On April 21, the world was shocked and saddened to learn that iconic musician Prince had died at age 57, and many people had one burning question why?
Officials later revealed that the singer passed from a fentanyl overdose, but Prince did not possess a prescription for the synthetic opiate painkiller. According to the Associated Press, nearly two dozen counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, and falsely labeled as “Watson 385,” were found in one Aleve bottle at his Paisley Hills estate. Autopsy reports showed that Prince had so much fentanyl in his system at the time of his death that it would have killed any adult, regardless of size. The Star Tribune reported that the 5 foot 2 inch singer weighed only 112 pounds the day of his death.
Hundreds of people have overdosed on the drug since 2013, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. But what exactly is fentanyl, and what makes it so dangerous? Now that the questions around Prince’s death have been answered, people want to learn more about fentanyl and its effects. This following information was compiled from WebMD and Narconon.
What is fentanyl?
A painkiller that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine
Typically, fentanyl is available as a skin patch, lozenge, pills, shots, sublingual film, nasal spray, or is given intravenously, according to WebMD
A person on this drug will feel anesthetized and oblivious to any problems or concerns, Narconon reported
Who is prescribed fentanyl
Fentanyl is frequently used to help people deal with cancer pain
Some people who are already taking long-lasting opiates for pain will also take fentanyl for “breakthrough” pain — which are sensations that break through the opiate barrier
Older adults and people with lung disease should use caution if they’re taking the drug
How does it work?
Fentanyl targets specific receptors in your brain and spinal cord to decrease the feeling of pain and reduce your emotional response to pain
The drug takes effect rapidly, but then its effects pass quickly
What are the typical side effects of the drug?
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Weakness and fatigue
Feelings of elation or euphoria
Dry mouth
Difficulty urinating
Difficulty breathing
Constipation, which may be severe
What ricks are associated with taking fentanyl?
Patients could develop a drug dependency to fentanyl and their body will expect the medicine daily
It is very easy to overdose on fentanyl
Individuals have overdosed when they mixed fentanyl with either cocaine or heroin. It can also react with other prescription drugs
Heat can increase the amount of fentanyl released from the patch, which causes more risk of serious side effects