Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine, however, it is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a schedule II prescription drug that is typically used to treat severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. It may also be used to treat patients with chronic pain who are may have developed a tolerance to other opioids. Brand names for fentanyl include Actiq\u00ae, Duragesic\u00ae, and Sublimaze\u00ae. Street names for fentanyl or for fentanyl-laced heroin include Apache, Dance Fever, China Girl, China White, Friend, Murder 8, TNT, Goodfella, Jackpot, Tango and Cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fentanyl is often administered via injection, transdermal patch, or in lozenges. However, the fentanyl and fentanyl analogs associated with recent overdoses are typically produced illegally. This non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids. People can swallow, snort, or inject fentanyl, or they can put blotter paper in their mouths so that fentanyl is absorbed through the mucous membrane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. When opioid drugs bind to these receptors, they can drive up dopamine levels in the brain’s reward areas, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation. Fentanyl’s effects resemble those of heroin and include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n