Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is classified as a controlled substance. Given its potency, many people wonder if it is possible to buy fentanyl over the counter.
But even illicit drugs that are tested should not be considered “safe.” Consuming almost any drug — especially one sold illegally — carries some inherent risk. Without testing, it’s nearly impossible to tell whether drugs are free of fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips are a simple, low-cost tool used to rapidly check for fentanyl in a batch of drugs — including in tablets, powders, and injectable liquids. The opioid overdose antidote Narcan will be available over the counter in the coming days, a move that’s hoped to increase access to the lifesaving medication amid the country’s worsening opioid epidemic. False positive results indicating the presence of fentanyl were obtained from samples of methamphetamine, MDMA, and diphenhydramine at concentrations at or above 1 mg/mL. The street sample preparation protocols for FTS use suggested by many online resources would produce such concentrations of these materials.
No, You Cannot Buy Fentanyl Over the Counter
Climate Change And Health
Please contact your local public health authority (link) to learn more about services nearest to you. Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone.
Muñoz was 30 and in Mexico for the first time, and he decided to stop in at a drugstore for ibuprofen. At a small drugstore on one of the city’s main streets, an employee working the register said drug regulators had searched the store — even inspecting the bathroom and going through employees’ bags. That pretense faded seconds later, when she was asked for controlled medications — and got on her hands and knees to pop open a hidden panel under the counter. She rooted around for a minute and emerged with two sealed bottles. Make sure you check the strip within ten minutes of doing the test.
Fentanyl is not available over the counter. It is only available by prescription and is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. Fentanyl is available in several forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions. However, these forms are only available with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Given How Serious This Epidemic Has Become, What Is Your Level Of Concern That This Medication Could Be Misused Or Abused?
Why is Fentanyl a Controlled Substance?
Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence. The drug can produce a rapid and intense high, making it highly sought after by people who abuse opioids. Fentanyl abuse can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Because of its high potency, fentanyl is also a significant contributor to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States.
Emergency Responses To Opioid Overdose
Health care professionals are hoping to de-stigmatize the conversation around naloxone. Even people who don’t use drugs or opioids should have naloxone on hand. You never know when you’ll encounter someone in need of this life-saving medication. Remember that opioids like fentanyl are not absorbed through the skin. You can feel safe to touch a person having an opioid overdose without endangering yourself.
Other formulations and dosages of naloxone will remain available by prescription only. Fentanyl test strips are low-cost and can help you make sure the drugs that you may use are not laced with fentanyl. These paper strips can detect fentanyl in all different kinds and forms of substances.
What to Do if You Suspect Someone is Abusing Fentanyl
If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, it is essential to seek help immediately. Fentanyl abuse can lead to severe health consequences, and treatment is necessary to address the addiction. You can start by talking to the person about your concerns and encouraging them to seek professional help. You can also contact a local addiction treatment center or a healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed.
- Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs.
- Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described.
- You can request that free naloxone and test strips be mailed discreetly to your home after taking a brief online training.
- Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon.
Conclusion
In summary, fentanyl is not available over the counter and is only available by prescription. The drug is highly potent and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, it is essential to seek help immediately to address the addiction and prevent serious health consequences.
