POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 87 Compared to other opioids, fentanyl is cheap for drug dealers to make into a street drug, but it is much more powerful. It is odourless and tasteless, and therefore hard for anyone using street drugs to detect. 2 milligrams of pure fentanyl (the size of about 4 grains of salt) is enough to kill the average adult. Because only a few grains is enough to kill, fentanyl is responsible for high rates of accidental overdose and overdose deaths. Fentanyl affects the brain. Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, it works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Shortterm effects of fentanyl use Fentanyl can lead to shortterm mental and physical effects.1 Mental effects • extreme happiness • dizziness • confusion • going “on the nod” (being in and out of consciousness) Physical effects Besides strong pain relief, fentanyl produces physical effects such as: • drowsiness • slow breathing • nausea and vomiting • smaller (constricted) pupils • itching or warm/hot sensation on the skin • constipation • sedation • problems breathing • unconsciousness • overdose Lifethreatening effects can occur within 2 minutes of use. Longterm effects of fentanyl use After taking opioids many times, the brain adapts to the drug, diminishing its sensitivity, making it hard to feel pleasure from anything besides the drug. When people become addicted, drug seeking and drug use take over their lives. Realworld observations suggest that longterm use of fentanyl may have both mental and physical effects. Mental effects Repeated use of fentanyl can cause: • substance use disorder • depression and suicidal thoughts • difficulty in controlling impulsive behaviour Physical effects Longterm use of fentanyl can also lead to: • constipation • substance use disorder • sexual problems in men • poor nutrition, weight loss • irregular menstrual cycles in women In some patients, particularly at high doses, chronic use of fentanyl can worsen pain. If you think or know that your child is using fentanyl or street drugs, it is important to get help immediately. It is also important to consider keeping an opiate antagonist like Naloxone on hand in case of an accidental drug overdose. Signs of fentanyl overdose Anyone can overdose on fentanyl. An overdose occurs when a drug produces serious adverse effects and lifethreatening symptoms. When people overdose on fentanyl, their breathing can slow or stop. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia can lead to a coma and permanent brain damage, and even death.2 Know the Risks and Effects continued continued
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