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Understanding Fentanyl and Its Use
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used for treating severe pain, especially in patients who have undergone surgery or have chronic pain conditions. As a powerful narcotic, it is significantly stronger than morphine and carries a high risk of addiction and overdose.
He progressed to prescription painkillers, and then, when they became too expensive, to heroin. Too many people in Wisconsin are using opioids, then getting behind the wheel and endangering themselves, their passengers, and other motorists. Drugged driving deaths in Wisconsin have increased nearly 200% in the last 10 years. Together, we can work to achieve zero preventable deaths due to drugged driving. Zero In Wisconsin is a campaign of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
If you suspect that a child has been exposed to a fentanyl patch, call 911 and seek emergency medical help immediately. Even though an online pill identifier might show that a pill bought on the street looks like a legitimate prescription pill because it has the same color, shape or imprint code, this is most likely NOT true. Illegal drug manufacturers create fake opioid pills to look exactly like the real ones. The fake pills may also contain fentanyl, or only contain fentanyl.
The Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl
A gentle bubbling sensation will be felt as the tablet dissolves (melts). It may take 15 to 25 minutes for the pill to completely dissolve. If there is any tablet remaining after 30 minutes, it can be swallowed with a glass of water.
A common question arises among individuals seeking relief from pain: can I buy fentanyl without a prescription? The answer is complex and varies by location.
- Controlled Substance: Fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. This classification means that it is illegal to purchase or possess fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.
- Prescription Requirement: In the U.S., physicians can prescribe fentanyl in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions. However, obtaining these medications typically requires an appointment and proper medical evaluation.
People can also develop a tolerance for Opioids like Fentanyl requiring them to use more and more to get high. This causes drug dealers and cartels to make stronger pills with more Fentanyl. However, these stronger pills may kill newer users whohave not developed such a tolerance. In addition, some dealers intentionally add deadly amounts to some pills because the death of a user is like an advertisement that that dealer has really strong drugs. Fentanyl comes as a lozenge on a handle (Actiq), a sublingual (underneath the tongue) tablet (Abstral), a film (Onsolis), and a buccal (between the gum and cheek) tablet (Fentora) to dissolve in the mouth. Fentanyl is used as needed to treat breakthrough pain but not more often than four times a day.
A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill. However, most fentanyl-involved deaths are due to illicitly made fentanyl, and a small amount is enough to cause an overdose. California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis. Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses opioid overdoses.
RACGP – Silver Book – Pain
A common misconception is that these counterfeit prescription drugs are being laced with fentanyl. However, in the majority of counterfeit drugs, it isn’t lacing; it is substitution. This means the illicit manufacturers are pressing a tablet to look like an oxycodone tablet, but it has no oxycodone – it only has lactose and fentanyl. People think it’s oxycodone, but it’s harder to get oxycodone on the black market than it is to get the fentanyl precursor. You may have low blood pressure or slowed breathing while taking opioid pain medication. This usually only happens when the dose of medication is too high or it is increased too quickly.
Call your pharmacist or the manufacturer if you have questions or need help disposing of unneeded medication. If you still have pain after using one lozenge or tablet, your doctor may tell you to use a second lozenge or tablet. You may use the second lozenge (Actiq) 15 minutes after you finish the first lozenge, or use the second tablet (Abstral, Fentora) 30 minutes after you started using the first tablet. Do not use a second lozenge or tablet to treat the same episode of pain unless your doctor tells you that you should.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Without a Prescription
Acquiring fentanyl without a prescription poses serious legal and health risks.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl illegally can lead to severe legal repercussions, including criminal charges and significant fines.
- Health Risks: The potency of fentanyl makes it easy to overdose, especially if not used under medical supervision. Illicitly obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of unexpected side effects.
- Addiction Potential: Misusing fentanyl can lead to addiction, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, making it crucial to use only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- This number may increase as more death reports from 2022 are finalized.
- There are medicines being developed to help with the withdrawal process for fentanyl and other opioids.
- Without this suspicion, it’s probably not necessary but could still be a good idea to keep a couple of doses around.
- Drug traffickers often mix fentanyl into other drugs because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way.
Alternatives to Fentanyl
For individuals who are exploring pain management options and considering fentanyl, there are several alternatives that may be safer:
- Non-Opioid Medications: These include anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help manage pain without the use of opioids.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach can assist in managing chronic pain by addressing how one perceives and reacts to discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have severe pain?
If you experience severe or chronic pain, consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Are there any exceptions for obtaining fentanyl without a prescription?
Generally, there are no exceptions to the prescription requirement for fentanyl. It is essential to adhere to legal guidelines to ensure safety and legality.
Is fentanyl only available in patches?
No, fentanyl is available in various forms, including injectable solutions, lozenges, and nasal sprays, but all require a prescription.
What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs include slowed or stopped breathing, extreme drowsiness, inability to wake up, and potentially loss of consciousness. If someone is suspected of overdosing, immediate medical help is crucial.
Conclusion
When considering can I buy fentanyl without a prescription, it is essential to recognize the legal and health implications of engaging in any form of illegal purchase. Always prioritize safety and proper medical guidance when dealing with prescription medications.
