Content
What Are You And Your Team Doing To Educate The Public On The Dangers Of Fentanyl And The Benefits Of Naloxone?
Emergency Preparedness Office
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms, Call Your Doctor Immediately:
It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make where to buy fentanyl pills it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves. A key tool in helping prevent overdose deaths is naloxone, which is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl. Naloxone comes as a nasal spray (called NARCAN®) or injection.
With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered. Legal, pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Legally made fentanyl can be diverted through theft, fradulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets. IMF is added to other drugs, especially opioids, because of its extreme potency.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, which means it has a high potential what is the purpose of darknet market for abuse and is classified as a dangerous substance. Despite its potency and potential for abuse, some people may wonder if it is possible to buy fentanyl over the counter.
- Individuals should call 911 immediately after administering naloxone.
- This means fentanyl is not just a public health emergency with devastating human and substantial economic costs.
- Xylazine is sometimes mixed with fentanyl or heroin and can cause serious side effects.
- Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose.
- Fentanyl is often added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
It won’t hurt them to have naloxone, even if it’s not an overdose. If they don’t respond to naloxone, continue other emergency activities, like CPR or using an AED, until emergency crews arrive. The addiction process often starts with developing opioid tolerance. People start using an opioid – maybe it was prescribed to them or maybe not.
This figure is particularly alarming because it can be difficult to distinguish genuine pills from fake or counterfeit versions. Check out the examples below to see how counterfeit pills can be designed to look just like genuine pharmaceuticals. No longer is the epidemic of overdoses limited to regular drug users.
The Short Answer is No
Fentanyl is not available over the counter. It is a prescription medication that is only available through a licensed healthcare provider. In fact, it is illegal to possess fentanyl without a valid prescription. This is because fentanyl is a highly potent drug that can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.
Naloxone is a medicine that can treat a fentanyl overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs. But fentanyl is stronger than other opioid drugs like morphine and might require multiple doses of naloxone. Wisconsin DHS announced Thursday that 120,600 fentanyl test strips were distributed to organizations around the state in hopes of preventing drug overdose deaths.
The Risks of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl abuse can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even death. It is important to only use fentanyl under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, as they can monitor your dosage and ensure that you are using it safely. If you are struggling with opioid addiction or dependence, it is important to seek professional help from a licensed healthcare provider or addiction specialist.
The Dangers of Illegally Obtained Fentanyl
Illegally obtained fentanyl is often sold on the street as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like other prescription opioids. It is often mixed with how to acsess the dark web other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, which can make it even more dangerous. Because it is difficult to know the exact dose of fentanyl that is in a given product, the risk of overdose is high.
Preventing Fentanyl Overdose
If you or someone you know is using fentanyl, it is important to take steps to prevent