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If you use opioids or other drugs from unregulated sources, it’s important to know about the growing risk of carfentanil. Carfentanil is an extremely strong synthetic opioid that can be mixed into drugs without your knowledge.
As reports of carfentanil increase, it’s important to know the risks, watch for signs of overdose, and take steps that can help keep you and others safer.
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Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid and a fentanyl analog, meaning it’s chemically related to fentanyl. Like fentanyl and morphine, carfentanil works by binding to mu, or opioid, receptors in the brain. When these receptors are activated, it can reduce the feeling of pain and create feelings of euphoria and well-being.
Opioids also affect other areas of the brain that control important functions, such as breathing. When too many opioid receptors are activated, breathing can slow or stop, leading to respiratory depression (slow, shallow, or stopped breathing).
Carfentanil was first used by veterinarians as an animal tranquilizer for very large animals, like elephants. It’s not approved for use in people because even in extremely small amounts, it can be very dangerous. It’s estimated that carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine, meaning even a tiny amount can have life-threatening effects.
Carfentanil is dangerous because it’s very strong. While all opioids can slow down breathing, carfentanil can do so in much smaller amounts compared to fentanyl and morphine. Because of how strong it is, even a tiny amount can overwhelm the brain’s receptors and cause respiratory depression.
Carfentanil is mixed into other street drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and most recently, counterfeit pills — pills made to look like other opioids. You can’t see, smell, or taste carfentanil. People may not realize that it’s mixed in with the drugs that they are taking, which can increase the risk of accidental exposure and overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found a seven-times increase in carfentanil-related overdoses from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024. This sharp increase highlights the growing impact of carfentanil in the United States. Recent reports show its appearance in the illicit drug supply in multiple regions of the United States.
As carfentanil continues to play a role in the illicit drug supply, recognizing the signs of an overdose is important.
A carfentanil overdose can look very similar to an overdose caused by other opioids — such as fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioid pain medications.
Signs of an overdose may include:
While the symptoms are similar, the timing of the symptoms can be fast. Because carfentanil is stronger than other opioids, breathing may slow or stop within minutes.
Yes — naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid blocker that can help reverse the effects of a carfentanil overdose. It should be used as soon as possible if an overdose is suspected. Naloxone works by removing opioids from opioid receptors and taking their place, temporarily reversing their effects on breathing and responsiveness.
However, because carfentanil is so powerful, treating a carfentanil overdose can be very difficult and may require multiple doses of naloxone. Even if a person wakes up after naloxone is given, it’s important that they still go to the hospital because the effects of opioids can return once naloxone wears off.
Naloxone can help reverse the opioid-related effects of a carfentanil overdose, but it won’t reverse the effects of non-opioid substances that may also be involved.
Knowing that naloxone can help save lives is important, but it’s also important to know what to do during an overdose.
If you think someone is having an opioid overdose, it’s a medical emergency. Carfentanil can quickly slow down breathing, and acting fast can save a life.
There are steps that you can take:
Knowing what to do during an overdose can save a life. It’s also important to know what to do to reduce the risk of overdose before it happens.
Carfentanil can be present in street drugs without someone knowing about it. Completely removing the risk of exposure is nearly impossible. However, there are several ways to reduce the risk of overdose:
Harm-reduction strategies can help lower the risk of overdose, but treatment is also available for those living with opioid use disorder.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time with opioid use disorder, effective treatments are available that can reduce the risk of overdose and support long-term recovery. A healthcare provider can help find the right treatment plan for you.
On MyOpioidRecoveryTeam, people share their experiences with opioid use disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you heard of carfentanil, and was any of this information surprising to you? Let others know in the comments below.
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