Fentanyl Misuse & Addiction

The Fentanyl Misuse and Addiction topic includes research on the prevention, treatment, and outcomes of fentanyl misuse, addiction, and overdose. This topic also includes fentanyl contamination as well as treating opioid use disorder involving fentanyl or fentanyl analogs, such as carfentanil, remifentanil, and sufentanil.

Fentanyl is a potent, highly addictive, laboratory-produced opioid that can be fatal in even small doses. Taken as prescribed, fentanyl effectively reduces pain; however, even used correctly it can have negative health effects, including drowsiness and nausea. Fentanyl also can be a hidden contaminant in counterfeit medications or illicit drugs. Individuals can be completely unaware that what they took was tainted with fentanyl.

Opioid addiction is a national crisis. NIH research has developed tools to fight misuse and addiction, such as NARCAN® Nasal Spray, which can interrupt a potential overdose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder or withdrawal symptoms.