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Fentanyl is a prescription-only painkiller that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. This drug is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

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It is classified as an opioid (specifically an opioid analgesic, or prescription-only painkiller).

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The scientific name for fentanyl is piperidine.

The IUPAC name is N-(1-(2-phenethyl)-4-piperidinyl-N-phenyl-propanamide.

Brand names of fentanyl in the U.S. include Abstral, Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Onsolis, and Subsys.

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- "China white"
- "Persian white"
- "p-funk" / "p-dope"
- "Apache"
- "dance fever"
- "goodfella"
- "jackpot"
- "murder 8"
- "tango & cash"
- "TNT"

Illicitly synthesized forms of fentanyl are referred to as NPFs (non-pharmaceutical fentanyls).

Certain forms of fentanyl are considered to be "designer drugs", which are drugs that are chemically formulated to evade detection by law enforcement.

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A company called Janssen Pharmaceutical first synthesized fentanyl in 1959.

During the 1960s, it began being used a an intravenous anesthetic, and then was introduced in patch form during the 1990s.

Most fentanyl today is produced in China and shipped to the U.S. It also comes from Mexico and Canada.

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Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which releases dopamine and produces feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

In a controlled hospital setting, the desired effect is to help manage pain.

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Many forms of fentanyl are commonly used by cancer patients whose normal pain medications are not strong enough. Fentanyl is also prescribed for pain caused by other illnesses and conditions.

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Source 1: Carson-Dewitt, Rosalyn S., and Kevin Glaza. "Fentanyl." The Gale Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs: A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Common Medications, edited by Kristin Fust, vol. 1, Gale, 2015, pp. 330-335. Health & Wellness Resource Center. Accessed 16 May 2018.

Source 2: “Fentanyl Drug Profile.” EMCDDA, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 8 Jan. 2015, www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/fentanyl.

Source 3: “Fentanyl.” NIDA, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3 June 2016, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl.

Source 4: Harris, Nancy, editor. Opiates. Greenhaven Press (Thomson Gale), 2005.

Source 5: “Opioid Overdose.” CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Aug. 2017, www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html.

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Short-term:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Unconsciousness

Long-term:
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Death

Fentanyl mixed with heroin or cocaine amplifies its potency and potential dangers.

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In the hospital, the drug is commonly administered through injections, transdermal patches, or lozenges (medicinal tablets shaped like diamonds). However, fentanyl can also be swallowed, snorted, or absorbed through the mucus membrane using blotter paper in the mouth.

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Fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder, on blotter paper, mixed with heroin or other drugs, or as tablets that mimic other opioids.

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Teens should know that fentanyl is a drug that is often combined with or laced into other drugs. Even if you think that you are receiving a pure substance, it may be laced with fentanyl to increase its euphoric effects.

Two milligrams of pure fentanyl, which is as small as a grain of sand, can kill you.

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Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug (high potential for abuse, but still used for medical purposes).

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The medication naxolone is an opioid receptor antagonist that is used to halt the effects of fentanyl and other opioids when they are in someone's system.

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BONUS interesting article on how fentanyl is related to cocaine overdose: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/5/4/17307296/cocaine-opioid-crisis-fentanyl-overdose