As one of the strongest opiate drugs available, fentanyl used to help patients manage pain after a surgery, injury, or cancer diagnosis. At 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, fentanyl excels at mitigating breakthrough pain, which occurs when someone who is already taking an opiate experiences temporary bouts of pain. However, since the drug is so strong, medical professionals need to administer it carefully to avoid undesired side effects and accidental overdoses.
There are multiple brand names for fentanyl, including Subsys, Onsolis, Lazanda, Fentora, Duragesic, and Abstral. Fentanyl also comes in a number of forms, including a lollipop that a patient sucks on, a patch that a patient wears, a piece …show more content…
Since the drug is so potent, the difference between a safe dose and a deadly dose is tiny. Even if fentanyl abuse doesn’t result in death, it can cause a number of troubling and dangerous side effects.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this dangerous opiate drug is to learn the signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse.
Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction Statistics
Fentanyl is a very addictive and dangerous opiate. One of the best ways to fight this insidious enemy is to learn some of the figures about fentanyl abuse and addiction in the United States.
• The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that fentanyl abuse killed more than 1,000 people in the U.S. between 2005 and 2007.
• According to the DEA, there are over 12 types of illicit drugs that resemble fentanyl.
• The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Journal found that anesthesiologists and nurses are more likely to abuse fentanyl than the general public.
Fentanyl abuse is also a problem among teenagers. Although teens are rarely prescribed the drug, they can still easily become addicted to it by accessing a relative’s prescription. As a result, it’s important to lock up all narcotic prescriptions in the