What Does Fentanyl Taste Like?
Fentanyl is not a new drug. It was introduced in 1959, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that abuse of the drug started to increase. In recent years, it’s becoming more common to see other illicit drugs, like heroin, be cut or laced with fentanyl.
If someone is concerned they’ve inadvertently bought heroin or another drug that’s been mixed with fentanyl, they might wonder what fentanyl tastes like, as a way to identify it.
Unfortunately, many forms of illicit fentanyl don’t necessarily have a specific taste, color or odor, which makes it extremely difficult to identify whether or not you’re taking it.
Here is some additional information about Fentanyl including what it is, how it’s taken and what it can look like.
In most instances, it’s intended for people who are opioid-tolerant. It can also be used for certain surgeries and procedures as part of anesthesia as well.
Because of its potency, which is up to 100 times the strength of morphine, there are strict guidelines stating why and to whom Fentanyl can be prescribed. The strict guidelines exist because there is a significant potential for abuse and because of its potency, for overdose.
While fentanyl is approved for prescription purposes, it is often manufactured illegally and sold on the black market. Not only is fentanyl sold on its own, but it’s being mixed with other drugs like heroin and Xanax. People may not know they’re buying something cut with fentanyl and this can increase the risk of overdose and death.
Mixing Fentanyl with other drugs has contributed to the spike in the number of opiate overdose cases in recent years.
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Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700The other ways fentanyl can be prescribed include a tablet that dissolves and is absorbed by the oral mucous membranes, or as a lollipop or lozenge. In a hospital setting, it can also be given intravenously.
As far as abusing fentanyl, it is taken in many of the same ways as heroin. It can be injected, snorted, smoked or the patches can even be chewed or eaten. The effects of the drug occur extremely fast because fentanyl crosses the blood-brain barrier much quicker than morphine or other opiates.
It’s challenging to determine unique characteristics of fentanyl in most situations, other than by looking at its chemical makeup, which is one reason why it’s so dangerous for people when they buy heroin and other drugs laced with it. In some cases, heroin may have a more yellow tint to it on its own and it may look more white if it’s laced with fentanyl, but this may not always be a reliable distinguishing feature.
Have more questions about Fentanyl abuse?
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See more topicsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700