Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that can be used in medical settings as an anaesthetic. It can also be used for pain relief in the form of prescription pills.
As an analgesic, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin in managing severe pain. The use of fentanyl is often done under strict medical supervision because of how potent it is, and even a small amount can cause an opioid overdose. With the rise of opiate poisonings in the United Kingdom, some people wonder how much of it would cause a fatality.
What Is the Lethal Dose of Fentanyl?
It doesn’t take a lot of fentanyl to be fatal. As little as two milligrams of fentanyl, roughly equivalent to 5 to 7 grains of salt, is enough to be a potentially lethal dose. One of the main problems with fentanyl is that people who are addicted to it will often purchase illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which can often be mixed or ‘cut’ with other substances, increasing its lethality even at small doses.
Even if a person isn’t specifically taking fentanyl, they may ingest it accidentally, as drugs such as cocaine or heroin may be cut with it. Illicit fentanyl isn’t also manufactured to the same standards as prescription fentanyl, so its potency can be unpredictable.
Speaking of which, fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, and accidental exposure to fentanyl patches can be deadly, especially for children.
Effects of Fentanyl on the Body
Fentanyl has various effects on the body. One is that it can create a rapid sense of euphoria or ‘high.’ This high can often cause a person to develop a substance use disorder.
Its main intended effect on the body is pain relief. Opioids, in general, are potent pain relievers, and many people who have chronic pain are often prescribed opioids to manage it. Fentanyl can also calm people down to the point that they may become drowsy and unresponsive.
Headaches and dizziness are also possible side effects of taking fentanyl. Some people may also experience constipation and a loss of appetite. It can also cause respiratory depression, which is slowed breathing.
Long-Term Dangers of Fentanyl
Substance abuse can often lead to numerous long-term problems. Taking fentanyl over an extended period can lead to several long-term effects. One effect is addiction. When a person becomes addicted to fentanyl, their minds and bodies become dependent on taking fentanyl to function properly.
Another effect of addiction is that a person can develop a tolerance to the drug. This can dull the effects or the ‘high’ of the drug. Many users will invariably take more of the drug to achieve the same high. This generally increases the risk of overdose, and the potency of fentanyl makes this particularly dangerous.
Opioids can strain the liver and kidney, so long-term use can lead to liver and kidney damage. It can also cause hormonal imbalances, which can lead to sexual problems for men and irregular menstrual cycles for women.
Some users may also find that their drug use affects their immune system, which can make them more susceptible to illnesses.
Mentally, many users may find themselves developing depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation. Others may also have trouble controlling their impulses.
Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose
A fentanyl overdose can be one of the most troubling effects of addiction. Some of the signs to look out for to identify an overdose include severe respiratory depression, as the drug can slow a person’s breathing down to the point that they stop breathing entirely. This can lead to insufficient oxygen in the blood, which can cause blue lips and fingertips. Many who experience an overdose can also lose consciousness. If not treated immediately, then this can be fatal.
How to Save a Life When a Person Overdoses on Fentanyl
When a person overdoses on fentanyl, it is important to remain calm. The most important thing to do is to call 999. If you have naloxone or Narcan, then emergency services will tell you if it is appropriate to administer it. They will also tell you what you need to do. If the person is still awake, the anaesthetic effects of fentanyl may make them drowsy, so make sure that they stay awake. Turn them on their side to prevent them from choking.
Stay with them until an ambulance arrives. Try to gather as much relevant information as you can.
Naloxone
One of the best ways to help a person in case of an opioid overdose is to use naloxone or Narcan. However, because of how potent fentanyl is, it may take more than one dose to help a person who is overdosing on fentanyl.
Many first responders in North America often carry Narcan with them as a result of the number of overdose deaths in recent years. Naloxone kits are also commercially available to purchase.
You Don’t Have to Succumb to Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorders, can lead to fatal consequences. In some cases, it won’t take too much to kill a person. If you’re using substances, including fentanyl, then you don’t have to succumb to its effects. You can overcome it. At Liberty Home, we help people recover from addiction. Contact us to learn more.
