Fentanyl
What is fentanyl?
(FEN-tuh-nuhl)
Fentanyl is a drug that can be dangerous to use without proper supervision from a healthcare provider.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s commonly used in medications that manage severe pain. It's also used as a sedative. This drug is fast-acting and significantly more powerful than other opioids, like morphine and heroin, and it’s frequently used illicitly1.
Historical context
Fentanyl was first synthesized in the mid-20th century by physician Paul Janssen to use it as an analgesic and anesthetic. It received FDA approval for medical use in 1968 and has been used ever since as both a painkiller and an anesthetic.
Fentanyl is now widely known as a major contributing factor to the ongoing opioid crisis, which kills tens of thousands of U.S. residents every year2.
How fentanyl works
Potency compared to other opioids
While all opioids function using the same general mechanisms, fentanyl is considered more potent than opioids like morphine or heroin. Very small amounts of fentanyl can have significant effects on the body and the brain, making it easy to overdose on illicit fentanyl that hasn’t been properly dosed.
Medical uses
In controlled medical settings, physicians can administer fentanyl in precise quantities, significantly reducing its risk potential. In this context, it reduces activity in the parts of the brain that transmit pain signals and lowers central nervous system responses.
What is fentanyl used for?
Severe pain management
Fentanyl is most commonly used to treat severe pain. Patients with chronic pain who have developed resistance to other opioids can get fentanyl prescriptions to help them deal with persistent and recurring painful episodes.
Cancer- and surgery-related pain
Fentanyl is also commonly prescribed after major surgeries, as it can ease the pain experienced during the recovery process. Sometimes, cancer patients may receive fentanyl as a palliative solution to the pain of chemotherapy and worsening cancer symptoms.
Risks + dangers of fentanyl
High risk of overdose
Even small doses—measured in micrograms—can produce therapeutic effects. This makes fentanyl exceedingly difficult to dose safely without the necessary equipment. At this scale, even minor discrepancies in a dose can lead to dangerous outcomes, which is why fentanyl has one of the highest risks of overdose among opioids.
Illicit vs. prescription fentanyl
The risk of fentanyl overdose is particularly high when used illicitly. Many drugs are now also laced with fentanyl because it is relatively inexpensive to produce, which can lead to drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA becoming contaminated with deadly levels of fentanyl. This makes it crucial for anyone using non-prescribed opioids and other drugs to carry fentanyl test strips to verify the safety of their supply.
Taken as prescribed, fentanyl is much safer. Always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely, and never double up on missed doses. Unfortunately, even in medical contexts, it’s still possible to develop a reliance on fentanyl, so it’s important to keep your doctor updated on your symptoms while using the drug.
How to access help for fentanyl use
Treatment options
Fentanyl dependency is scary, but it’s also manageable. With a combination of behavioral therapy, social support networks, and medicines that reduce craving and overdose risk, opioid clinics can help lessen the impact of fentanyl misuse. There is also a growing body of research that suggests a future fentanyl vaccine may be highly effective.
Online vs. in-person support
Fentanyl treatment is available in both in-person and online formats. The appropriate format for you depends on several factors. Online treatment programs are beneficial for individuals who live in rural areas or lack regular access to transportation.
Common forms + street names
Medical formulations
DuragesicⓇ, SublimazeⓇ, ActiqⓇ, FentoraⓇ
Street names
Fent, Friend, Snowflake, Jack(Pot)
Learn more about fentanyl
Links to related blog posts
Links to related glossary terms
- Buprenorphine: A partial-opioid agonist used to reduce cravings and manage opioid dependency
- MAT: Medication-assisted treatment, a treatment program that blends medication and therapy
- Naloxone: An opioid antagonist that reverses an opioid overdose
- Opioid Addiction Treatment: Methods to guide patients through opioid dependency safely
- Overdose Prevention: Methods to reduce the likelihood of an overdose
Sources:
- Han, Y. (November 11, 2019). The rising crisis of illicit fentanyl use, overdose, and potential therapeutic strategies. Translational Psychology. Retrieved June 6, 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6848196/
- (May 15, 2024). U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 25, 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm
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