Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to but more potent than morphine. It is typically
used to treat patients with severe pain, or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat people with
chronic pain who are physically tolerant to opiates. It is a
schedule II prescription drug.
In its prescription form, fentanyl is known as Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze.
When prescribed by a physician, fentanyl is often administered via injection, transdermal patch, or in lozenge form. However, the type of fentanyl associated with recent overdoses was produced in clandestine laboratories and mixed with (or substituted for) heroin in a powder form.
Mixing fentanyl with street-sold heroin or cocaine markedly amplifies their potency and potential dangers. Effects include: euphoria, drowsiness/respiratory depression and arrest, nausea, confusion,
constipation, sedation, unconsciousness, coma, tolerance, and addiction.
Street names for the drug fentanyl include Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend,
goodfella, jackpot,
murder 8, TNT, as well as
Tango and Cash.
