Fentanyl and Other Overdose Risks

This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies.

Two main classes of drugs cause most overdose deaths: opioids and stimulants.

Opioids are depressants that slow down bodily functions, often causing a person to feel sedated or euphoric. Our bodies contain opioid receptors throughout the nervous system. When these receptors are stimulated, it causes a temporary feeling of euphoria, or a “high”, and it also blocks certain chemicals in the body that cause us to feel pain.

Stimulants have the opposite effect, increasing energy or alertness.

Did You Know?

It is against Mississippi law to take any medication prescribed for another person.

Fentanyl and Illicit Fentanyl

Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the U.S.

There are two types of fentanyl:

  • Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by a doctor to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
  • Illicit fentanyl is manufactured illegally and sold without a prescription. It is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder. Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It can be made into pills that resemble genuine prescription opioids, or can be mixed with illegal heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine to increase their effects.

Addiction and Overdose

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. In fact, as many as one in four patients taking opioids for long periods under a doctor's care can face problems with opioid addiction. Once addicted, dependence on opioids can be hard to break. In 2016, more than 11.5 million Americans reported misusing prescription opioids in the past year. Taking too many prescription opioids can stop a person’s breathing—leading to death

Naloxone (Narcan) now available by request from your pharmacist or by mail. Naloxone can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. You don't need a prescription to keep this emergency medication on hand. Your pharmacist will provide it by request, or you can have the Mississippi State Department of Health mail it directly to you at no cost. If you or someone you know is at an increased risk for opioid overdose, you should carry naloxone and keep it at home.

Last reviewed on Jan 3, 2023 request edits
Mississippi State Department of Health 570 East Woodrow Wilson Dr Jackson, MS 39216 866‑HLTHY4U Contact and information

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