Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a narcotic pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain … Abstral (fentanyl) sublingual tablets are used for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer … If an overdose is due to fentanyl, then multiple bolus injections of naloxone or even continuous infusions may be needed to reverse the opioid action. Discarded fentanyl patches may still contain significant amounts of the drug. This can result in misuse if someone removes the gel contents from discarded patches. Dependence can cause extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if the person stops using it.

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Among Arizonans, it’s become the deadliest drug, the county’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Jeff Johnston, emphasized. Deaths from https://www.movalsystems.com/how-long-does-the-average-alcoholic-live/ fentanyl use have risen by 4,900% over the past decade. Fentanyl abuse isn’t the only opioid that can cause the awkward body reaction, Ciccarone said. The “fentanyl fold” effect can reportedly kick in within two or three minutes after taking the drug, Ciccarone said.

• Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
• Most of the time we see individuals “Folding” or “Bending” forward (as if they are hunched over), but sometimes people may start to “Lean” backwards.
• This makes it incredibly easy to overdose, especially when combined with other drugs or used by someone with a low tolerance.
• When people take Fentanyl their bodies central nervous system is severely impacted.

How can a person be sure that they’re taking real fentanyl?

When addicts have access to these resources their risk for overdose related injury or death is greatly reduced. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine, so its side effects and onset are incredibly powerful. Fentanyl first enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it affects the reward system by triggering a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions and feelings of pleasure. If you encounter a person who seems to be locked in a bent-over position, it could be a sign of fentanyl overdose.

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If you see someone exhibiting these signs—especially in the folded over position—call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Moving Mountains Recovery, based in Randolph, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive and unique approach to addiction recovery. Additionally, some people use the ultrapotent fentanyl analog carfentanil, which is legally used to sedate large animals. While fentanyl is legally manufactured and distributed in the U.S., it can be stolen, obtained with fraudulent prescriptions or made in illegal labs.

The Broader Fentanyl Crisis in Texas

The bent posture can compromise breathing even further by restricting airway passages and reducing lung capacity. This creates a dangerous cycle where already suppressed respiratory function becomes even more limited due to physical positioning. Alternately called “the fentanyl fold” or “the fentanyl bend over,” videos and photos of people reportedly using the drug have spread through social media. The fentanyl fold has affected New Jersey communities significantly. It’s a haunting representation of how deeply fentanyl has embedded itself in New Jersey’s public landscape. Across cities like Paterson, Atlantic City, and Camden, more individuals are being found hunched over, unresponsive but still breathing, a chilling indicator of fentanyl’s grip.

Researchers still don’t know if fentanyl causes long-term effects on the spine, however there are signs that it causes major systemic and circulation issues. As ABC 7 learned from researchers, the thinking is that the acidic nature of the drug leads to the collapsing of veins. Additionally, fentanyl that is mixed with “tranq” or xylazine has been shown to cause terrible skin ulcers that can become infected. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. It is important to note that having risk factors does not guarantee a person will develop a SUD.

One of the early warning signs of fentanyl abuse fentanyl fold is a noticeable shift in behavior or daily routine. People struggling with substance use disorder may begin neglecting their responsibilities at work, school, or home. You might notice increased absenteeism or lateness, a decline in performance, or a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. These changes can happen gradually, making it easy to dismiss them as stress or fatigue, but they are often linked to the compulsive nature of drug seeking and use.

Recognizing Fentanyl Fold and Subtle Signs of Fentanyl Use

If there is any of the tablet left in your mouth, you may drink a glass of water to help you swallow the leftover medicine. Discontinue all other extended-release opioids when beginning therapy. One patch is applied to the skin and left on for 72 hours, then you remove the patch and apply a new patch straight away. This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Fentanyl affects people differently, depending on an individual’s size and overall health condition.

Stop Overdose

Naloxone only works in the body for 30 to 90 minutes, so it’s possible for someone to still have overdose effects after the medication wears off or needs multiple doses. Some people take fentanyl illegally by separating it from skin patches and injecting it. Any drug that is classified as an “opioid” can cause constipation. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids that may cause this side effect include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, heroin addiction methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone. If you switch to fentanyl nasal spray from another form of fentanyl, you will not use the same dose.