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Fentanyl Module

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  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 What are the Effects of Fentanyl?
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Lesson 6 of 28
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What are the Effects of Fentanyl?

Intended Effects:

  1. Reduces the sensation of the pain by attaching to pain receptors in the body.
  2. Directly affects centers of the brain and can cause euphoria.

Other Physical Effects:

  • Can lead to cough suppression, unconsciousness, and sedation.
  • Can cause constriction of pupils.

Side Effects:

Fentanyl use leads to a high risk of negative side effects, such as:

  • Respiratory depression: breathing disorder characterized by slow and ineffective breathing.
  • Apnea: complete stop of breathing. Can be momentary.
  • Muscle rigidity: stiffness of muscles, often leading to a decreased range of motion.
  • Bradycardia: abnormally slow heart action
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction
  • Cardiac dysrhythmia and cardiac arrest: irregular rhythm or complete stop of the heartbeat
  • Death in some cases

“How fentanyl kills: A CBC News explainer“