Fentanyl leads to more overdoses

To the editor

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a schedule II prescription drug that is most often used to treat people with severe pain, especially after surgery. It is sometimes used to treat those with chronic pain who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. When prescribed, it is usually referred to as Actiq, Duragesic or Sublimaze.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin and has led to dramatic increases in overdoses. It is a drug that is being used independently, but is also being cut into other drugs like heroin. Many times the users have no real idea of what they are actually consuming, which can prove deadly.

In the case of a fentanyl-related overdose emergency, responders may find that the initial dose of naloxone (NARCAN) may not work. Because it is far more powerful than most opioids, the standard one or two doses may not be enough to revive the patient. Additional doses may be required.

Calling 911 is the first step in responding to any overdose, but, in the case of a fentanyl-related overdose, the help of emergency responders, who will have more naloxone, is critical.

An overdose occurs when the drug taken causes decreased breathing and prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs, causing the body to begin to shut down. Overdoses can occur shortly after use or as long as a couple hours from use.

The following are all signs of an overdose:

•Face is clammy to touch and has lost color.

•Blue lips and fingertips.

•Non-responsive to his/her name or a firm sternum rub using the knuckles.

•Slow or erratic breathing, or no breathing at all.

•Deep snoring or a gurgling sound (i.e. “death rattle”).

•Heartbeat is slow or has stopped.

PJ Corwin

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition