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Fentanyl: Definition, Uses, and Side Effects

Last Updated: January 6, 2025

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, particularly in patients with cancer or opioid tolerance. Fentanyl is highly addictive and frequently abused. Common street names for fentanyl include “China White,” “Apache,” “Dance Fever,” and “TNT.”

Fentanyl’s side effects include respiratory depression, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and pinpoint pupils. In severe cases, it leads to coma or death.

Table Of Contents:

What is Fentanyl?
How Does Fentanyl Work?
What are the Medical Uses of Fentanyl?
How is Fentanyl Consumed?
What are the Side Effects of Fentanyl?
What does fentanyl do to the brain?
Can Fentnayl Use Lead to Addiction?

Due to its potency, fentanyl use quickly leads to dependency and addiction, as the drug induces intense euphoria, which drives individuals to seek repeated use. This results in increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when not using.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine according to the research titled “What is fentanyl? ”published by the National Institute on drug abuse. Fentanyl is primarily prescribed to treat severe pain, specifically after surgery or for patients with chronic pain who have developed tolerance to other opioids. As a prescription drug, fentanyl is available under brand names such as Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze, according to the research titled “Fentanyl DrugFacts” published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

Fentanyl has legitimate medical uses, but it is produced and misused illegally. Illegal fentanyl is mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, increasing the risk of overdose due to its high potency. Fentanyl’s pharmaceutical and illegal forms bind the opioid receptors in the brain, producing pain relief but also a high potential for addiction and overdose.

Fentanyl’s abuse, in the form of counterfeit pills or street versions, has contributed to a rise in opioid-related deaths worldwide according to the article titled “opioid overdose” published by the World Health Organization.

What are the Street Titles of Fentanyl?

The street titles of fentanyl are Apache, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory, Murder 8, Poison, and Tango & Cash.

Below is the detail of these titles:

Apache: Fentanyl’s dangerous potency is often matched to the aggression historically associated with the Apache people.
China Girl: A reference to fentanyl’s origin, often produced in China.
China Town: A nod to the Chinese manufacturing and distribution of synthetic opioids.
Dance Fever: A reference to the drug’s euphoric effects, often used in party settings.
Friend: Fentanyl in underground markets is described in ways that make it sound less intimidating.
Goodfellas: Goodfellas name is inspired by a famous mob film, subtly implying illicit connections.
Great Bear: Great Bear symbolizes the drug’s overwhelming strength, related to the power of a bear.
He-Man: Fentanyl’s potency is underlined by drawing a comparison to the superhuman strength of the fictional character.
Jackpot: Fentanly’s street tile jackpot suggests the euphoric “win” that comes with the drug’s effects.
King Ivory: King Ivory refers to the white, powdery form of the drug, with “king” suggesting dominance.
Murder 8: Fentanyl’s street name murder 8 refers to the deadly consequences of fentanyl overdose, with “8” representing a high risk of fatality.
Poison: Poison is a direct reference to fentanyl’s potential to kill even in small doses.
Tango & Cash: Tango & Cash refers to the dangerous and unpredictable nature of fentanyl, much like the chaos in the film.

How Does Fentanyl Work?

Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the central nervous system. These receptors are responsible for transmitting pain signals, and when fentanyl attaches to them, it blocks these signals, providing powerful pain relief. Fentanyl stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Fentanyl works quickly due to its potency, often within minutes when administered through injection or transdermal patches. Fentalyn acts so strongly on the opioid receptors, that it also carries a high risk of respiratory depression, which can be fatal if not properly managed, especially in overdose situations. The speed and strength of its effects make fentanyl highly effective for pain management but also highly dangerous if misused.

What are the Medical Uses of Fentanyl?

The medical uses of fentanyl are mainly focused on managing severe pain, particularly in controlled settings such as hospitals and surgical environments. Fentanyl is used for pain relief after surgery or for patients with chronic pain who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. Fentanyl is an important part of anesthesia protocols, where it is used to induce and maintain anesthesia during surgery due to its quick onset and powerful effects. In end-of-life care, fentanyl provides critical relief for terminally ill patients, managing severe pain and improving quality of life. Due to its fentanyl potency, it requires strict dosage regulation to prevent overdose and ensure its safe use in medical settings. Proper monitoring is essential to avoid serious side effects, including respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening if not managed carefully.

How is Fentanyl Consumed?

Fentanyl is consumed through snorting, smoking, or ingesting orally through pills or tablets. In some cases, fentanyl is absorbed through the skin via medicated patches, designed for controlled pain relief. Fentanyl is spiked onto blotter paper, making it easy to ingest sublingually. Fentanyl is often sold alone or mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, to enhance potency illegally. Fentanyl is frequently found in counterfeit pills made to resemble prescription medications like oxycodone, posing significant risks to unsuspecting users.

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What are the Side Effects of Fentanyl?

The side effects of fentanyl are respiratory problems, high overdose risk, potential for addiction, shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea & vomiting, pinpoint pupils, risk of coma, and constipation.

These fentanyl side effects are listed below:

Respiratory Problems: Respiratory problems are a physical side effect of Fentanyl use that involves shallow breathing or complete respiratory failure, often occurring before users recognize other symptoms. This effect is particularly deadly, as highlighted by studies showing fentanyl-induced respiratory depression starts within minutes at low concentrations according to the research titled “Fentanyl” published by Medline Plus.
High Overdose Risk: High overdose risk is a behavioral/physical side effect due to fentanyl’s potency. Even small amounts of fentanyl lead to life-threatening overdoses. This is triggered by its presence in counterfeit pills or combined with other substances, increasing unintentional use, according to the research “Tests show why opioid is so deadly: ‘It stops people’s breathing before they even realize it’” written by Tracy Hampton.
Potential to addiction: Potential to addiction is a psychological/ behavioral side effect of fentanyl use. Fentanyl interacts with brain pathways to produce intense euphoria, leading to a high risk of dependency. Fentanyl addiction alters brain chemistry, making withdrawal and recovery challenging.
Shallow Breathing: Shallow breathing or hypoventilation because of fentanyl is a signature physical side effect, leading to dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
Confusion: Confusion because of fentanyl use is behavioral and psychological as impairs cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating and memory issues, often seen in overdose or chronic use cases.
Drowsiness: Drowsiness is a physical and psychological side effect as fentanyl suppresses central nervous system activity, causing sedation and excessive sleepiness. This impairs daily functioning and poses safety risks, such as falling asleep during critical tasks.
Dizziness: Dizziness is a common physical side effect of fentanyl that occurs due to changes in blood pressure or suppression of the vestibular system, leading to impaired balance.
Nausea & Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are physical side effects of fentanyl use. Fentanyl affects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain’s vomiting center, causing nausea and vomiting. These effects are reported by patients during opioid therapy and require management strategies like antiemetic medications.
Pinpoint Pupils: Pinpoint pupils are a physical side effect that occurs because fentanyl use triggers miosis. This physiological reaction is a hallmark of opioid use and is often used diagnostically in suspected overdose cases.
Risk of Coma: The risk of coma is a physical side effect of fentanyl as fentanyl severely suppresses the central nervous system at high doses, potentially leading to a coma. This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical intervention, as it quickly progresses to respiratory arrest.
Constipation: Constipation is a physical side effect as fentanyl use slows intestinal motility by binding to opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in constipation. This is a common chronic effect of opioid use, often requiring laxatives or other medical treatments.

What does fentanyl do to the brain?

Fentanyl impacts the brain by binding to opioid receptors located in areas responsible for pain perception, emotion regulation, and essential functions like breathing. Fentanyl triggers the release of high levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This creates intense euphoria but also a high potential for addiction, as the brain begins to rely on fentanyl to achieve these elevated dopamine levels.

After some time fentanyl tolerance develops, requiring higher doses to produce the same effects. This leads to dependence, where the brain and body adapt to the drug’s presence, causing withdrawal symptoms when it is not available. Fentanyl impairs critical brain functions, including judgment and respiratory control, making overdose a significant risk. In cases of overdose, breathing slows or stops altogether, a condition known as respiratory depression, which rapidly becomes fatal,according to the research titled “Tests show why opioid is so deadly:‘It stops people’s breathing before they even realize it’” published by The Harvard Gazette. Fentanyl’s potency up to 100 times stronger than morphine exacerbates its risks, particularly when misused or mixed with other substances.

Can Fentnayl Use Lead to Addiction?

Yes, fentanyl use leads to addiction. Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, stimulating the release of large amounts of dopamine, which creates an intense feeling of euphoria. Fentanyl’s pleasure response makes it highly addictive, as the brain starts to crave repeated use to replicate those feelings. After some time users develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, and dependence, where they experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug.

The risk of fentanyl addiction is high due to its potency, which is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl addiction leads to harmful physical, psychological, and social consequences, including impaired judgment, strained relationships, and an increased risk of overdose.

Can you Overdose on Fentanyl?

Yes, you can overdose on fentanyl as it is 100 times stronger than morphine and fentanyl has a high risk of causing overdose, even in small amounts. Fentanyl overdose results in severe respiratory depression, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. In 2023, synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributed to an estimated 74,702 overdose deaths in the U.S., highlighting the drug’s dangerous potential according to the National Center for Health Statics. Fentanyl overdose symptoms include shallow breathing, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and pinpoint pupils. These symptoms require immediate medical intervention, often with naloxone, an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of overdose.

Why is Fentanyl Dangerous?

Fentanyl is extremely dangerous because it is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, making even a small dose deadly. Fentanyl causes severe respiratory depression, which leads to death without immediate intervention. The risk is further increased when fentanyl is mixed with other substances, often without users’ knowledge.

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What is the best antidote for Fentanyl Side Effects?

The best antidote for fentanyl side effects is Naloxone. Naloxone works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively reversing the life-threatening effects of fentanyl overdose, particularly respiratory depression. Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist, displacing fentanyl from these receptors, which restores normal breathing and consciousness in overdose situations. Naloxone is administered through various methods, including injection or nasal spray, and it works quickly, often within minutes.

How Does Fentanyl Compare to Other Opioids Like Heroin and Morphine?

Fentanyl is compared to other opioids like heroin and morphine by being significantly more powerful. Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and about 50 times stronger than heroin. The increased potency means that even a small amount of fentanyl can cause a fatal overdose, especially when used improperly or mixed with other substances. Heroin and morphine are also addictive but fentanyl’s strength makes it much more dangerous.

Is Fentanyl Stronger than Heroin?

Yes, fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin. Heroin causes a fatal overdose when consumed in larger doses, even a few milligrams of fentanyl, can be lethal.

What Makes Fentanyl Different from Morphine in Medical Use?

Fentanyl is different from morphine in its medical use because of its quick high and targeted use for severe pain management, especially in patients with high opioid tolerance or those requiring precision dosing in acute settings like surgery or cancer care. Morphine, which is used more broadly for moderate to severe pain and comes in oral and injectable forms, fentanyl is typically administered through patches, lozenges, or injections to provide fast and controlled relief in specialized scenarios.

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Published on: March 15th, 2017

Updated on: January 6th, 2025

Fentanyl: Definition, Uses, and Side Effects