Are There Any Alternatives To Fentanyl?
See How Heroin User Tests Drug For The Presence Of Fentanyl
- Fake pills are widely available for purchase in the illicit drug market and through social media platforms that teens commonly use, such as TikTok and Snapchat.
- Together, the trio of a coma, pinpoint pupils and slow or difficult breathing strongly suggest opioid overdose.
- The prevalence of fentanyl in the United States recreational drug supply has continued to increase since the mid-2000s, becoming the most frequently encountered opioid in the United States.
- There are also community organizations, like Harm Reduction Services in Sacramento and NEXT Distro, that make it available.
The approved branded nasal spray from Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions is the best-known form of naloxone. It’s a move that some advocates have long sought as a way to improve access to a life-saving drug, though the exact impact will not be clear immediately. People struggling with substance use can site darknet contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline to be connected to treatment options. Download fentanyl test result stickers that show the result of a fentanyl strip test. Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip with these shareable infographics, developed by PONI, available for download in English and in Español.
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One man from West Philly even shared that he overdosed from taking a pill he thought was Percocet but happened to contain fentanyl. The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm dark web onion links reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement. If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below.
What Is Fentanyl?
The antibody used in FTS is very selective for fentanyl at high dilutions, a characteristic of the traditional use of urine testing. These street sample preparation methods can lead to mg/mL concentrations how to go to dark web of several potential interferents. We tested whether these concentrated samples could cause false positive results on a FTS. Fentanyl is used widely in medicine for the treatment of severe pain.
If you suddenly stop using fentanyl, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl should be used along with your other pain medication(s). Do not stop taking your other pain medication(s) when you begin your treatment with fentanyl. If you stop taking your other pain medication(s) you will need to stop using fentanyl. CDPH SAPB monitors fatal and non-fatal drug-related overdose trends over time in California by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and drug type. These trends are also available by county and zip code on the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
Carry naloxone, an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. You can get fentanyl test strips for free at some community harm reduction centers. WhatFree training and dispensing of Narcan® nasal spray used to treat suspected opioid overdoses. There has been an increase of fentanyl found in stimulants, like cocaine, as well as pills purchased in street-based economies. Fentanyl test strips are commercially available, successful at detecting fentanyl to the specified limit of detection and can be a valuable tool for harm reduction efforts.
The FDA also notes that the test may provide an incorrect result if the urine sample is contaminated, for example, by adding bleach. The test does not distinguish between drugs of abuse and certain medications. Consuming certain foods or food supplements can lead to a false positive test result. Yes, a person can overdose on cold medicines containing DXM or loperamide. An overdose occurs when a person uses enough of the drug to produce a life-threatening reaction or death (Read more on our Intentional vs. Unintentional Overdose Deaths webpage).
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller that is often used to treat severe pain, such as that caused by cancer. It is a synthetic drug that is much stronger than morphine and heroin. Due to its potency, fentanyl is a highly regulated drug and is not available over the counter.
Prescription Requirement
To obtain fentanyl, a person must have a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional. This prescription is necessary because fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. The prescription ensures that the drug is only used by individuals who have a legitimate medical need for it and are under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Illegal Use
Despite its restricted availability, fentanyl is often illegally produced and sold on the street. Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, to increase their potency. This practice has led to a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years. Fentanyl is so potent that even a small amount can be lethal.
Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug that can cause serious harm or death if misused. It can slow down breathing and heart rate, leading to respiratory and cardiac arrest. Fentanyl can also cause addiction and dependence, making it difficult for individuals to stop using the drug even when they want to. It is essential to only use fentanyl under the supervision of a licensed medical professional and to never use it in combination with other drugs or alcohol.
Conclusion
In summary, fentanyl is not available over the counter and requires a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional. Its potency and high potential for abuse make it a highly regulated drug. It is essential to use fentanyl only as directed by a healthcare provider and to never use it in combination with other drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek help from a licensed medical professional or addiction treatment center.
