If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below. You can also find test strips at some of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs on this list. If you’ve been prescribed an opioid, many health care providers also co-prescribe naloxone in case of an overdose.
Harm reduction advocates established that fentanyl test strips can also be used to test liquid samples for the presence of fentanyl, allowing pre-consumption testing of samples to check if fentanyl is present or not. Find it in your community, or have it mailed to you by clicking here. Narcan is a nasal-spray version of the drug naloxone, which blocks an opioid’s effects on the brain, rescuing a person overcome by drugs like fentanyl, heroin or oxycodone. NEXT Distro is an online national harm reduction organization. You can request that free naloxone and test strips be mailed discreetly to your home after taking a brief online training. You do not need insurance to receive naloxone through this service.
Understanding Fentanyl: An Overview
Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose. It is important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given. As mentioned above, many drug dealers mix the cheaper fentanyl 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. Naloxone is a medicine that can treat a fentanyl overdose when given right away.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. One hundred thousand people died nationwide from overdoses in 2021. Some people have sudden symptoms of opioid withdrawal and may seem irritable. Brittny Mejia is a Metro reporter who joined the Los Angeles Times in 2014.
How Do You Know When To Use Naloxone?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, primarily used to treat severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or those undergoing major surgeries. It is significantly more potent than morphine and can lead to severe consequences if misused. Because of its strength and potential for abuse, many are left wondering, can you buy fentanyl over the counter?
Many lives could be saved if people have this medication on hand. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of U.S. deaths involving opioids surpassed 80,400 in 2021. Learn more about responding to suspected drug overdoses on OHA’s Naloxone Rescue for Opioid Overdose webpage (link). Rescue breaths are critical for people who have used xylazine because it causes breathing to slow down.
Availability of Fentanyl
The short answer is no, you cannot buy fentanyl over the counter. Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries, meaning it is available only by prescription. Here are some key points regarding its availability:
When taken in large doses, DXM causes a depressant effect and sometimes a hallucinogenic effect, similar to PCP and ketamine. Repeatedly seeking to experience that feeling can lead to addiction-a chronic relapsing brain condition characterized by inability to stop using a drug despite damaging consequences to a person’s life and health. As of now, there are only three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorder, a disease affecting an estimated two million individuals in the United States. Methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine are all opioid-based medications and require a prescription for use, which can make them difficult to obtain for people who urgently need them to avoid relapse. But what if treatment was within reach without a visit to the doctor’s office? The Works Program is a free, legal and anonymous harm reduction program that provides free supplies, disposal programs and referrals.
- Prescription Requirement: Fentanyl can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Formulations: It is available in several forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions, all of which require careful handling and monitoring by healthcare professionals.
- Regulations: The strict regulations surrounding fentanyl aim to prevent misuse and abuse, given its high potential for addiction and overdose.
Illicit fentanyl is sold alone or in combination with other drugs. It has been identified in counterfeit pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), counterfeit pills are more lethal than ever before. The DEA found that 2 out of every 5 counterfeit pills with fentanyl contains a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
- Make sure you check the strip within ten minutes of doing the test.
- It is also being laced into counterfeit pills, including those resembling Xanax, MDMA, and powders such as heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine.
- Test strips, which detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, are also available — fentanyl was involved in 85% of overdose deaths in 2022.
- Colorado authorities have seen a large influx of fentanyl over the past year and are expecting to see an increase in overdoses in the coming months.
Risks of Fentanyl Abuse
Given the opioid crisis, understanding the risks associated with fentanyl is crucial:
- Addiction: Regular use of fentanyl, even as prescribed, can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
- Overdose: The potency of fentanyl increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal, especially if combined with other depressants like alcohol.
- Legal Consequences: Attempting to acquire fentanyl without a prescription can lead to serious legal repercussions, including imprisonment.
What to Do If You Need Fentanyl
If you believe you require fentanyl for pain management, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider:
- Consultation: Discuss your symptoms and pain levels with your doctor.
- Assessment: Your healthcare professional will assess your condition and determine if fentanyl is a suitable option.
- Prescription: If necessary, they will write you a prescription that specifies the appropriate dosage and form of fentanyl.
FAQs About Fentanyl
What are the common side effects of fentanyl?
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Constipation
Is fentanyl safe for everyone?
No, fentanyl is not safe for everyone. It can be dangerous for individuals with certain health conditions, such as respiratory issues or a history of substance abuse.
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately. Administering naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if available.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to can you buy fentanyl over the counter is a clear no. Fentanyl requires a prescription due to its potency and potential for harm. Always seek professional medical advice before using such powerful medications.
