Fentanyl: A General Approach

Abstract

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid from the phenylpiperidine group, 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin (Walter, 2023). It is currently the drug of first choice for general sedation, as it presents a lower risk of surgical respiratory arrest and post-surgical physical dependence. However, despite its specific therapeutic uses and due to its mechanism of action, it is a substance that, if consumed without medical supervision, can cause addiction in those who consume it. Sustained and abusive use of fentanyl affects health and, at the mental level, can generate symptoms such as decreased impulse control, alterations in thought content (delusions, paranoia), and sensory perception (illusions and hallucinations). At the physical level, it increases the risk of seizures and severe respiratory depression, and, compared to other substances, the risk of overdose and death is higher (Kilwein et al., 2018). Furthermore, it causes neurobiological changes that can persist for decades after cessation of use (Volkow & Blanco, 2023). In conclusion, recreational and illicit fentanyl use represents a major threat to public health.