What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Prescription fentanyl is safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor to treat severe pain. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is also distributed through illegal drug markets. Recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. and Texas are linked to illegally made fentanyl.

Illegally manufactured fentanyl is often added to other substances like counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. As a result, many people may not know they're ingesting fentanyl, leading to accidental poisoning.

Even in small doses, fentanyl exposure can cause a life-threatening overdose. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 883 people in Texas died from fentanyl-related overdoses in 2020. Provisional data shows that number climbed to 1,672 deaths in 2021 — an 89% increase. Read more from DSHS about fentanyl-related deaths (PDF).

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas without a prescription.

Signs of an overdose:

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

  • Face is extremely pale and/or feels cold or clammy to the touch

  • Body goes limp

  • Fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color

  • Vomiting or making gurgling noises

  • Cannot be awakened or unable to speak

  • Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops

How to save a life:

  1. Call 911 right away

  2. Try to wake the person up

  3. Give naloxone, if available

  4. Begin rescue breathing or CPR

  5. Turn the person on their side to prevent choking

  6. Stay with the person until emergency services arrive

What Parents Should Know

Whether you want to inform your child of the risks or are concerned about a loved one who uses drugs, it's time to talk about fentanyl. Have a calm, direct conversation, and listen without judgment. Work together to make a plan to stay safe.

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death — for you or someone else. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas without a prescription.

Youth and Young Adults

Many fake pills are made to look just like prescription Xanax (bars), Percocet (perk), opioids (pain killers) like Vicodin and Oxycodone (oxy), and stimulants like Adderall (addy).

These fake pills are increasingly common, and fentanyl, an opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, may be mixed into counterfeit pills. Even in small doses, fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose.

Be prepared to save a life, learn the signs of an overdose and speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home.

Treatment and recovery are possible.

The Texas Targeted Opioid Response supports treatment and recovery providers across the state. Get Help at txopioidresponse.org.

Additionally, Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) providers offer comprehensive fentanyl and other substance use services to all Texans. Callers speak with a trained counselor who can assess needs and refer to a variety of services, including in-person and telehealth access to treatment. To find your local OSAR, go to Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral.