Back to Module Intro

Fentanyl Module

0% Complete
0/28 Steps
  1. Introduction
    Introduction
  2. What is Fentanyl and Why Is It so Deadly?
  3. Medical Use
  4. How does Fentanyl Affect the Body?
  5. Summary
  6. Effects
    What are the Effects of Fentanyl?
  7. Respiratory Depression
  8. Rapid Overdose
  9. Long-term effects
  10. How can Fentanyl Impact People With Other Medical Conditions?
  11. Summary
  12. Overdose
    What are the Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose?
  13. Is Fentanyl Overdose Reversible?
  14. Action Plan!
  15. Routes of Administration
  16. Summary
  17. Risks
    General Risks
  18. Risk Philosophy
  19. Polysubstance Use and Fentanyl Use
  20. How to Decrease your Risk
  21. Drug Checking
  22. Activity
  23. Summary
  24. Treatment
    Substitution Treatment
  25. Heroin-Assisted Treatment
  26. Resources for Risk Management
  27. Summary
  28. Last Remarks!
Fentanyl Module Medical Use
In Progress
Lesson 3 of 28
In Progress

Medical Use

What are the medical vs. non-medical uses of fentanyl? 

  • In some instances, fentanyl is used medically to treat breakthrough instances of pain. Fentanyl is an opioid, a class of drug that changes the way the brain and body respond to pain.
  •  For medical purposes, you may take prescribed fentanyl in the form of tablets, injections, skin patches.
  • For example, cancer patients may be administered fentanyl in the form of a lozenge or a tablet to help reduce their pain.

In non-medical uses, one might experience a quick rush of well-being (euphoria) when fentanyl is injected, smoked, snorted, or ingested in high doses. Euphoria is often followed by a period of calm lasting 1 to 2 hours.