Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid with a similar result to morphine. The drug is about between almost one hundred times more potent than morphine. Due to its highly addictive properties, Fentanyl is listed as a schedule II prescription drug and is illegal to possess or use unless prescribed by your doctor. Fentanyl can be prescribed to patients who suffer from severe pain or who need assistance managing pain after surgery. This drug can be prescribed to patients with a high tolerance for other opioids.
Why is Fentanyl Dangerous?
Your brain has opioid receptors in the areas tied to controlling your breathing. An overdose can cause your body to cease breathing completely, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
- Additional side effects of Fentanyl include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Depression
- Hypoventilation
- Anxiety
- Flu-like symptoms
Due to the high potency in fentanyl, users who might be unaware of the presence of the drug in a powder pill can accidently overdose. If notified of the overdose immediately, the overdose can be treated with naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist that can restore normal breathing to a patient.
Contact a Trusted Product Liability Attorney
If your family has lost a loved one due to an overdose of Fentanyl, our Kansas City product liability attorney can review the circumstances of your case to determine if you have a case. Our attorneys can help gather evidence and examine whether the drug was prescribed properly, if the patient was briefed about the side effects and dangers of overdose or if the patient was notified of the presence of Fentanyl in their medication.