Fentanyl-Related Substances | Warnings & Effects Of Fentanyl Analogs

Fentanyl analogs (or analogues) are powerful synthetic opioids that are chemically similar to pharmaceutical fentanyl.

Analogs, which include drugs like carfentanil or furanyl fentanyl, are also highly addictive and mixed into illegal drugs like heroin and methamphetamine.

Illegal fentanyl is a white powder that can be easily disguised in other drugs, which makes it difficult to detect prior to use. Use of drugs that may contain fentanyl-related substances can lead to respiratory depression and a life-threatening opioid overdose.

What Are Fentanyl Analogs?

Fentanyl patches and lozenges, sold under the brand names Actiq and Duragesic, are prescription opioids used to treat severe pain. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and is reserved for use in individuals with an opioid tolerance.

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the production of illicit fentanyl, also known as fentanyl analogs. Fentanyl analogs are made in illegal laboratories and sold as a powder or mixed into street drugs, nasal sprays, and counterfeit pills.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there has been a significant increase in the development of fentanyl analogs since 2015. Since 2016, there have been more than 20 new fentanyl analogs discovered.

Fentanyl analogs include:

• furanylfentanyl
• acetyl fentanyl
• 3-methylfentanyl
• carfentanil
• sufentanil
• remifentanil

Some fentanyl analogs, like sufentanil and remifentanil are legal drugs with a legitimate medical purpose. Carfentanil, which is up to 10,000 times stronger than morphine, is only legal for the use of sedation in large animals.

Effects Of Fentanyl Analogs

Similar to other opioids, fentanyl analogs activate opioid receptors and release a flood of dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS).

Fentanyl analogs mimic prescription opioid effects like pain relief, sedation, and euphoria. Some analogs, like carfentanil and 3-methylfentanyl, can produce more intense effects than fentanyl and pose higher health risks, including the risk of overdose.

Additional side effects of fentanyl-related substances include:

• drowsiness
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• confusion
• itching

Dangers Of Fentanyl-Related Substances

The use of illicit fentanyl is a public health crisis and has contributed to a dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the rate of overdose deaths increased 56% between 2019 and 2020.

Opioid Overdose

Fentanyl is a CNS depressant, which means it slows brain activity and can make you feel more relaxed. However, CNS depressants can also slow breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and other important functions.

The use of potent analgesics (pain relievers), like fentanyl, can result in dangerously impaired breathing, known as respiratory depression. Respiratory depression is the main concern of an opioid overdose and requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• loss of consciousness
• difficulty breathing
• clammy skin
• blue-tinged skin
• pinpoint pupils
• confusion

A fentanyl overdose requires immediate medical care and naloxone (Narcan), if available. Fentanyl-related overdoses may require more than one dose of naloxone, which emergency responders can administer.

Counterfeit Pills

Fentanyl-related substances can be pressed into pills that are sold illegally, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Counterfeit pills are sold on illicit online drug markets, through social media, or on the street.

Counterfeit drugs look like common prescription drugs like oxycodone, Adderall, methamphetamine, and Xanax. These drugs appear similar to the authentic version but contain varying amounts of fentanyl.

Counterfeit pills may contain varying amounts of the actual medication or none at all.

Overdose Prevention

Fentanyl test strips are available to the public in several states and can detect fentanyl powder, liquids, and pills. Fentanyl test strips may detect widely known fentanyl analogs but may not detect newer versions.

Even if a test strip tells you a drug contains fentanyl, it cannot tell you the strength or amount of the drug. To reduce the risk of overdose, you should not take any drugs that are not administered by a healthcare professional.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you struggle with addiction, it can be difficult to stop using opioids on your own. Long-term use of opioids can lead to a chemical dependency, which means you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, when you stop taking them.

Cravings and other changes in the brain caused by substance abuse can lead to compulsive drug use, despite harmful consequences. If you have a substance use disorder (SUD) and are ready to seek treatment, Northeast Addictions Treatment Center can help.

To learn about our outpatient treatment options, please contact our helpline to speak with a specialist.