What Is Fentanyl

Some of the news in the last several months have highlighted a rise of fentanyl overdoses. Fentanyl is essentially synthetic opioids that’s 50-100 times more powerful than morphine. It’s commonly prescribed for patients with chronic pain or to manage pain in surgery patients. Fentanyl has also been prescribed for patients who have built up tolerance to other opioids. When prescribed by a doctor, this drug is typically taken through injection, a skin patch or throat lozenge. When manufactured illegally, it’s usually sold in powder form, nasal spray, eye droppers, pills, or dropped onto blotter paper. Additionally, some drug dealers are also mixing Fentanyl with other substances to increase the addictive effects of their products.

Rise of Fentanyl

According to NIDA, in 2017 Fentanyl accounted for 59% of opioid related deaths. This is a drastic increase from the 14% of Fentanyl related fatalities in 2010. Moreover, in 2020 there were approximately 92,000 deaths associated with drug overdose. Of those deaths 68,630 were associated with opioid related deaths. That’s almost 75% of all fatal drug related deaths in 2020! Opioids are killing Americans but they are also still being prescribed legally in record numbers to patients with chronic pain. As you continue your education in Fentanyl and Opioid research, keep these numbers above in mind.

Some of The Common Signs And Symptoms of Fentanyl Use Include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Extreme happiness
  • Constipation
  • Confusion
  • Problems breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sedation

If you or someone you know is struggling with Fentanyl or other Opioids, contact us today to learn how we can help!