Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is typically used for pain management and anesthesia. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. As such, it is strictly regulated by law and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
- Once you administer naloxone, the person having an overdose may become disoriented or even agitated.
- New combinations of synthetic opioids continue to crop up as well, complicating the crisis.
- Naloxone should still be given because xylazine is often used with fentanyl.
- Do not let anyone else use your medication, even if he or she has the same symptoms that you have.
- Speak with a healthcare provider or visit the links below for support and treatment resources.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
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Fentanyl is estimated to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine and carries a significant risk of overdose. Its misuse or unauthorized use can have severe consequences, including respiratory distress, coma, and even death. Due to these dangers, it is essential to understand that fentanyl should only be used under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fentanyl patches may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
1. Can I purchase fentanyl without a prescription?
These funds are then used to fuel an expansive criminal enterprise. Local Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs or OOPPs connect New Yorkers with naloxone, naloxone training, fentanyl test strips, and safe syringe access and disposal services. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. Ongoing education and support may also be provided to individuals who have naloxone to ensure that they feel confident and empowered to use the medication correctly, in an emergency situation. This might include follow-up calls or reminders, online resources, or peer support groups that can provide ongoing education and support for individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder.
No, fentanyl is not available over the counter, and it is illegal to possess or sell it without a valid prescription. If you require fentanyl for legitimate medical reasons, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional who can provide you with the necessary prescription.
2. Are there any legal alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, there are various legal alternatives to fentanyl that can be prescribed by healthcare professionals. These alternatives include other opioid medications, non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy, and alternative treatment options. It is crucial to discuss your specific needs and concerns with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable course of treatment.
Drug User Health
Over half of these fake pills contained potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl, the DEA says. The maps below allow you to compare the spread of heroin deaths versus those drug poisonings involving the synthetic opioids category. Overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. and the fourth-leading cause of death overall in the country. In 2021, there were more than 107,000 overdose deaths, an all-time high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Why is fentanyl a controlled substance?
Fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. It is a powerful opioid that can lead to physical dependence and severe health risks when misused. Strict regulations help to prevent its unauthorized distribution and reduce the potential for abuse.
4. What are the risks of using fentanyl without a prescription?
Using fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous. Without proper medical supervision, individuals risk experiencing an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, using fentanyl obtained from illicit sources increases the likelihood of unknowingly consuming counterfeit or adulterated products, further amplifying the risks.
5. How can I ensure safe use of prescription fentanyl?
To ensure the safe use of prescription fentanyl:
Dispose of used equipment safely.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions: Take only the prescribed dosage and heed any specific guidelines provided.
- Use a legitimate pharmacy: Obtain your medication from a licensed pharmacy to avoid counterfeit or adulterated products.
- Store securely: Keep your fentanyl out of reach of children or anyone who may misuse it.
- Dispose properly: Dispose of unused fentanyl through designated collection sites to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
In fact, the majority of overdose deaths now involve synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. While administering naloxone can be a critical step in reversing an opioid overdose and saving a life, it is still important to call 911 in the event of an overdose, even if naloxone has been administered. This is an important step outlined in the Drug Facts Label of Narcan 4mg naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. Naloxone works to reverse the effects of opioids on the body for a limited period, typically 30 to 90 minutes depending on the specific form and dosage of naloxone used. However, many opioids can last longer than this, and it is still possible to experience the effects of an overdose after naloxone wears off. Many non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as pills obtained from the illicit drug market, have been found to be contaminated with opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been prevalent in the northeastern region of the US since 2017, but it did not become prevalent in Oregon until 2019. Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon. The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. A key tool in helping prevent overdose deaths is naloxone, which is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl. You can buy naloxone over the counter from a local pharmacy, and you do not need training or authorization to administer.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Its high risk of abuse and addiction means that it should never be obtained or used without proper medical supervision. If you require fentanyl for pain management or anesthesia, consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can guide you through the appropriate legal channels to access this medication safely.
