Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is commonly used to treat severe pain. Due to its potency, it is typically only prescribed by healthcare professionals for patients with extreme pain conditions such as cancer. However, there has been growing concern about the misuse and abuse of fentanyl in recent years.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Misuse
Attorney Matt Cronin wonder where all the fentanyl was coming from. The target of an investigation, a low-level drug dealer, had the answer. Several residents said the stores would sell narcotic medications over the counter only to foreign tourists.
The Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program
Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. When taken in high doses or combined with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, fentanyl can slow down breathing to dangerous levels and lead to overdose and death.
Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without the use of fentanyl test strips because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter?
Due to the high risk of misuse and abuse associated with fentanyl, it is classified as a controlled substance in most countries. This means that it cannot be purchased over the counter without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Grant Programs
Attempting to purchase fentanyl without a prescription is not only illegal but also highly dangerous. The strength of fentanyl makes it easy to overdose, especially for individuals who are not familiar with opioid medications.
Given How Serious This Epidemic Has Become, What Is Your Level Of Concern That This Medication Could Be Misused Or Abused?
“Some people thought they were buying heroin on the street, and it turned out to be fentanyl,” Ward said. Each individual package includes a fentanyl test strip and instructions. Packages will be handed out for free and there is no limit on how many strips Wisconsinites can get. Organizations in the program “have access to an unlimited supply of packages.” Wisconsin DHS said it expects more organizations to be eligible to take part in the distribution program in the future. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 211 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Seeking Help for Pain Management
If you are experiencing severe pain and believe that fentanyl may be a suitable treatment option for you, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your pain condition and determine the most appropriate course of treatment, which may or may not include fentanyl.
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This means that you may need to take larger amounts of the opioid to get the same effect. Never take an opioid medicine that was prescribed for someone else, or give another person an opioid that was prescribed for you. Your doctor is the best person to guide you on whether fentanyl is the right medicine for you, how much you need and how long to take it for. Opioids are strong pain medicines and can cause life-threatening or fatal breathing difficulties. If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug.
Remember, the misuse of fentanyl can have serious consequences, so always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using this medication.
- Do not stop taking your other pain medication(s) when you begin your treatment with fentanyl.
- Most counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but they can also look like hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications.
- Even if your drugs test negative for fentanyl, use caution and follow the harm reduction steps (see below) if you are using drugs for recreational purposes.
- Deionized water (DI) water was used to dilute the fentanyl volumetrically from 1 to 0.005 mg/mL.
- Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl over the counter is not possible and should not be attempted under any circumstances. If you are struggling with pain management, seek guidance from a medical professional to explore safe and effective treatment options.
