How To Find And Use Fentanyl Test Strips
It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves.
A FTS was dipped in DI water for 12 s and placed on a flat surface. Photographs were taken every 5 s of the test strip for the first 2 min (120 s) and every 10 s until 7 min (420 s). To analyze the fentanyl standard development time, a FTS was dipped in 1 mL of 1 mg/mL fentanyl standard for 12 s until the solution reached the testing pad and placed on a flat surface. Photographs were taken following the same procedure used for water. An individual may be overdosing if his or her breathing is slowed or stopped, and the pupils of the eyes narrow to a pinpoint. Naloxone is generally considered so safe that experts say that, when confronted with a possible overdose, it is better to risk using it than to hesitate.
- These medications are safe to use when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care providers.
- False positive results indicating the presence of fentanyl were obtained from samples of methamphetamine, MDMA, and diphenhydramine at concentrations at or above 1 mg/mL.
- When a reporter explained that the store had sold fentanyl-tainted pills weeks earlier, his tone shifted.
- Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids.
Syringe service programs provide support, information, naloxone, and other harm reduction supplies to people who use drugs, including people who take pills, smoke, inject, and more. Please contact your local public health authority (link) to learn more about services nearest to you. Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl.
Understanding Fentanyl and Accessibility
This medicine may cause sleep-related breathing problems (eg, sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia). Your doctor may decrease your dose if you have sleep apnea (stop breathing for short periods during sleep) while using this medicine. It is very important that your doctor check your or your child’s progress while using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may needed to check for unwanted effects. Families with loved ones who have opioid use disorder should have naloxone on hand, experts advise.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used to treat severe pain, often in patients undergoing surgeries or experiencing intense discomfort due to chronic conditions.
A common question arises regarding its availability: can you buy fentanyl over the counter? The answer is quite complex and involves various legal and health considerations.
These fake pills are designed to appear nearly identical to legitimate prescriptions, such as Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Adderall®, Xanax®, and other medicines. Fentanyl powder is also being added to other street drugs to increase their potency. You can’t tell if fentanyl is in the drug you are about to use.
Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The Australian Government is offering this medication free of charge and without a prescription to people who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose. 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. The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data.
They are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms — making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including teens and young adults. Texans should only take legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists in the U.S. The Los Angeles Times reported that 55 pills purchased from 29 pharmacies in eight cities in Mexico were tested, and more than 50% of the pills were determined to be counterfeit. More than a third of the 40 opioid pain medications purchased tested positive for illicit fentanyl rather than a prescription opioid medication. Twelve of 15 Adderall samples tested positive for other substances, including methamphetamine and ecstasy.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, which also includes morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, leading to its rising misuse and the significant opioid crisis.
Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a controlled substance in most countries, including the United States. Here are the details:
- Prescription Required: In the U.S., fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it is available only through a prescription.
- Over-the-Counter Availability: You cannot legally purchase fentanyl over the counter.
- Illicit Forms: Some individuals may attempt to acquire fentanyl without a prescription through illegal means, but this poses significant legal and health risks.
Risks Attached to Fentanyl Use
The misuse of fentanyl can lead to severe health issues, including:
- Overdose: Due to its high potency, even a small amount can be lethal.
- Dependency and Addiction: Regular use can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription can result in severe legal penalties.
Alternatives to Fentanyl
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management, consider the following alternatives that may be more accessible:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve mild to moderate pain.
- Prescription Alternatives: Other less potent opioids or non-opioid medications, prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Therapies: Physical therapy, acupuncture, and other lifestyle changes can help manage chronic pain efficiently.
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. What should I do if I have a prescription for Fentanyl?
If you have a valid prescription, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and use it only as directed.
2. Can Fentanyl be used for recreational purposes?
Using fentanyl recreationally is extremely dangerous and illegal.
3. What are the signs of Fentanyl overdose?
Signs include slowed breathing, confusion, drowsiness, and possible loss of consciousness. If suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Conclusion
In summary, fentanyl is not available for over-the-counter purchase and is closely regulated due to its potential for misuse and serious health risks. It’s vital to consult healthcare professionals regarding pain management options.
