By Saumya Rastogi | March 7, 2025 | Images: Freepik
Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Even a tiny amount—equivalent to a few grains of salt—can be lethal
Fentanyl was first synthesised in 1960 by Dr Paul Janssen as a pain reliever for cancer patients and post-surgical pain management
Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception and producing intense feelings of euphoria and sedation.
While pharmaceutical fentanyl is used for medical purposes, illegal labs—mostly in China and Mexico—produce illicit fentanyl, which is often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills to increase potency and profits
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US recorded 87,000 drug overdose deaths between October 2023 and September 2024
Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving medication that can quickly reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose by blocking opioid receptors
Because fentanyl produces an intense high, it has a high potential for addiction. Users quickly develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to feel the same effects, increasing the risk of overdose
Fentanyl is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats and can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as an airborne powder
Governments worldwide are increasing drug regulations, border security, and public awareness campaigns to combat fentanyl trafficking and prevent further overdoses.