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  • Opioid and opiate are terms often used interchangeably when discussing substance abuse or pain management. 

    However, it’s a common and widespread misconception that these two words mean the same thing when they’re actually different. 

    Opioids Vs. Opiates

    Opiates are naturally occurring. They are derived directly from the poppy plant and often come in the form of opium, morphine, or codeine. 

    In stark contrast, opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic and the main active ingredients are formed chemically. An opioid produces similar effects to an opiate, which can include pain relief and harmful side effects . 

    Some widely known opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone and methadone.  Opiates include codeine and morphine.

    So, in relation to these two terms, where does fentanyl fit in? 

    Is Fentanyl An Opioid?

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl is formally categorized as a synthetic opioid analgesic. Fentanyl is a prescription drug commonly prescribed to treat patients with chronic pain or severe pain post-surgery. 

    Common prescription brand names of fentanyl include Sublimaze, Duragesic, and Actiq.

    Is Fentanyl An Opiate?

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and one of the most dangerous substances on the market today. Because it’s created in the lab and not naturally occurring, fentanyl is considered an opioid and not an opiate.

    Fentanyl Drug Facts

    In 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released an official health warning nationwide about the dangers of fentanyl. 

    The abuse of prescription opioids had skyrocketed across the country, but this new opioid drug was an alarming substance that caught both law enforcement and healthcare institutions by complete surprise. 

    By 2018, the CDC found that in the United States alone, two out of three drug overdose deaths were due to an opioid. 

    Even more alarming, they discovered that synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) were the driving force behind all drug overdose deaths between 2012 to 2018, with a dramatic 12-fold increase over that time period.

    Fentanyl Side Effects

    As a prescription drug, fentanyl is normally prescribed to treat advanced cancer pain. 

    Some side effects of fentanyl may include:

    • relaxation
    • euphoria
    • pain relief
    • sedation
    • drowsiness
    • dizziness
    • nausea
    • respiratory depression

    Fentanyl Street Names

    As a street drug, fentanyl may be referred to as “China Girl,” “Dance Fever,” or even “Goodfellas.”  Individuals struggling with substance abuse often try purchasing heroin not knowing that they are actually buying Fentanyl. 

    Transactions like these can often result in a deadly overdose.

    Fentanyl Overdose

    In the instance that an individual experiences a fentanyl overdose, it’s common for healthcare providers to administer naloxone. Naloxone is a powerful medicine that is injected to reverse a fentanyl overdose, and halt the effects of the toxic opioid in the body.

    Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

    Long-term use of fentanyl can lead to a strong and lasting drug dependency, which means withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop use.

    Withdrawal symptoms can include:  

    • sweating 
    • restlessness 
    • runny nose 
    • chills
    • stomach cramps
    • muscle weakness
    • nausea and/or vomiting
    • anxiety 
    • increased respiratory rate
    • insomnia 

    Due to the potency of fentanyl, it’s recommended that no one should detox from this drug without professional medical assistance. 

    If you or a friend or family member is struggling with substance use, it’s important to seek professional support at a substance abuse treatment program. 

    To learn more about the comprehensive treatment options available for opioid addiction, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist today.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - US Opioid Prescribing Rate Maps | Drug Overdose
    National Institute on Drug Abuse - Fentanyl
    National Institute on Drug Abuse - Overdose Death Rates
    U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid

    Medically Reviewed by
    Kimberly Langdon M.D.
    on March 18, 2022
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