The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016. More than 1,900 people have died of illicit drug overdoses in B.C. Since the province declared a public health emergency nearly two years ago. A new study co-led by a Rhode Island epidemiologist found that a simple drug testing strip — similar to a home pregnancy test — accurately detected the potentially deadly opioid fentanyl in street drug samples. Fentanyl is to blame for 146 deaths in Vermont since 2016, when it overtook heroin and prescription painkillers as the most deadly opioid in the state.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
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Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a medication that is used to treat severe pain, usually in patients who are already taking other opioids. It is available in several forms, including:
If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose. Allowing users to test their drugs does not encourage or condone illegal drug use, but it does save lives and provides a chance for substance use disorder treatment and recovery, O’Neal said. Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past. In New York, fentanyl test strips are becoming more common as a way to fight an overdose crisis, and more states are pushing to legalize them.
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- Transdermal patches (Duragesic)
- Lozenges (Actiq)
- Injections (Sublimaze, Subsys)
- Tablets (Abstral, Fentora)
Fentanyl works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce pain. However, it can also cause a number of side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Respiratory depression
Opioid withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, so it’s best to stop using them under supervised care. If you use opioids a lot, you may find that you develop a tolerance and need more and more to feel the same effects. You can become mentally and physically dependent on fentanyl. Fentanyl is much stronger than oxycodone and many other opioids. When fentanyl is taken by mouth or by intravenous (IV) injection, it has a stronger effect than most other opioids. ‘Dude, your shit is garbage’, I’m going to tell others ‘don’t buy his shit.’ … I’ll bet you a dollar to a donut, you get the strips, you can measure out the fentanyl, that drug dealer will be out of business.
If you already have an ordering account, you may proceed to NarcanDirect to request larger quantities of naloxone nasal spray. Additional fentanyl test kits and doses of NARCAN® will be purchased and distributed with funds made available from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement funds. “It’s stronger than your willpower,” he said of the drug’s pull. He says he has never seen anything like the boom in fentanyl cases here in the San Joaquin Valley. For the last two years, he has been a part of the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team or F.O.R.T. with the DEA Task Force. According to the Department of Justice, F.O.R.T. is a multiagency team composed of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Fresno Police Department.
Respiratory depression is the most serious side effect of fentanyl, and it can be life-threatening. It is important to use fentanyl only as directed by a healthcare provider, and to never take more than the prescribed dose.
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Where to Buy Fentanyl
- The campaign targeted areas that had seen an increase in overdoses as well as areas where people use drugs recreationally.
- We want to meet people where they’re at today with their drug use so that we can keep them with us and build that trust.
- China has cracked down on fentanyl and some of its subtypes, or analogues, but the online dealers often tweak the formulas of their drugs slightly to stay ahead of bans.
- Many substances are laced with other substances, like fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a prescription medication, and it should only be obtained from a licensed pharmacy. It is important to never buy fentanyl from an unlicensed source, as it may be contaminated or counterfeit. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl:
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are the safest and most reliable place to buy fentanyl. You can fill a prescription for fentanyl at any licensed pharmacy, and the pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have about the medication. It is important to only take fentanyl as directed by a healthcare provider, and to never share your medication with anyone else.
Online Pharmacies
There are many online pharmacies that sell fentanyl, but it is important to make sure that the pharmacy is licensed and reputable. You should always check with your healthcare provider before ordering fentanyl online, as they will be able to help you determine if the pharmacy is legitimate. It is also important to make sure that the medication is shipped directly to you from the pharmacy, and not from a third-party.
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Illegal Sources
It is never a good idea to buy fentanyl from an illegal source, such as a drug dealer or online marketplace. These sources may sell contaminated or counterfeit medication, and it is impossible to know what you are really getting. In addition, buying fentanyl from an illegal source is a crime, and you could face serious legal consequences.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a powerful medication that should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. It is important to only buy fentanyl from a licensed pharmacy, and to never take more than the prescribed dose. If you are experiencing severe pain, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your pain.
