Originally Fentanyl was used as an anesthetic until doctors realized how effective it was at relieving pain in small quantities. When in the hands of trained professionals with laboratory-grade equipment, Fentanyl has a broad therapeutic index- a range within which the drug is both practical and safe. Unfortunately, Fentanyl is used in dangerous amounts in illegal substances, causing an opioid epidemic.
What is Fentanyl
Commonly known as being up to 100 times stronger than morphine, Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid prescribed as a powerful pain medication. Due to the strength of Fentanyl, it can be hazardous if misused. Even a tiny amount can cause an overdose and lead to death.
In its prescription form, Fentanyl can be identified as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®.
In its street form, Fentanyl has many names and is referenced as Apache, China Girl, China Town, China White, Murder 8, Jackpot, Poison, TNT and Tango & Cash.
What does Fentanyl look like?
Illegal Fentanyl, commonly found on the streets, is sold as a powder or a pill and is mixed into other drugs such as heroin or cocaine. When Fentanyl is cut into other drugs, it’s nearly impossible to know unless other chemicals are used to dilute and see what reaction occurs. According to CAMH (Center for Addiction and Mental Health), many overdoses occur because people do not know what they are taking was contaminated with Fentanyl.
What happens when you take Fentanyl?
Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, Fentanyl works by binding to the body’s mu-opioid receptors located in the brain. The mu-opioid receptors are responsible for how our body feels pain and emotion. Doctors prescribe Fentanyl to those recovering from traumatic injuries to numb pain. If taking Fentanyl for extended periods, the brain and body will adapt, and the effects of the drug will begin to diminish. Though Fentanyl is used as a prescription drug to treat pain, when it is misused it can have many side effects, which can include:
- Euphoria
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Slowed breathing
- Vomiting
- Difficulting concentrating
- Constricted pupils
- Constipation
- Overdose
Observing someone during a fentanyl overdose can be a scary experience. If you arrived early after the drug was ingested, you might notice the following sequence of events (Note – The further in the sequence, the more time has passed since the drug was ingested):
- A person will first become sleepy (It’s important to note that it will be hard to wake them if they fall asleep).
- Next, their breathing will become slow and shallow.
- After a few minutes, a person may fall asleep.
- In the event you try to move them, you will notice that their body will be limp and heavy.
- To check if it is likely Fentanyl, observe and touch their face as it can be pale or clammy. To check further, do a pulse check as their pulse will be weak and slow.
If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, you must call 911 immediately. If you have a naloxone kit nearby, use it immediately to try to reverse the effects of the overdose.
What is Naloxone, and can it help stop an overdose?
When an overdose takes place, Naloxone is used to reverse the effects. Today, Naloxone overdose kits are available for pick-up at your local pharmacy. If you live in Ontario, here are a few places you can check. However, Naloxone might not work as well, as it has less success interfering with Fentanyl on the receptor compared to how easy it can block morphine on the receptor. Remember, Fentanyl binds tightly to the mu-receptor, igniting all its effects, so utilizing Naloxone may not be strong enough depending on how much Fentanyl is in the person’s body. According to Canada Health, it’s important to note that Naloxone wears off in 20 to 90 minutes, so it is imperative that you seek further medical attention.
There are two types of naloxone kits available:
- An injectable kit
- A nasal spray kit.
Each kit has its own supplies and contains information that could help prevent future overdoses. Opioids last longer than Naloxone, so it’s essential to seek medical attention, even when Naloxone is given and symptoms improve.
Why do some people die from Fentanyl?
Due to Fentanyl’s inconspicuous nature, it’s nearly impossible to tell if a powder or pill contains it. You can’t see it, smell it or taste it. There is also a high probability that the dealer might not know what they are selling or how strong it could be.
The varying degrees of how much is needed for Fentanyl to be considered lethal are so small that it’s easy to overdose. People can overdose simply by using someone else’s prescription, as one person’s dose can be extremely harmful to another.
The risk of overdose is even higher when other drugs are used simultaneously (other opioids, alcohol or sedatives).
If you are seeking information for yourself or a loved one about Fentanyl, even if it’s just to discuss some concerns, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or use our contact form.
