Carfentanil is a narcotic analgesic used in veterinary medicine. This is a very powerful and deadly opioid analgesic. Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. The DEA “DEA Issues Carfentanil Warning To Police And Public” states:
DEA has issued a public warning to the public and law enforcement nationwide about the health and safety risks of carfentanil. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin. DEA, local law enforcement and first responders have recently seen the presence of carfentanil, which has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in various parts of the country. Improper handling of carfentanil, as well as fentanyl and other fentanyl-related compounds, has deadly consequences. Carfentanil is surfacing in more and more communities.” said DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg. “We see it on the streets, often disguised as heroin. It is crazy dangerous. Synthetics such as fentanyl and carfentanil can kill you. I hope our first responders – and the public – will read and heed our health and safety warning. (DEA.GOV)
Like heroin and other opioid narcotics, Carfentanil would not lead to a person developing a tolerance or addiction to the drug because a dose the size of a grain of salt can rapidly lead to overdose and death. Teach patients individual needs humans. Carfentanil is typically known as an elephant tranquilizer.
Carfentanil and Fentanyl Overdose
This country has seen epidemic overdose cases due to fentanyl being added to heroin and other illicit substances. Carfentanil has led to deadly overdoses at a much faster rate. For comparison purposes, 1,000 mg of fentanyl is equivalent to 1 mg of carfentanil, so fentanyl is 100 times less powerful than carfentanil. Carfentanil is a white powdery substance like heroin or cocaine, so it is easily mixed with any illicit substances. For example, dealers mix fentanyl and carfentanil with main heroin because it makes the drug stronger. This is why so many people are dying in this country from opioid overdoses.
Effects of Carfentanil On The Brain And Body
Carfentanil rapidly binds to opioid receptors in the brain leading to overdose almost immediately. In comparison, fentanyl creates an intense euphoria and drowsiness when a person ingests the drug. This is due to levels of dopamine being elevated and the reduced ability for the opioid receptors to absorb this neurotransmitter because of the presence of this narcotic. These receptors are also responsible for controlling breathing which is why overdoses are characterized by irregular, depression, or for a person to stop breathing. The effects that carfentanil has on the body can include:
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Confusion or cognitive difficulties
- Constipation
- Stomach problems like nausea and vomiting
- Sedation or “nodding off” (when a person falls asleep and wakes up repeatedly)
- Heart rate and blood pressure changes
- Respiratory depression
- Unconsciousness
Overdose Symptoms After Carfentanil Use
The classic symptoms of an overdose due to carfentanil or other opioids can include:
- Disorientation
- Sedation
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slowed or depressed breathing
- Sudden drowsiness
- Clammy skin
If you suspect that a person may be experiencing the signs of an overdose, call 911 immediately. In addition, it is recommended that anyone who has an addiction to opioids have the medication Naloxone on hand at all times. Naloxone can reverse an overdose if it is given quickly enough.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
It is too dangerous right now for anyone that has an opioid addiction not to get help immediately! This is a life or death situation. Opioid addiction will lead to death if it is not treated promptly. There are many programs available out there to help with opioid addiction. Evoke Wellness at Cohasset offers evidence-based treatment programs and solution-focused addiction treatment to cater to the individual needs of each patient.
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