When it comes to dangerous substances, few compare to the potency of synthetic opioids like Carfentanil and Fentanyl. Both of these drugs are involved in the ongoing opioid crisis, and both are linked to increasing overdose deaths across the United States. However, many people may not fully understand the differences between them or the immense risks they pose.
What is Carfentanil?
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is primarily used as a tranquilizer for large animals, such as elephants. It’s a powerful analgesic, about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and roughly 100 times stronger than morphine. This extreme potency is the main reason why carfentanil is not safe for human consumption. While it can be useful in veterinary medicine, even a small exposure can be fatal for people.
Effects of Carfentanil
When people come into contact with carfentanil, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the effects can be devastating. Carfentanil is so potent that it can cause respiratory depression—slowed or stopped breathing—within minutes. It has the same euphoric effects as other opioids, but they are much stronger and come with a heightened risk of overdose. Users may experience extreme drowsiness and confusion and even lose consciousness in a very short period. Its powerful effects can be fatal even in amounts as small as a grain of salt.
Dangers of Carfentanil
The dangers of carfentanil are not just confined to its potency. This drug is frequently mixed with other illicit drugs, such as heroin, without the knowledge of the user. As a result, someone who thinks they are using heroin may inadvertently overdose on carfentanil, which can lead to death. Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin, and inhalation of its powder can also cause harm. This makes it highly dangerous for law enforcement, medical personnel, or anyone who might encounter it accidentally.
In recent years, carfentanil has been linked to an increase in overdose deaths. Its presence in street drugs has contributed to the growing opioid epidemic, especially in areas where fentanyl and heroin are commonly abused.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is another synthetic opioid, but unlike carfentanil, it is prescribed for medical use, primarily for patients with severe pain, such as those recovering from surgery or undergoing cancer treatments. It is about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is used in hospitals and clinics for pain management. Fentanyl can be administered in several forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable forms.
Effects of Fentanyl
When used under the care of a healthcare professional, fentanyl is highly effective in managing severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing pain relief and a sense of euphoria. However, when misused, fentanyl can quickly become addictive. Many people who misuse fentanyl do so by obtaining it from the black market, where it is often laced into other substances such as heroin or counterfeit prescription pills.
The effects of fentanyl include intense feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. However, these effects come with a significant downside. Fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, meaning it slows down or stops breathing, which is the leading cause of death in fentanyl overdoses.
Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl’s strength makes it highly dangerous, especially when it is taken outside of medical supervision. The drug’s potency means that even a small error in dosage can result in an overdose. It is especially dangerous when mixed with other substances, as users often don’t know they are consuming fentanyl until it’s too late. In fact, fentanyl-related overdoses have become a major issue in the opioid epidemic, contributing to a rise in overdose deaths. According to the CDC, fentanyl was involved in nearly 75% of all opioid-related overdose deaths in 2020.
Carfentanil vs Fentanyl: Key Differences
While carfentanil and fentanyl belong to the same class of synthetic opioids, there are some significant differences between them. These differences play a major role in determining the relative dangers of each substance.
Potency
The most notable difference between carfentanil and fentanyl is their potency. Carfentanil is far stronger than fentanyl—about 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 100 times stronger than morphine. Because of its extreme potency, carfentanil is far more likely to cause overdose and death in very small quantities. A dosage the size of a grain of salt could be lethal.
Fentanyl, while still highly potent, is somewhat less likely to cause immediate death from a small accidental dose, though the risk of overdose is still high, especially when it is mixed with other illicit drugs.
Medical Use
Fentanyl has legitimate medical uses. It is prescribed for managing severe pain and is used in controlled settings under medical supervision. Carfentanil, on the other hand, has no medical use for humans and is exclusively used as a veterinary tranquilizer. This key difference makes carfentanil even more dangerous, as it was never intended for human use and is often encountered in illicit substances.
Risk of Overdose
Both substances carry a high risk of overdose. Fentanyl-related overdoses are common, particularly in areas where heroin is mixed with fentanyl. In some cases, users may not even be aware that they are taking fentanyl, as it is often disguised as heroin or other street drugs. The risk is even higher with carfentanil, as its extreme potency makes it much easier to overdose on, even if the user is experienced with opioids.
Effects and Dangers of Carfentanil and Fentanyl
The effects and dangers of both carfentanil and fentanyl are largely similar, though carfentanil is far more perilous due to its potency. Both drugs can cause respiratory depression, which may lead to death if not treated immediately. Other side effects include confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, and, in severe cases, coma. The danger comes from their strength and the speed at which they can overwhelm the body’s systems.
How to Recognize the Dangers
Recognizing the dangers of these opioids is critical. Symptoms of overdose include shallow or stopped breathing, blue lips or nails, cold and clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. Immediate intervention with naloxone (Narcan), an opioid overdose reversal medication, can save lives, but timing is critical. If you suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl or carfentanil, seek emergency help immediately.
Contact Our Team
Knowing the risks of carfentanil and fentanyl is essential for anyone in contact with opioids. While both drugs are extremely dangerous, carfentanil’s potency makes it even more lethal. Recognizing their effects can help prevent overdoses and save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek professional help right away. At 12 South Recovery, we provide expert addiction and mental health services to support individuals in overcoming substance abuse. Contact us today to learn how we can help.