Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms & Treatment
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that can be prescribed legally and manufactured or obtained illegally.1 Being up to 100 times stronger than morphine, synthetic opioids—primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF)—have contributed significantly to the rise in drug overdose deaths.1
This page will help you learn more about fentanyl overdose, how to recognize and respond to an overdose, and how to find help for fentanyl addiction.
What Is a Fentanyl Overdose?
Fentanyl overdose occurs any time a person takes enough fentanyl to cause life-threatening symptoms.1 The amount of fentanyl that may result in overdose varies by person.2
People who have been taking fentanyl or other opioids chronically may be able to tolerate a certain dose without significant danger, but that same dose could be lethal to someone else.2
Behaviors that can increase a person’s risk of overdose include:
- Taking opioids, especially illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). IMF is unregulated, and the distributed products are rarely consistent in their potency.2
- Engaging in illicit drug use. The illicit drug supply (i.e., heroin, counterfeit pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and ketamine) is sometimes contaminated with illicitly manufactured fentanyl. This may result in people using fentanyl without even realizing it.2
- Using fentanyl with other substances, especially other opioids, or other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, xylazine, or benzodiazepines.3
- Taking prescription fentanyl or other opioids other than how they are prescribed.2
Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose
Being able to recognize a fentanyl overdose or other opioid overdose and act swiftly could save a life.4 Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose include:4
- Loss of consciousness or unable to wake up.
- Slow or absent breathing or difficulty breathing that may include choking or gurgling sounds.
- “Pinpoint” pupils (constricted, small).
- Discolored (possibly blueish) skin, particularly on nail beds or lips.
How To Help Someone Overdosing on Fentanyl
To help someone you suspect may be overdosing on fentanyl or other opioids, take the following actions:4
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer naloxone (Narcan, Kloxxado) if it is available.
- Make an effort to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Lay the person on their side, with an ear to the ground, to prevent choking on saliva or vomit.
- Stay with the person until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
Please don’t hesitate to help a person who is experiencing a drug overdose. Most states have instituted laws that provide legal protection for people who call 911 or administer naloxone to save a life and for the person who is overdosing.4
Narcan for Fentanyl Overdose
Narcan, Rivive, and Kloxxado are brand names of naloxone, a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose and is typically packaged as a pre-dosed, easy-to-use nasal spray.5
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that binds to the same receptors as opioids like fentanyl and blocks their effects. Naloxone can quickly restore a person’s breathing and reverse other opioid overdose symptoms.5
Naloxone is a fast-acting drug that wears off after 30-90 minutes. Fentanyl or other opioids may remain in the body longer causing overdose symptoms to return and requiring additional doses of naloxone.2 Thus, it is important to call 911 in the event of an overdose even if naloxone is available and already administered to the person.5
Family and friends of people who take prescription fentanyl or who know that their loved one uses opioids are encouraged to have naloxone on hand.5
Narcan and Rivive are available to purchase over the counter from a local pharmacy without a prescription, while Kloxxado and other generic or brand formulations may require a prescription.2
Risk of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs
In recent years, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become an increasingly common additive or contaminant to other drugs.1 Because fentanyl has no taste or smell and looks like other drugs, it can be nearly impossible to detect.4
Drug dealers may intentionally mix heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine with fentanyl to augment the potency of their supply and increase profits.1 Illicitly manufactured fentanyl may also be used to make counterfeit pills that closely resemble other prescription drugs.2
Mixing may also happen unintentionally by dealers, who may not be taking the necessary precautions to keep fentanyl away from other drugs they sell. These fentanyl-laced drugs and counterfeit prescription pills expose an unsuspecting and opioid-naive person to a high risk of fentanyl overdose.2
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Near Tampa
If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl use, help is available. At River Oaks Treatment Center—an inpatient rehab near Tampa, FL—you’ll receive evidence-based addiction treatment.
With multiple levels of addiction treatment to offer, the expert clinicians at River Oaks can help you safely withdraw from fentanyl and ensure you receive customized care.
When it comes to fentanyl addiction, treatment typically involves a combination of proven medication and behavioral therapies to support life-long recovery.1
To learn more about how we can help you, call today to speak with an admissions navigator. Our compassionate team can address your questions and concerns and walk you through the rehab admissions process.
We can also explain the various rehab payment options and help you check your insurance coverage for addiction treatment.
To verify your insurance coverage now, simply complete our .
Get started on the road to recovery today. Your future self is waiting.
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