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(The Michigan Daily) Cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid, is raising concern across college campuses after being linked to more than 55 deaths nationally since 2025. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration became aware of the opioid in April 2024, leading The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education to release a public alert reporting an increase in cychlorphine detected in blood specimens from fatal overdoses.
Researchers have expressed concern regarding the potency of the opioid — the drug is up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl and may require multiple doses of Narcan to combat overdoses. As a Schedule I drug, cychlorphine carries a high risk of abuse and dependency. The DEA has also released a public safety advisory on the risks of cychlorphine when mixed with fentanyl.
On Sept. 22, multiple sororities under the University of Michigan’s Fraternity & Sorority Life sent a mass text warning members about cychlorphine, referencing five overdoses in Columbus, Ohio that occurred within the span of 24 hours. The text warned members of the danger of the drug and the special concern that it cannot be identified by a fentanyl test.
“Because it is invisible to common-harm reduction testing tools, emergency personnel and health agencies are emphasizing that if an overdose occurs, naloxone (Narcan) still must be administered immediately,” the text reads. “However, due to the potency of cychlorphine, multiple consecutive doses of Narcan may be required to restore breathing.”