Fentanyl was first developed the in the 1960s and is an extremely powerful painkiller, which does not respond like ordinary painkillers. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is like morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl binds to the body’s opioid receptors, increasing dopamine levels in the central nervous system. It’s typically used to treat patients with severe pain, to manage pain after surgery and at times used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Once someone develops a tolerance to fentanyl’s narcotic properties, he or she will depend on it to feel “normal,” requiring more of the drug to reach the previous sensations. Some street names for fentanyl Apache, China Girl, China White, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfella, Jackpot, Murder 8, TNT, and Tango and Cash.

Therefore, fentanyl is dangerous! Fentanyl, can cause breathing to stop completely, which can lead to death. The high potency of fentanyl greatly increases risk of overdose. On the street it is often mixed with heroin or cocaine, which markedly amplifies its potency and potential dangers. Older patients are more likely than younger individuals to experience adverse effects, especially the respiratory depressant effects. Extreme caution and monitoring must be followed with this age group.

Side effects of fentanyl include:

  • Drowsiness confusion            constipation       weakness            dry mouth
  • constricted pupil’s unconsciousness              slowed respirations         decreased heart rate
  • nausea sweating              flushing                confusion            stiff or rigid muscles
  • tight feeling in the throat difficulty in concentrating

 

Parents, here’s a video to view about a gentleman named Matt Ganem, a former addict and he explains his excruciating process of opioid withdrawal. Video by Alex Hogan/Stat

Parents if you have a loved one or know of someone 18 or under that needs help please call:

Touchstone Health Services at (866) 207-3882

Touchstone also offers an Rx360 adult class which educates on the dangers of prescription drug abuse and how to dispose of prescription drugs safely and effectively.

For Rx360 class location, dates and times please visit our carecoalitionaz.org