Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is used to treat severe pain, especially after surgery, and for advanced-stage cancer. Fentanyl is also made and used illegally. Illegally made fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine to increase their profits, making it often difficult to know which drug is causing the overdose. Fentanyl is available in different forms, including powder, liquid, and pills that look like other prescription opioids. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
Key points about fentanyl include:
- Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic.
- Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain.
- Illegally made fentanyl is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.
- Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths.
- Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl.
It is important to note that fentanyl is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can cause serious harm and even death. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to fentanyl or other opioids, seek help from a medical professional or addiction treatment center.
