Fentanyl

WHAT IS FENTANYL?

The abbreviated answer: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed in the 60’s to treat agonizing,
intolerable pain, and for terminally ill people. 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times
more potent than pharmaceutical-grade heroin. The potency of fentanyl makes it a highly
effective pain reliever when used appropriately in medical settings. However, this same potency
also contributes to its potential for misuse and the increased risk of overdose. Fentanyl causes
depression of the respiratory system and can lead to death.

Fentanyl was first synthesized by Dr. Paul Janssen in 1960 (Janssen Pharmaceuticals in
Belgium.)

Its initial purpose was as an analgesic (pain reliever) and anesthetic. It was introduced into
medical practice in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic under the trade name Sublimaze. In
the 70’s and 80’s fentanyl's medical use expanded to include pain management, particularly for
severe pain. Various formulations, including patches and lozenges, were developed for
controlled release.

In the 80’s and 90’s, fentanyl and its analogs started to be produced illicitly. Illicit fentanyl
became associated with cases of overdose and deaths. 2000’s to present, fentanyl misuse and
its involvement in the opioid epidemic became more prominent. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl
(IMF) and its analogs contribute significantly to opioid-related overdoses. Fentanyl-related
substances have been associated with a rising number of opioid-related deaths worldwide.
It’s important to note that the illicit production and distribution of fentanyl, along with its analogs,
have posed substantial challenges in managing opioid-related health issues globally. The
history of fentanyl is marked by its medical benefits, but also by the challenges it presents due
to its unregulated potency and potential for misuse. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) and its
analogs are particularly concerning, as they may be even more potent than pharmaceutical-
grade fentanyl.

Why is fentanyl used as an additive (to cut) to illicit drugs? Fentanyl is highly potent, even in
small quantities. Adding it to other drugs allows dealers to increase the perceived strength of
their product, potentially making it more appealing to users seeking a stronger effect. Fentanyl is
cheaper to produce than some other illicit drugs. By cutting drugs with fentanyl, dealers can
stretch their supply, increasing profits while using a smaller amount of the more expensive base
drug. Fentanyl is highly addictive, and its potency can lead to rapid dependence. By introducing
users to fentanyl, dealers may increase the likelihood of creating and maintaining addicted
customers, ensuring repeat business. Some drug users seek out more potent substances to
achieve stronger effects. By cutting drugs with fentanyl, dealers may be responding to market
demand for more powerful narcotics. Fentanyl and its analogs can be chemically synthesized,
sometimes more easily than other illicit drugs. This ease of production might make it attractive
for those involved in illegal drug manufacturing. The use of Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is
extremely dangerous and can result in a high risk of overdose and death.