What are Opioids?
Opioids are drugs that are used to relieve different types of pain. They are also prescribed for multiple medical issues. It helps with pain management after surgery, injury, or chronic pain. The opioid epidemic happens because they are misused, and it involves both prescription and illegal opioids. This epidemic led to multiple overdoses and deaths. So, how is Fentanyl an opioid?
Is Fentanyl An Opioid?
Fentanyl is a type of opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than Morphine. This makes it even more powerful than Oxycodone or Hydrocodone. Because of its strength, Fentanyl is normally reserved to manage severe pain. It is used to help with pain during and/or after surgery and helps with cancer or chronic illnesses when other medication may not be adequate.
Fentanyl is a common drug that is misused and abused. It can be illegally produced, which has led this drug to be the main reason for the opioid epidemic. Because it is mixed with other drugs, such as Heroin, it helps increase the risks of overdose.
What Type Of Drug Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl (the pure form and not mixed with anything) is an analgesic, also known as a painkiller. Analgesics (Anesthetics) relieve multiple types of pain. It can range from headaches to injuries. There are different types of Fentanyl or analgesics, and they are classified into five separate categories.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs help alleviate pain but boost inflammation, which can contribute to the sensation of pain. Some medications, like Ibuprofen, can be obtained over the counter, but it’s better to consult a healthcare professional before using them.
- Acetaminophen: This medication, known as Tylenol, is popular and the most effective for relieving pain and reducing fever. Unlike NSAIDs, these medications have small anti-inflammatory effects. They focus more on reducing pain and fevers.
- Opioid Analgesics (Anesthetics): These painkillers include Oxycodone and Fentanyl. They change the way the brain receives pain. These medications target specific receptors in the Central Nervous System (CNS). The receptors are called opioid receptors. By activating them, it can control the pain signals, which results in pain relief and sometimes a sense of euphoria
- Topical Analgesics: These medications are applied directly to the skin. It can be in multiple forms, like creams, patches, or gels. They contain ingredients like Lidocaine or Capsaicin and are used for localized pain relief.
- Adjuvant Analgesics: These drugs are not created for pain comfort but can have pain-relieving qualities. Since they can slightly alleviate pain, they are used with other pain medications. These include certain antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft or anticonvulsants like Clonazepam or Divalproex.
The choice of which analgesic to use depends on the type and severity of pain or the underlying cause of it. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using these medications so that it is appropriately taken. This will lower the side effects, risks, and possible overdose.
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Learn More:
- What Is Fentanyl?
- How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System
- Fentanyl Detox Timeline, and Withdrawal Symptoms
- Signs of Fentanyl Addiction, Withdrawal & Overdose Treatment
- How Strong is Fentanyl? Fentanyl vs Other Opioids
- What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
- Oxycodone Side Effects
- Is Oxycodone Addictive
- How Long Does Oxycodone Stay in Your System?
- Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline and Detox
- Heroin Addiction
- Is Heroin a Narcotic?
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Different Types of Fentanyl
Fentanyl can be used in two ways. It can be used as a pharmaceutical drug, and it can be produced illegally. In both versions, it is considered synthetic (artificial) opioids. However, the medicinal Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors so they can treat severe pain. Drug traffickers produce and sell illegal Fentanyl for profit. Below are the different types of Fentanyl:
Fentanyl Citrate
In this form, Fentanyl is often used in medical settings, including hospitals, for pain management. Fentanyl citrate is available in multiple formulations, and healthcare professionals typically administer its medical use. The most common form used is an injection to relieve pain during and after surgery.
Duragesic (Fentanyl Transdermal)
This is the brand name for a transdermal patch. It releases Fentanyl slowly over a long time, mostly 72 hours. It is used for regular pain management. These patches come in different strengths, which can help healthcare providers find the precise dose for each patient. The patches are available in assorted microgram-per-hour (mcg/h) strengths.
Actiq
This is a Fentanyl candy-like pill on a stick. It is made for it to be absorbed quickly in the mouth These pills are known as Fentanyl “lollipops.” This medication is frequently prescribed for pain in cancer patients. It’s important to use these pills exactly as a healthcare professional prescribes. If they are misused or abused in any way, it can lead to serious health risks, including overdose.
Sublimaze
This is a brand name of Fentanyl that is commonly used in medical settings, such as in surgical anesthesia or for pain management in a controlled healthcare environment. It can be given through an intravenous injection (IV), transdermal patches, and a lozenge.
Illegal Fentanyl Analogues
Numerous illegally manufactured Fentanyl analogs may be sold on the illegal drug market. This includes Acetyl Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and others. These drugs can be much more potent than pharmaceutical Fentanyl and pose substantial risks, including a higher likelihood of overdose.
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Is There An Opioid Stronger than Fentanyl
Carfentanil
Carfentanil is a potent opioid that is 100 times stronger than Fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than Morphine. This drug can’t be used for human consumption. It’s a tranquilizer for large animals, such as hippos and elephants. Carfentanil has become a public health concern because it has been noticed in illegal drug supplies. It, along with Fentanyl, led to the increased risk of unexpected overdoses. People must be mindful of the dangers associated with Carfentanil. It will help to exercise extreme caution when dealing with any drug or medication not prescribed by an eligible healthcare professional.
Isotonitazene (ISO)
Isotonitazene or ISO can appear yellow, brown, or off-white in powder form. This drug has been seen mixed with Heroin and/or Fentanyl. It also has been marketed as a common street drug with deadly consequences. However, in other parts of the country, ISO has already been seen pressed into counterfeit pills and falsely marketed as pharmaceutical medications. Currently, Nitazene reports are still relatively low, especially compared to Fentanyl. Officials say this emerging drug is something to keep a watchful eye on and prevent as much exposure as possible.
Protonitazene
Protonitazene can be found in two different forms: powder or tablets. It can also be found in liquid form, which is a standard form of opioids. Protonitazene is three times more powerful than Fentanyl and is one of several drugs classified as “Nitazene” drugs. These drugs are dangerous to the public for multiple reasons. First, they can be resistant to antidotes that can prevent an overdose. Secondly, they are not regulated and aren’t approved for medical use. There isn’t any way of knowing how much Protonitazene is being trafficked and used in the U.S. and Canada.
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Why Is Fentanyl Considered An Opioid?
Is Fentanyl an opioid even though it’s used for medicinal reasons? Why is Fentanyl considered an opioid? The answers are simple: Fentanyl is viewed as an opioid because it belongs to a class of drugs called opioids. Opioids are considered a category of substances that can include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic mixtures. They are known for interacting with opioid receptors in the brain and other body parts.
Due to its strength, Fentanyl also has the potential to become a significant risk of overdose, primarily when not used as prescribed. If it is produced illegally, this drug has also been involved in opioid-related overdoses and deaths. It is often added to other drugs or sold on its own in the illegal drug market. The classification of Fentanyl as an opioid is significant for remembering its potential risks, and so is guaranteeing its proper use under medical supervision.
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Overcoming Fentanyl addiction is often a challenging process to go through alone. Many people experience relapses during withdrawal in an attempt to relieve symptoms and satisfy cravings. However, you can manage withdrawal symptoms and successfully recover with detox and rehab therapy and a robust support system at the We Level Up Texas Treatment Centers. If you require assistance with your rehab journey, contact a We Level Up Treatment professional now. Your call is free and confidential.
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Sources
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. “Fentanyl“.
- National Institue on Drug Abuse. (2021). “Fentanyl Drug Facts“.
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. “New, Dangerous Opioid in D.C., Emerging in Tri-State Area“.
