Content
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is typically used to manage severe pain. It is a prescription medication and, therefore, cannot be purchased over the counter without a doctor’s authorization.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is about 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Due to its strength, it is primarily prescribed to patients experiencing chronic pain or those who have become tolerant to other opioids.
Boulder County Substance Use Advisory Group
Why Fentanyl Requires a Prescription
- Test strips are inexpensive and typically give results within 5 minutes, which can be the difference between life or death.
- For decades, the U.S. government has worked with several other countries, particularly Mexico, to restrict the flow of illegal narcotics entering the country.
- By December 2023, at least 12,245 kilograms (27,000 pounds) had been intercepted at the southern U.S. border this year.
- The POD is open for one hour, but participants should plan for only a 15-minute window to complete the training during this hour.
Maya Doe-Simkins, a co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, which launched last year to provide low-cost — and sometimes free — naloxone to community organizations, said her group will continue to distribute injectable naloxone. The drug is also distributed by community organizations that serve people who use drugs, though it’s not easily accessible to everyone who needs it. There are no medications approved specifically to treat DXM or loperamide addiction. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management, may be helpful. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps modify the patient’s drug-use expectations and behaviors, and effectively manage triggers and stress.
Products
As an opioid, fentanyl carries a significant risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. It is crucial to control its distribution and use under the guidance of healthcare professionals to minimize these risks. Therefore, it is not available for purchase over the counter.
The Dangers of Misusing Fentanyl
Misusing fentanyl can have severe consequences. Some of the potential dangers associated with fentanyl misuse include:
DXMShort-term effects of DXM misuse can range from mild stimulation to alcohol- or marijuana-like intoxication. At high doses, a person may have hallucinations or feelings of physical distortion, extreme panic, paranoia, anxiety, and aggression. The Texas Targeted Opioid Response supports treatment and recovery providers across the state.
- Overdose: Taking too much fentanyl can lead to respiratory depression, resulting in coma or even death.
- Addiction: Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction, and individuals who misuse it may develop a dependence on the drug.
- Side Effects: Common side effects of fentanyl include drowsiness, confusion, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
- Interactions: Fentanyl may interact with other medications or substances, leading to potentially harmful effects.
The deaths are part of a substantial increase in overdose deaths from nonprescription fentanyl, said Sarah Leitz, MD, chief of addiction medicine for Kaiser Permanente in Portland. There were 237 fentanyl-related deaths in Oregon during the first half of 2021, up from 230 in all of 2020, according to the state medical examiner. Another concerning trend is the rise of fentanyl deaths in youths between ten and nineteen years old. Fatal fentanyl overdoses nearly doubled in teens between 2019 to 2021. Experts attribute some of this rise to the ease of purchasing counterfeit pills through social media. The crisis has become a scourge on the economy, a threat to national security, and a major foreign policy challenge.
In fact, naloxone generally only has an effect when someone has taken an opioid. Naloxone has been shown to be a critical tool in preventing opioid overdose deaths. In addition to being used by healthcare professionals, naloxone is increasingly being distributed to first responders, family members, and other bystanders who may witness an opioid overdose. The availability of nonprescription naloxone could help to further increase its distribution and accessibility, potentially saving more lives and reducing the burden of opioid overdose on individuals, families, and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Community resources
Can I buy fentanyl from online pharmacies without a prescription?
Naloxone is typically administered through a nasal spray, but it also comes in an injectable from. This medication help can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, but it can wear off quickly or require additional doses for fentanyl. Making naloxone available more widely is seen as a key strategy to control the nationwide overdose crisis, which has been linked to more than 100,000 U.S. deaths a year. The majority of those deaths are tied to opioids, primarily potent synthetic versions such as fentanyl that can take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse. DXM is an opioid without effects on pain reduction and does not act on the opioid receptors.
No, purchasing fentanyl from online pharmacies without a valid prescription is illegal and unsafe. It is important to obtain this medication through legitimate channels under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
COVID-19 Treatments
Are there any legal over-the-counter alternatives to fentanyl?
While there are other over-the-counter pain medications available, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), they do not have the same potency as fentanyl. If you require strong pain management, it is essential to consult with your doctor for appropriate prescriptions.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
Is fentanyl only available in its prescription form?
Yes, fentanyl is only legally available through a valid prescription. Its use should be strictly monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and minimize potential risks.
In conclusion, fentanyl is a potent opioid medication that cannot be bought over the counter. Its use and distribution are regulated due to the high risk of misuse, addiction, and overdose associated with this drug. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you require pain management or have any concerns about fentanyl.
