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  3. Fentanyl

Fentanyl

LAST UPDATED: Monday March 10, 2025

fentanyl crystals and pills

What is it?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the FDA for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Street Names

Apache, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, King Ivory, Murder 8, and Tango & Cash

How is it used?

Fentanyl can be injected, snorted/sniffed, smoked, taken orally by pill or tablet, and spiked onto blotter paper. 

Paraphernalia

Needle

Needle

How does it affect the body?

  • Relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation
  • Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness
  • Nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression
  • Stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death
  • The presence of triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning

Información sobre fentanilo en español (NIDA website)


READ MORE ABOUT FENTANYL


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