看来真的药一样致死



While many people had not heard of the drug fentanyl until it claimed the life of world-renowned musician Prince in April 2016, fentanyl overdoses claim the lives of thousands of people each year. In recent years, the death toll has continued to rise, with the number of deaths resulting from synthetic opioid overdose, including fentanyl, increasing 80% from 2013 to 2014.1
“A fentanyl overdose can cause serious short-term and long-term health consequences; in many cases, fentanyl misuse can be fatal.”
Fentanyl is a prescription synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for the treatment of chronic and severe pain. Pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than
morphine.1 Street versions of the drug are often mixed with
heroin and can be even more potent, and thus, more dangerous. Because fentanyl is such a strong opiate, the chances of overdose occurring are greater than in the less-potent opioid medications. A fentanyl overdose can cause serious short-term and long-term health consequences; in many cases, fentanyl misuse can be fatal.2 It is important that people taking the medication understand the symptoms of overdose so that action can be taken as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of a negative and potentially fatal outcome.
Common Signs of Fentanyl Abuse
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl’s high potency significantly increases the chance of experiencing an overdose or otherwise severe symptoms. This is especially true in people who may snort or inject substances in powder form or swallow pills and tablets they purchase on the street, unaware that the drugs contain fentanyl.2
Some signs of fentanyl abuse include:2
- Feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
- False sense of well-being.
- Confusion.
- Sedation.
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness/lightheadedness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Drug-seeking behavior (doctor shopping, forging prescriptions).
- Drug tolerance (needing more to achieve same effects).
- Constipation.
- Respiratory depression or arrest.
- Withdrawal symptoms when ceasing use.
It can sometimes be difficult to recognize the signs of
fentanyl abuse. Multiple signs of abuse combined with drug-seeking or other addictive behaviors may point to illicit use of the drug. For more information about how to get help for someone you love who may be abusing the drug, contact a support representative by calling
1-877-975-4297.
Typical Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms
Even when used as prescribed, fentanyl can be medically dangerous. Because of the serious risk of overdose, doctors will typically only prescribe the medication to those in severe, chronic pain who are tolerant to other opiates. Physicians then closely monitor patients to ensure maximum safety.2,3
There are many important factors to be aware of when taking fentanyl. For example, those who use the fentanyl patch should be extra mindful of the temperature, since excessive heat may cause the patches to release higher levels of fentanyl, which could inadvertently result in a drug overdose.4
Recreational use is even riskier and can easily lead to an overdose because users may not be aware of its potency or the interactions that may occur if
mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Knowing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can help those who may witness these symptoms to make the quick decisions needed to quickly get overdose victims the help they need.
A fentanyl overdose will result in several characteristic physical symptoms. These symptoms will be easily observed by those who know what to look for, and include:3,4,5
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Difficulty thinking, speaking, or walking.
- Pale face.
- Blue- or purple-colored lips, fingernails, or extremities.
- Throwing up.
- Choking sounds.
- Pinpoint pupils (pupil size reduced to small black circles in middle of eyes).
- Seizures.
- Low blood pressure.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Excessive drowsiness.
- Frequent fainting spells (nodding off).
- Limp body.
- Unresponsive.
- Coma.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Hypoventilation (slow, shallow breathing).
- Respiratory arrest.
- Death.
Once fentanyl overdose symptoms begin, it’s important to get the user help as soon as possible to reduce long-term or even fatal consequences. Call 911 or seek emergency services as soon as possible.