FENTANYL is one of the most popular opioid drugs that can lead to addiction and dependence.
Fentanyl was implicated in over two-thirds all New York City drug deaths in 2019. Many people continue to die from the drug, including famous actors Logan Williams and Fuquan Johnson.
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What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid that’s similar to morphine.
Fentanyl can be prescribed but is often illegally manufactured and sold.
Fentanyl is prescribed to treat chronic or severe pain. This drug is not available for patients who can tolerate other opioids.
Popular prescription forms of the drug include:
- Actiq
- Duragesic
- Sublimaze
The drug is typically administered by a shot, patch or lozenge.
Fentanyl is dangerous.
Fentanyl is a prescription drug that can be given, but it can cause death if used incorrectly.
The most dangerous drugs that can lead to overdose in America are synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Because it affects the brain, it is extremely dangerous. Fentanyl can also be used to create a high, similar to heroin or other opioid drugs. Once addicted, users will need to continue using the drug to get the same effects.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that fentanyl can cause:
- extreme happiness
- drowsiness
- nausea
- confusion
- constipation
- sedation
- problems breathing
- unconsciousness
When overdosing on the drug, it causes a person’s breathing to slow down or stop all together. It can cause hypoxia which can lead either to death or permanent brain damage.
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Can you treat a fentanyl overdose?
Knowing the signs of a fentanyl-overdose is crucial for treating it.
The American Addiction Center reports that the signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Limp body
- Changes in pupillary size
- Cold and clammy skin
- Blue colored lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Reduced or loss of consciousness
- Coma
If you suspect someone is suffering from an overdose, it is critical to act quickly and call 911.
Doctors must administer Naloxone to reverse the effects of an overdose.
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