Fentonyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, often prescribed for severe pain, particularly after surgery or for advanced cancer. It is significantly more potent than morphine, meaning a very small amount can have a strong effect. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, altering the response to pain and producing feelings of euphoria.

Due to its high potency, fentanyl is typically administered in controlled medical settings through methods like transdermal patches, lozenges, or injections. It can also be prescribed in nasal sprays and oral tablets for breakthrough pain. Medically, it is a valuable tool for pain management when other treatments are insufficient.

However, fentanyl is also a major contributor to the ongoing opioid crisis. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, without the user's knowledge. Because it is so potent, even a tiny amount can be lethal, leading to accidental overdoses. The widespread availability of illegally produced fentanyl has dramatically increased overdose deaths. Public health efforts focus on prevention, harm reduction strategies like naloxone (Narcan) availability, and treatment for opioid use disorder.