Is Fentanyl An Opiate?

Fentanyl is an opioid but it’s not an opiate. Fentanyl is made in a lab, whereas opiates are naturally occurring substances.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat severe pain, chronic pain, or cancer pain. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and changing how the body responds to pain.

It can be found under the brand names of Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze, and, Fentora, and comes in tablets, nasal spray, lozenges, and fentanyl patches.

Fentanyl is also classified as a schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means it has a high potential for abuse.

The prescription drug is also very potent. It’s more powerful than illegal drugs like methamphetamines and heroin or even other opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone).

Fentanyl As An Opioid

There is a rule of thumb you can use when figuring out if something is an opiate or an opioid. If the drug is made naturally from the opium plant then it’s likely an opiate. If a drug is made from man-made substances and works on the same receptors of the brain as natural opiates, it’s likely an opioid.

Opioid is also an umbrella term for all opioids and opiates. So while an opioid may not be an opiate, an opiate is always an opioid. Since fentanyl is a synthetic, lab-made medication, it’s an opioid.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States.

Side Effects Of Fentanyl

Fentanyl, like most opioids and pain relief medications, comes with a number of side effects that range from mild to severe or life-threatening. Even if you use fentanyl as directed, you’ll likely experience a few side effects that may include:

• euphoria
• sedation
• drowsiness
• constipation
• respiratory depression
• stomach pain
• dry mouth
• changes in heartbeat
• hallucinations
• loss of coordination
• irregular menstruation
• decreased sexual desire
• itching

If you experience any of these side effects, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe another medication that doesn’t affect you in the same way.

Risk Of Fentanyl Overdose

There is an increased risk of overdose when fentanyl is misused. This is especially the case if you abuse the pain medication, take it in high doses, or mix it with other illicit drugs.

There are also counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl but are sold as something else. Without knowing what’s in the pill, someone could easily overdose.

The signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• confusion
• slow breathing
• difficulty breathing
• smaller pupils
• unable to respond or wake up

If you or a loved one show any of these signs, call 911 and/or seek medical attention immediately. Once emergency help arrives, they will likely give you naloxone (Narcan) to help reverse the symptoms of the opioid overdose.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Treatment for a prescription opioid addiction may include medication-assisted treatment. During this treatment, you’re given medications that help ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications may include methadone or buprenorphine.

Therapy and support groups can also play a role in changing how you think about opioids and your recovery.

If you or a loved one lives with a substance use disorder, contact us today to learn about our outpatient substance abuse treatment program.