Understanding the Dangers of Fentanyl
Prince, the music icon, died in the spring. Later, it was learned that he overdosed on the drug Fentanyl. Like Prince before them, hundreds of people have lost their lives in recent months due to the drug. The opioid painkiller is taking the lives of many, and most don’t have a prescription. But what is Fentanyl?
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an opioid painkiller that has become the number one choice of doctors. It first appeared in the 1960s, called Sublimaze. It was used as a cancer treatment, first as a transdermal patch. The drug is fast acting, and many doctors used it in combination with other medications. Eventually, doctors began using the drug in its other forms: lozenge, nasal spray, injection and pill.
Today, Fentanyl has made its way to the streets. Because of its misuse, it has been causing the deaths of addicts and non-addicts, including children. On the street, Fentanyl is known as “the bomb,” “magic,” “fake heroin” and “fingers.” More now than ever before, Fentanyl is being used to cut other street drugs, particularly heroin.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose
The symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose are much like those seen in a heroin overdose. They include:
- Seizures
- Clammy skin
- Drowsiness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
Narcan can be used to deactivate the effects of Fentanyl. Naloxone can also be used, but may have to be given in several doses due to Fentanyl’s potency.
Supply and Demand
Once Fentanyl-laced heroin overdoses began making news, demand grew. In exactly the opposite of what law enforcement expected, addicts flocked to dealers who were known to sell laced heroin, wanting the stronger drug. This has led to a vicious cycle of deaths.
Fentanyl is showing no signs of moving off the streets. If you or a loved one are addicted to heroin or other street drugs, please seek help. Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous drug that is taking lives by the hundreds.
If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Orlando, call our team of criminal defense attorneys. A member of our team will help you schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation at which we will advise you of your options. Call now for assistance or browse our website for more information about our firm and the types of cases we handle.