What is Fentanyl?

Understanding fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl can rapidly cause someone to stop breathing and die. Its potency varies based on a person’s tolerance.

Facts about fentanyl

It is compact and powerful.
It is cheap to produce, so a little bit is very effective.
Many people use fentanyl without knowing it. This happens because it’s often mixed with other drugs.
Others use it intentionally for its strength.
Medical providers have used it in clinical settings for decades.
It is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
It is about 50 times stronger than heroin.

Fentanyl targets opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain. It can also cause feelings of euphoria, confusion, and sedation. Users may feel tired, dizzy, constipated, or nauseous. Additionally, fentanyl can slow down breathing rates.

Fentanyl in the street market appears as:
- White powder
- Gray powder
- Tan powder
It can be:
- Injected
- Smoked
- Snorted
Fentanyl has also been found in other drugs, such as:
- Heroin
- Meth
- Cocaine
- Pressed pills

Fentanyl and its analogues are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will react to naloxone during an overdose.

If someone seems unresponsive to naloxone, it could be due to:

The naloxone needs more time to work (wait 2 to 3 minutes before giving more).
They may need more than one dose of naloxone (wait 2 to 3 minutes between doses).
The naloxone was given after the person had been without oxygen for too long.

You cannot overdose just by touching fentanyl. It must enter the bloodstream or a mucous membrane for effects to occur. Prescribed fentanyl patches are put on the skin for pain relief. But this isn't the type mixed with other substances.

Fentanyl is a drug that is often sold on its own or found in other substances. Street drugs can be unpredictable.

Here are some substances that have tested positive for fentanyl:

Black tar heroin
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Counterfeit pills

Assume overdose risk

Always assume there is a risk of overdose with any drug you use. Practice harm reduction consistently.

Follow these tips:

Go slow.
Use less.
Test your product.
If you’re alone, double your safety measures. Have someone check on you.
Smoke or snort instead of injecting.
If you’re in a group, stagger your use so someone is always alert.

Know the signs of overdose

Visit our overdose prevention page to learn about the signs of overdose.
Carry naloxone and learn how to use it.
Look out for each other!

Fentanyl test strips are small paper strips. They detect fentanyl in different drugs, such as cocaine, meth, and heroin. They work on different forms too, such as pills, powder, and injectables. Keep in mind, no test is 100% accurate. Your drugs might still have fentanyl, even with a negative result.