The public battle against opioids just got even more desperate. That’s because the Georgia Bureau of Investigation recently announced that it identified 2 new strains of Fentanyl — and they’re both resistant to Narcan, the drug used to treat overdoses. Since Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs on the planet, this is certainly concerning.
Fentanyl is basically “super heroine”. Scientists created it during the 1960’s as an anesthetic for cancer patients dealing with severe pain. Today, a few doctors prescribe it after serious surgery, or in extreme cases where patients have developed a tolerance to other opiates. But the big problems come from recreational users who obtain Fentanyl over the internet, from China and other places where the regulatory environment is laxer than ours. These cases are where the majority of accidental deaths come in.
Fentanyl is a powerful opiate, so the guidelines are similar to those of other opiates.
PARTHA’S RX
- Stay away from Fentanyl in particular. It’s short-acting and extremely habit-forming. And with the introduction of strains that don’t respond to Narcan, it’s deadlier than ever.
- Before taking any opioid painkillers, consider less-potent medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If stronger medication is necessary, use the lowest possible dose.
- Try not to take any opioids for longer than three or four days at a time.
- Consider adding meditation and exercise as part of your pain-killing regiment.
Some of the common side effects of Fentanyl include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, and shortness of breath. If you or anyone you know are struggling with this drug, it’s important to get help right away.
