Fentanyl: effects, risks & safety information

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a strong, synthetic opioid that is mainly used to treat pain. It is around 50-100 times stronger than morphine and is often prescribed for severe chronic pain or after surgery. Originally developed for medical use, however, fentanyl has increasingly attracted attention outside the healthcare sector in recent years - and for very worrying reasons.

The danger of fentanyl lies in its extreme potency. Even a tiny amount can trigger a fatal overdose. Since fentanyl is often added to illegal drugs such as heroin without the users knowing about it, overdose cases are increasing dramatically. Even people who only take small amounts are at significant risk, making fentanyl one of the most dangerous substances in circulation.

What is fentanyl used for?

Fentanyl is mainly used in medical pain therapy, especially for patients suffering from extreme or chronic pain. This often includes advanced cancer patients or people who need effective pain relief after major surgery. It is prescribed when other painkillers do not work sufficiently or are not tolerated.

Fentanyl is available in various forms that provide fast and effective pain relief. These include:

• Patches that release the active ingredient continuously through the skin
• Lozenges or lollipops (so-called fentanyl lollipops), which are taken orally
• Injections, which are mainly used in hospitals

The reason why fentanyl is so effective in pain therapy is its high potency. It acts very quickly and is extremely strong, which can be a relief especially for patients with difficult-to-treat pain. However, it is precisely this strength that makes fentanyl so dangerous, as there is a high risk of overdose, especially if used incorrectly. It is therefore usually only administered in strictly supervised situations.

Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose

A fentanyl overdose can be life-threatening, as the opioid has a strong effect on the central nervous system. Even a very small amount can lead to a severe overdose. Symptoms often appear very quickly, as fentanyl has an extremely rapid effect. It is important to recognize the warning signs early so that help can be called immediately.

The most common symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Respiratory depression: slowed or stopped breathing, often the most dangerous symptom. It can lead to respiratory arrest.
• Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness: Those affected cannot be woken up and lose consciousness.
• Constricted pupils (pinprick pupils): The pupils barely react to light and are extremely small.
• Bluish lips or fingernails: This indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.
• Weak pulse or low blood pressure: The heartbeat may slow down or almost stop.

Because fentanyl is so potent, these symptoms can occur within minutes. Without prompt treatment, such as the administration of naloxone (an emergency medication for opioid overdoses), a fentanyl overdose often leads to death. If any of these signs occur, it is crucial to call 911 immediately and administer first aid.

Fentanyl side effects: What you should know

Fentanyl has a variety of short- and long-term side effects that can occur with both medical use and abuse. Here is an overview of the most important side effects:

It is important to note that even when used medically, fentanyl should only be taken under strict medical supervision as the side effects can be severe.