Severe respiratory depression: Individuals experiencing a fentanyl overdose may exhibit slow or shallow breathing. This reduction in breathing can lead to decreased oxygen reaching the brain, resulting in a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia can cause brain injury, coma, and even death.
Cold, clammy skin: Fentanyl overdose can cause the skin to become cold and clammy

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