Basics of fentanyl
What is fentanyl?
A powerful synthetic opioid used for pain relief. (A drug)
When is fentanyl legally used in medicine?
For severe pain, such as during surgery or cancer treatment.
What is one common effect fentanyl has on breathing?
It slows breathing.
Why is fentanyl a major public health concern today?
Why is fentanyl a major public health concern today?
What type of drug is fentanyl classified as?
An opioid.
How does prescription fentanyl differ from illicitly made fentanyl?
Prescription fentanyl is regulated and measured; illicit fentanyl is not.
How does prescription fentanyl differ from illicitly made fentanyl?
Prescription fentanyl is regulated and measured; illicit fentanyl is not.
How has fentanyl changed patterns of overdose deaths?
How has fentanyl changed patterns of overdose deaths?
How does fentanyl affect pain and breathing in the body?
It reduces pain but also slows breathing.
Why is illicit fentanyl often unpredictable in strength?
It is illegally made without quality control.
Why can fentanyl cause unconsciousness more rapidly than other opioids?
Because it enters the brain quickly and is very strong.
Why are many fentanyl-related overdoses unintentional?
Why is it important to never use drugs alone when overdose risk exists?
Why is fentanyl considered more dangerous than many other opioids?
Because it is extremely potent, even in very small doses.
How do dosing controls in medical settings reduce fentanyl-related risks?
Doctors carefully calculate and monitor doses.
How do opioids like fentanyl interfere with the brain’s oxygen regulation?
They suppress the brain’s signal to breathe.
How do Good Samaritan laws encourage people to seek emergency help?
How do Good Samaritan laws encourage people to seek emergency help?
How does fentanyl’s potency increase the risk of overdose even in very small amounts?
Tiny dosing errors can suppress breathing and cause death.
Why does illegally manufactured fentanyl increase the likelihood of accidental overdose compared to pharmaceutical opioids?
Users don’t know the dose or purity
Why does respiratory depression make fentanyl overdoses especially life-threatening?
Lack of oxygen can cause brain damage or death.
Why is harm reduction considered an effective public health strategy rather than a moral judgment?
Why does addressing fentanyl require both medical treatment and social policy solutions?