Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Drugs & Paraphernalia
  • Research
    • Data
    • Journal Articles
  • Publications
    • DEA Publications
    • Non-DEA Publications
  • Resources
    • Federal & National
    • State & Local
    • Practitioner's Toolbox
    • Red Ribbon Week
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Views From the Field
  • Upcoming Events
  • The Student Center
  • Menu
Home
CDP twitter CDP facebook CDP instagram CDP linkedin CDP youtube
#deacampus CDP search Sign up for Updates CDP search
  • Menu

CDP: Main Navigation

  • Drugs & Paraphernalia
  • Research
  • Publications
  • Resources
  • Upcoming Events
  • The Student Center
  • Menu

Fentanyl

Image

fentanyl crystals and pills

What is it?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse. Fentanyl is added to heroin to increase its potency, or be disguised as highly potent heroin. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and actually don’t know that they are purchasing fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths. Clandestinely-produced fentanyl is primarily manufactured in Mexico.

Street Names

Apace, China Girl, China Town, China White, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Poison and Tango & Cash

How is it used?

Clandestine fentanyl is typically injected, or inhaled like heroin.

Paraphernalia

Image

Image of needle

Needle

How does it affect the body?

  • Intense, short-term high
  • Temporary feelings of euphoria
  • Slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Fainting
  • Seizures
  • Death
Read More About Fentanyl (pdf)

  • About this site
    • Contact Us
    • Feedback
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • Useful links
    • Drugs & Paraphernalia
    • Find Help
    • Get Smart About Drugs
    • Just Think Twice
  • About DEA
    • Accessibility
    • DEA: Who We Are
    • FOIA
    • Legal Policies and Disclaimers
    • U.S. Department of Justice
    • U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
    • USA.gov
Home
This is a United States Government, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website. The inclusion of a link on this website does not constitute an official endorsement, guarantee, or approval by DEA.