Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is commonly used to manage severe pain, especially in patients with cancer or those undergoing surgery. While fentanyl can be an effective pain reliever when used as prescribed by a healthcare professional, it also carries a high risk of addiction and overdose when misused.
Given the potential dangers associated with fentanyl, it is classified as a controlled substance in most countries, including the United States. This means that you cannot buy fentanyl without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Carry Naloxone
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Without a Prescription
Attempting to purchase fentanyl without a prescription is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and has been linked to numerous overdose deaths in recent years.
DEA Update – Counterfeit Pills
If cancer is causing the pain, the cancer treatment is aimed at reducing the pain. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. But fentanyl first made its way into the illicit drug supply about 10 years ago, particularly in areas east of the Mississippi River. The white powder looked just like heroin, but was much cheaper.
Naloxone/Narcan Facts
Buying fentanyl from illicit sources increases the risk of unknowingly consuming a counterfeit or contaminated product, which can have deadly consequences. Additionally, using fentanyl without medical supervision greatly increases the likelihood of developing a dependence or addiction to the drug.
- Fentanyl is used to treat acute (short term), severe pain caused by major trauma or surgery, as well as for chronic pain caused by cancer.
- Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
- By testing their drugs, people can know what they’re taking and take steps to be safer, like getting Narcan.
- It works by causing water to be retained (kept) in the stool, softening the stool so it is easier to pass.
Opioids
Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®. The shadowy addition of fentanyl to the illegal drug supply sent deadly overdoses skyrocketing among users who were unaware they were using such a strong drug. By 2021, fentanyl was involved in the vast majority of overdose deaths, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and are the reason many people find it so difficult to stop taking fentanyl.
Why don t doctors prescribe tramadol?
Tramadol is contraindicated in patients who have had a hypersensitivity reaction to any opioid. Patients under the age of twelve should not use the medication. Patients under the age of eighteen should not be given the medication if they have had a history of tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
Seeking Help for Pain Management
Residents should be aware that a new report indicates the pills were purchased at legitimate pharmacies. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. If an overdose is due to fentanyl then multiple bolus injections of naloxone or even continuous infusions may be needed to reverse the opioid action. For fentanyl patches if you are using the skin patches on a schedule, apply the missed patch as soon as you remember.
Narcan is available at all pharmacies in Delaware, without a prescription, or through distribution centers. When using drugs, start with a very small amount and go slow to test the strength. Delaware’s Good Samaritan Law offers criminal and civil protection for individuals acting in good faith to assist someone who has overdosed on drugs or alcohol.
Is gabapentin a narcotic?
Gabapentin is not a narcotic. It's not classified as a controlled substance in most states. (Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia have reclassified gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance). Gabapentin is not an opioid.
If you are experiencing severe pain that requires treatment with fentanyl, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options. Your doctor can help determine the most appropriate and safe course of treatment for your pain, which may include medication, physical therapy, or other interventions.
It is never safe to buy fentanyl without a prescription, and doing so puts your health and well-being at serious risk. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid misuse or addiction, seek help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist immediately.
How many fentanyl deaths in 2023?
In 2023 the overdose death rate topped 112,000 in a 12 month period for the first time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
