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The most effective treatment for opioid addiction include medications. There are three FDA-approved medications for the treatment of fentanyl addiction; methadone and buprenorphine are the most effective and have been shown to save lives. When given correctly and quickly, naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose and can therefore be lifesaving. Another risk factor for overdose is when someone stops using fentanyl and then starts using it again. After a period of not using fentanyl, a person’s tolerance decreases.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Regulations
King County worked with Rescue Agency to create Laced & Lethal, a campaign to educate youth about fentanyl, and how to respond to overdose. Fentanyl deaths are rising quickly for young people in WA State. This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is”, “where is” basis.
The powerful opioid fentanyl has been found in everything from methamphetamine and cocaine to marijuana and fake Adderall pills. Nearly 6,000 Californians died from fentanyl overdoses in 2021 alone. Cruelly, about one in every 25 of those deaths was a child 19 or younger, according to the latest data from the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. In 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in Wisconsin where illegally manufactured fentanyl was considered to be probable or suspected in contributing cause of death. Recognizing the value of fentanyl test strips in reducing the harms of drug use, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation in March to allow the test strips to be used in Wisconsin.
In the 1960s, Janssen Pharmaceutica (now part of Johnson & Johnson) created fentanyl – 50 times more potent than heroin and shorter acting, so it had really good use, they believed, for surgery. FDA agreed, and it was approved for use in surgical settings, where it has been used very successfully for decades. Under certain circumstances, you want fentanyl around, provided it is controlled and used by someone highly trained like an anesthesiologist. One measure to prevent fentanyl overdose is distributing naloxone to bystanders. Naloxone can reverse an overdose as it occurs by blocking the effects of opioids. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is internationally synthesized in China, Mexico and India, then exported to the United States as powder or pressed pills.
Long-term use of opioid medication may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men or women. It is not known whether opioid effects on fertility are permanent. Do not crush, split, suck, or chew fentanyl tablets, or swallow the tablets whole. Learn how to recognize and reverse an overdose via this SFDPH developed training series.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, often used to treat severe pain, particularly in patients with cancer or those undergoing major surgery. Its potency is much higher than that of morphine, making it a critical medication in controlled doses but also a substance prone to misuse.
Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, heroin, and/or methamphetamine were sold at 11 pharmacies. Of 45 pill samples, nine sold as Adderall contained methamphetamine, eight sold as Oxycodone had fentanyl, and three sold as Oxycodone contained heroin. Most people die from respiratory depression and failure from an overdose of an opioid like fentanyl.
- Without Naloxone and immediate medical attention, the risk of death is extreme.
- Those in the synthetics but not heroin group were over twice as likely to be identified as Hispanic than those among deaths in the other two groups.
- Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Anyone can buy a press to make pills that look just like prescription drugs these days. No longer is the epidemic of overdoses limited to regular drug users. Today, emergency medicine experts say it’s common to treat overdosing patients who had no idea they had ingested fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a form of drug testing technology which can detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples prior to use. FTS are a reliable common-sense means of providing people at risk of fentanyl exposure with more information that can decrease risk of overdose.
Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have some types of fentanyl in them. Still, in some states, they continue to be illegal because they are considered “drug paraphernalia” under older drug laws. One study found high amounts of methamphetamine, MDMA and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a common cutting agent in heroin, can cause a false positive. CSU’s Responsible Action Exemption provides protection for students who provide help in these scenarios, so there’s no reason to worry about getting in trouble. In addition, the State of Colorado has a policy in place to protect “Good Samaritans”, or people who call for help in an emergency.
Due to its potential for addiction, abuse, and overdose, the question arises: can I buy fentanyl without a prescription? The answer to this question involves understanding both legal and health considerations surrounding fentanyl.
Fentanyl: Next Wave Of The Opioid Crisis – Alcohol And Drug Foundation
Legal Considerations
In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means it can only be obtained through a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Here are some key points regarding its legal status:
- Prescription Requirement: In most jurisdictions, fentanyl is illegal to buy without a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.
- Controlled Substances Act: Fentanyl falls under Schedule II, reflecting its high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
- Illegal Sales: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription, especially from unregulated sources, is considered illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
Health Implications
The health risks associated with fentanyl use are significant, particularly when not used under medical guidance. Here’s why possessing fentanyl without a prescription is dangerous:
- Risk of Overdose: Fentanyl’s potency means even a tiny error in dosage can result in fatal overdose.
- Dependence and Addiction: Unsupervised use can lead to rapid physical dependence and addiction, complicating recovery efforts.
- Lack of Medical Supervision: Without a prescription, users miss essential monitoring of their health status and adjustment of dosages as needed.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl
Q: Can I purchase fentanyl online?
A: Most reputable online pharmacies require a prescription for fentanyl. Buying it without a prescription, especially from dubious sources online, is illegal and dangerous.
Q: What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
A: Consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your medical needs and, if appropriate, provide a prescription.
Q: Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain relief?
A: Yes, there are several other medications and therapies available for pain management that may be suitable based on your condition. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Symptoms include slowed breathing, confusion, extreme drowsiness, and unconsciousness. If someone is suspected of an overdose, seek emergency help immediately.
Conclusion
In summary, the question can I buy fentanyl without a prescription highlights important legal and health considerations. It is essential to understand that fentanyl should only be used under medical supervision due to its high potency and potential risks. Always consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate pain management plans.
