The Dangers of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate and narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) used to treat severe pain or as part of a post-surgery pain management regiment. It is similar in structure to morphine. It is classified as a Schedule II prescription drug because of its high risk of abuse. Brand names for fentanyl include Actiq, Fentora, Lazanda, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. Fentanyl’s analgesic power has unfortunately made this drug a sellable item on the street drug market. On the street, fentanyl goes by names such as:

• China Girl or China White
• Murder 8
• TNT
• Apache
• Tango
• Cash

Although fentanyl can be used as part of a doctor-supervised pain treatment program, this opiate can lead to physical and mental dependence and addiction. It is important for individuals who lawfully use fentanyl as part of a prescribed plan to know that while they may become physically dependent, they are not likely to become addicted (the hallmark of which is to become focused nearly exclusively on sourcing and abusing a drug).

Potential Issues

The Stanford School of Medicine has provided the following helpful facts on fentanyl that speak volumes about the dangers inherent in its abuse:

• Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine
• This opiate is fast-acting, but the patch form has a slower release, lasting 72 hours
• Absorption levels depend on factors that the average person would not be aware of
• After patch removal, fentanyl will continue to be effective for 13 to 24 hours

The sheer power of fentanyl presents its greatest threat. As the Foundation for a Drug-Free World discusses, it is more potent than morphine, and it is also 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. In 2007 alone, fentanyl led to more than 1,000 fatalities.

An additional danger of fentanyl lies in the possibility of it getting into the hands of non-prescribed users. Prescription painkiller abusers not only source these medications from the street, but also from family, friends, and other non-medical personnel (either for free or a price). The fentanyl patch presents a unique threat. Since the patch form may still administer the drug after a lawful user discards it, there are reports of fentanyl addicts going through prescribed users’ trash to get the used patches. For this reason, safe disposal of fentanyl patches is necessary. In view of the dangers of fentanyl abuse, it is critical for lawful users to ensure the safekeeping of all forms of this drug.

Effects of Fentanyl

Like other opioids, fentanyl operates by binding to opiate receptors, which are involved in the body’s regulation of pain. The effect of fentanyl and other opiates binding to opiate receptors is to increase dopamine in the brain, which in turn creates a relaxed state of euphoria. For treatment purposes, there are opiate receptor antagonists that work to block the effects of the opiate on the receptor. Fentanyl side effects are similar to those associated with other opioids, and include:

• Drowsiness
• Trouble breathing
• Weakness and fatigue
• Difficulty urinating
• Constipation, which can be severe

More severe adverse effects of fentanyl include:

• Shock
• Hypotension
• Respiratory depression
• Circulatory depression

In the case of a fentanyl overdose, the affected person should immediately receive treatment that may include the administration of an opiate antagonist at a medically licensed facility. Fentanyl made in illegal drug labs may include cocaine or heroin in powder form, and the combination of fentanyl with these other opiates increases the potency of fentanyl, making its use all the more dangerous. Side effects of fentanyl plus heroin or cocaine can include:

• Respiratory depression
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Sedation
• Coma

Discontinuing the use of fentanyl or lowering the regular dosage will likely result in withdrawal symptoms because the user has become physically dependent or addicted. There are numerous symptoms associated with fentanyl withdrawal, including:

• Increased heart rate
• Muscle pain
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Vomiting

Lawful fentanyl users are best advised to speak with their health care adviser before stopping this medication, as it may be necessary to be weaned off the medication gradually in order to minimize any potentially harmful side effects of withdrawal. Unlawful users are best advised to seek treatment at a qualified facility where their needs will be assessed at intake, and an appropriate rehab plan can be put in place.

At Futures of Palm Beach, our expert staff members have extensive experience treating opioid abuse. Call us to learn more.