No, you cannot buy fentanyl over the counter. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller that is only available by prescription. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and even small doses can be deadly.
What is Fentanyl Used For?
Fentanyl is used to treat severe pain, such as pain from cancer or after surgery. It is usually given as a shot, a patch, or a lozenge. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which reduces the perception of pain. It also causes a feeling of euphoria, which can lead to addiction.
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Why is Fentanyl Dangerous?
Fentanyl is dangerous because it is so potent. A small amount can cause a person to stop breathing and die. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which can increase the risk of overdose. Fentanyl is also sometimes sold as a counterfeit pill, which can be especially dangerous because people may not know that they are taking fentanyl.
The latter product is expected to become available in early 2024. A new study co-led by a Rhode Island epidemiologist found that a simple drug testing strip — similar to a home pregnancy test — accurately detected the potentially deadly opioid fentanyl in street drug samples. While California has made some positive strides in the fight against opioids (the latest data show that prescriptions in the state are down), deaths from one particularly powerful opioid, fentanyl, are up. Males, people of older age and people with low socio-economic status are at higher risk of opioid overdose than women, people of young age groups and people with higher socio-economic status.
Naloxone Frequently Asked Questions​
How is Fentanyl Abused?
Fentanyl is abused by people who want to get high or who are addicted to opioids. Fentanyl can be taken in several ways, including by injection, snorting, smoking, or swallowing. People who abuse fentanyl may also use it in combination with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. Fentanyl abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and death.
Signs Of An Overdose:
What are the Signs of Fentanyl Abuse?
The signs of fentanyl abuse include:
It is increasingly common in the illicit drug markets in the Northeast United States. Naloxone may help in a xylazine overdose, but because xylazine is not an opioid, it is often not effective. If you suspect someone has overdosed on xylazine, call 911 immediately. Fentanyl is sometimes used medically to treat pain or for anesthesia. However, the fentanyl that is widely available in the illicit drug market and in counterfeit pills is illegally manufactured and highly dangerous.
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Small pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Itching or scratching
- Shallow breathing
- Loss of consciousness
It is up to each individual pharmacy to decide whether to dispense naloxone under the statewide standing order. The approval of OTC Narcan nasal spray will require a change in the labeling for the currently approved 4 mg generic naloxone nasal spray products that rely on Narcan as their reference listed drug product. Manufacturers of these products will be required to submit a supplement to their applications to effectively switch their products to OTC status. The approval may also affect the status of other brand-name naloxone nasal spray products of 4 mg or less, but determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis and the FDA may contact other firms as needed. False positives may occur, the strips do not tell you how much fentanyl is present or how potent it is, and not all states consider the strips legal. Fentanyl is estimated to be about 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as a pain reliever.
If fentanyl is used by a child or an adult who has not been prescribed the medication, try to remove the medication from the person’s mouth and get emergency medical help. Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that has been found in substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, molly, and other recreational drugs. Additionally, Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) providers offer Texans comprehensive services for fentanyl and other substance use. Callers speak with a trained counselor who can assess needs and refer them to a variety of services, including in-person and telehealth treatment. To find your local OSAR, go to Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral. Certain medications can be used to treat heart rhythm problems caused by loperamide overdose.
- Further, we were able to determine a suggested sample dilution and time for reading and interpretation of the results that will detect dangerous levels of fentanyl with less risk of false positives.
- Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing.
- When a reporter explained that the store had sold fentanyl-tainted pills weeks earlier, his tone shifted.
- While we are focused on the immense human impact, the epidemic also takes a significant toll on our economy.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Fentanyl Abuse?
If you suspect that someone is abusing fentanyl, it is important to seek help immediately. You can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If the person is unconscious or not breathing, call 911 immediately.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller that is only available by prescription. It is not available over the counter, and it is illegal to possess or distribute fentanyl without a prescription. Fentanyl abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and death. If you suspect that someone is abusing fentanyl, it is important to seek help immediately.
