Promoting And Protecting The City’s Health
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
In 2020, there were two overdose deaths where xylazine was identified in the toxicology report, followed by nine in 2021 and nine (so far) in 2022. The Oregon Health Authority expects to see a significant increase in xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2023 once the data are finalized. So far, all overdose deaths in Oregon where xylazine was present also involved fentanyl. ​Xylaxine is a powerful non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine.
Check with your insurance provider for more information about naloxone coverage. Health care professionals are hoping to de-stigmatize the conversation around naloxone. Even people who don’t use drugs or opioids should have naloxone on hand. You never know when you’ll encounter someone in need of this life-saving medication. Remember that opioids like fentanyl are not absorbed through the skin.
Prescription naloxone may be available at your local pharmacy pursuant to the State Health Commissioner’s Standing Order. Some insurance plans may pay some portion of the cost, but coverage varies widely. Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state.
You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs. If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat the most severe pain.
A person taking prescription fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction. Fentanyl is commonly used for pain management in clinical settings. It is now showing up, however, in some illicit drugs, including other opioids, around the world – in particular North America and Canada, where it has been found in samples of drugs, such as heroin. Many of the opioid pills and powders sold on the street are fake. They often contain fentanyl in potentially deadly amounts but are mislabeled as other opioids.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically but has gained notoriety due to its potential for abuse and the risk of overdose. The question often arises: can you buy fentanyl over the counter? The answer is complex, as fentanyl is tightly regulated due to its potency.
- The Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) is a public health initiative operated by HHSC through federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- The most common sources of abused DXM are “extra-strength” cough syrup, tablets and gel capsules.
- “It’s nice to not have to use your veins or not inject, and so a lot of people would prefer not to be doing that,” Kral said.
It is kept on file at many pharmacies or may be downloaded here. In many states, including California, you can get naloxone at a pharmacy without a prescription. There are also community organizations, like Harm Reduction Services in Sacramento and NEXT Distro, that make it available.
The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential, telephone support line available to EMS and health care workers. Callers can access free peer support, learn how to navigate treatment and referral services, and receive information on employment and licensing concerns. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past. It’s important to make sure people know about fentanyl test strips because, if they’re buying a substance off the streets of Philly, they should assume there is fentanyl present in it.
What is Fentanyl?
Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. The number of overdose deaths in the U.S. from synthetic opioids doubled from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, 744 people from Washington died from an opioid related overdose and 198 of these deaths included fentanyl. Naloxone is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Some examples of opioids are heroin, fentanyl, methadone, OxyContin®, and Vicodin®.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used in various medical settings for pain management, particularly for severe pain or post-surgical pain relief.
Regulation and Prescription Requirements
In most countries, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means:
- It requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- There are stringent regulations surrounding the dispensing of fentanyl.
- Over-the-counter sales are prohibited to prevent misuse and abuse.
Forms of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is available in various forms, including:
- Patches
- Lollipops
- Injectable formulations
- Tablets
Each of these forms is designed for specific medical uses and is prescribed based on individual patient needs.
The Risks of Fentanyl
Fentanyl poses significant risks, particularly when used without medical supervision. Some of the dangers include:
- High potential for addiction
- Significant risk of overdose
- Adverse reactions when combined with other substances
Why Fentanyl Cannot Be Purchased Over the Counter
The question, can you buy fentanyl over the counter, can be answered by understanding the implications of its use and the potential consequences:
- The addictive nature of opioids necessitates supervision by healthcare providers.
- Misuse can lead to a public health crisis, which is why regulations are strict.
- Alternatives for pain management exist that do not carry the same level of risk.
Alternatives to Fentanyl
Those seeking pain relief should look into safer and more accessible options, such as:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications with a lower risk profile
- Non-pharmacological approaches such as acupuncture
FAQs
Can anyone get fentanyl with a prescription?
No, prescriptions for fentanyl are typically reserved for patients with severe pain who have a legitimate medical need.
What should I do if I suspect someone is misusing fentanyl?
If you suspect misuse, it is crucial to seek help from healthcare professionals or local authorities as soon as possible.
Are there legal consequences for obtaining fentanyl illegally?
Yes, obtaining fentanyl without a prescription can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
In conclusion, the clear answer to the question, can you buy fentanyl over the counter, is no. Due to its high potential for abuse and the serious risks involved, fentanyl is strictly controlled and only available through a prescription. It is vital to approach pain management responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
