About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a potent FDA approved opioid pain killer. Which is often pressed into pill form to look similar to many prescribed pills such as Percocet and Xanax drugs. This can also come in liquid form. Illegally made fentanyl can be found as a replacement for heroin. This narcotic has been known to be packaged as nasal spray and eye drops. Fentanyl can also be dropped onto paper in liquid form.

Rainbow Fentanyl is a newer phenomenon that has different color dyes incorporated into the and pressed into colorful pills to avoid detection and may potentially be more appealing to teens and young adults. Despite claims that certain colors may be more potent than others, there is no indication through laboratory testing that this is the case. Something that has been proven and available without prescription in all 50 states is

Naloxone (also known as Narcan). This is a life saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Narcan comes in an injectable form as well as a nasal spray.

It works by blocking the effects of opioids and can restore normal breathing in 2-3 minutes. It is unstood that the effects of narcan are not long lasting, averaging 30 minutes. It is understood that patients who are administered narcan can feel the harsh symptoms of withdrawal due to the immediate effects of the medication. Recognizing a fentanyl overdose can save someone’s life.

Here are the signs you should look for:

● Small, constricted “pinpoint” pupils

● Falling asleep or losing consciousness

● Slow, weak, or not breathing

● Choking or gurgling sounds

● Limp body

● Cold and/or clammy skin

● Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

It’s common for people using illicit opioids to experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. This doesn’t mean that using opioids causes mental health problems. For some people, fentanyl is used to help them cope with symptoms of mental ill-health.

In some cases, the side effects of long-term fentanyl use (like sleep difficulties) can lead to people developing mental health issues. More than half of those who use illicit opioids report experiencing symptoms of a mental illness at some point in their lives, most commonly depressive and anxiety disorders. More than 40% of people who use illicit opioids experience symptoms of PTSD. Up to half of people who use illicit opioids have experienced childhood trauma. Giving up fentanyl after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it.

Seek advice from a health professional before stopping fentanyl as they can help you slowly reduce your dose (taper), or access opioid pharmacotherapy. This can help reduce withdrawal symptoms or prevent them from occurring. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 12 hours after the last dose and can last for about a week. Days one to three will be the worst.

Symptoms include:

● goose flesh/bumps

● bouts of chills alternating with bouts of flushing and excessive sweating

● irritability

● insomnia

● loss of appetite

● yawning and sneezing

● watery eyes and runny nose

● vomiting and nausea

● diarrhea

● increased heart rate and blood pressure

● pains in the bones and muscle

● general weakness

● depression.9,21

If your use of fentanyl is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs.

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