In the fall of 2019, a new synthetic opioid made its debut in the U.S. The drug, called isotonitazene (ISO), is as dangerous and deadly as fentanyl, prompting the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to send out national warnings nationwide. What exactly is ISO, and why is it such a threat in the world of opiates?

What Is Isotonitazene?

Isotonitazene (ISO) or “new fentanyl,” is one of the newest synthetic opioids gaining popularity within the world of designer drugs. ISO belongs to the benzimidazole class of opioids. Its potency is similar to fentanyl, and it can be found in pill form, powder, and liquid. Isotonitazene was first synthesized in the 1950s as an opioid alternative for medical use and remained in obscurity until 2019 when it was identified by authorities in the Midwest U.S. In 2020, the DEA classified ISO as a Schedule I substance.

The primary source of isotonitazene is China, where it’s manufactured, marketed, and then exported worldwide. It’s typically mixed with other drugs to create a more potent and cheaper end product. In 2022, the DEA reported that most of the ISO they analyzed was in the form of “cheap filler” for other illicit substances, such as heroin, or sold as counterfeit versions of opioids like hydromorphone.

The population that’s likely to abuse isotonitazene appears to be the same as those abusing prescription opioid analgesics, heroin, tramadol, fentanyl, and other synthetic drugs. As with many synthetic opioids, isotonitazene’s effects range from euphoria and numbness to breathing difficulty, coma, and death.

Why Is Isotonitazene Dangerous?

The major concern is that the potency of isotonitazene can—and has—caused deadly overdoses in unsuspecting victims. While there’s still limited study data available because ISO is so new to the scene, overdose deaths involving the drug have been reported in Europe, Canada, and the midwestern U.S.

Because isotonitazene is produced and distributed illegally, many users are unaware of its strength and potential risks. People can unwittingly consume doses that far exceed safe limits, increasing the likelihood of unintentional overdoses and other health risks. The drug acts on the central nervous system, depressing respiratory function. This effect, coupled with its potency, heightens the risk of respiratory failure—a critical factor in each fatal opioid overdose.

Tragically, many overdose victims have no idea they’re ingesting this dangerous and extremely potent drug. According to the DEA, ISO currently can only be properly identified after a lab test, so most people don’t realize they’re buying it until it’s too late.

Drug addiction is a far-reaching and complicated issue that affects millions worldwide. In 2021, 46.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including  24.0 million who had a drug use disorder and 7.3 million people who had both an alcohol use disorder and a drug use disorder. Understanding drug addiction and why some get caught up in its drip leads to a commonly asked question: What is the most addictive drug?

What Is Drug Addiction?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. While people can become addicted to many substances from coffee to gambling, drug addiction (or substance use disorder) can be difficult to overcome.

Getting hooked on drugs like marijuana, nicotine, or heroin can happen to anyone. It often starts when someone tries a recreational drug in social situations, just to see what it’s like. But for some, especially with opioids, things escalate and become more regular. With opioids, it can even start when someone takes prescribed medicines or gets them from others who have prescriptions.

Different drugs have different risks, and some, like opioid painkillers, can get you hooked faster than others. So, it’s important to be aware of the risks and how quickly addiction can happen.

Understanding the neurobiology of drug addiction is important. The most dangerous drugs impact the brain’s reward system, creating a cycle of cravings and compulsive use. This leads to a cycle of addiction and the need for a professional treatment program. 

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What do crack pipes look like?” or perhaps discovered a strange item among a loved one’s possessions? If so, you’re not alone. From the ins and outs of crack itself to what a crack pipe actually looks like, we’ll provide the insight you need to build a better understanding.

What Is Crack?

Crack is the crystalline (solid) form of cocaine, hence the name crack cocaine. Crack is made by adding ammonia to a mixture of cocaine and water, creating a milky white solution known as a freebase. This combination elicits a quick, intense high. The powerful euphoric effects, while incredibly short-lived, are the reason why crack is considered the most addictive form of cocaine.

To truly understand why people abuse crack, it’s important to understand its origins, production, and how it differs from its powdered counterpart, cocaine.

When it comes to medications and their classifications, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of pharmaceutical terms. One question that has been gaining attention is, “Is ketamine an opioid?”

What Is Ketamine? 

Ketamine is a powerful drug with a number of medical uses. Originally used as anesthesia during surgery, ketamine is now used in hospitals for pain relief, as a sedative, and as a promising antidepressant. The medical use of ketamine is approved by the FDA, and these days, ketamine therapy is considered safe and effective. While ketamine has an impressive list of benefits and potentially lifesaving uses, many people abuse it without medical supervision.

When used recreationally, ketamine (slang terms include cat valium, K, special K) is a dissociative analgesic. This refers to its pain-relieving qualities, as well as the “out-of-body” effect some users experience. Ketamine can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia (no memory of events while under the influence of the drug). Because of its sedative effects, many people use it as a date-rape drug.

Like many recreational drugs, ketamine can cause specific changes in your brain chemistry that may lead to misuse, abuse, or addiction. Because of its addictive nature and effects on brain chemistry, ketamine is now classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. It can be found laced in weed, as a powder, and as an injection.

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

If you’re wondering, “How long does ketamine last?” you have to look at its half-life (the time it takes for the body to get rid of 50 percent of the drug). The half-life of ketamine can range from 45 minutes to four hours. Ketamine usually clears from the body within one to three days. The exact time it takes your system to eliminate ketamine depends on a variety of factors, like:

• Age
• Health
• Body mass
• Metabolism
• Drug dosage

Is Ketamine an Opioid?

The clear-cut answer is no: ketamine is not an opioid. Despite being used for pain relief and having sedative properties, ketamine works differently from opioids. Opioids primarily bind to mu-opioid receptors, altering the perception of pain and often leading to euphoria. In contrast, ketamine targets NMDA (N methyl D aspartate), blocking the activity of glutamate. Opioids act as central nervous system depressants, creating a sense of relaxation and euphoria. Ketamine, on the other hand, induces dissociation and alters sensory perception.

Why Is There Confusion About Ketamine vs Opioids?

In 2018, an article was published about using ketamine in combination with an opioid receptor blocker also known as naltrexone. Researchers found that patients given ketamine with naltrexone had less of an antidepressant effect. From
this, people presumed that since ketamine’s effect was decreased with an opioid-receptor blocker, then it must be an opioid.

However, another pilot study that looked at the combination of naltrexone and ketamine found that pre-treatment with naltrexone had no effect on ketamine’s antidepressant effect. Instead, they found it may actually be a benefit for those who have a combined alcohol use disorder with depression.

Because the overwhelming evidence shows that ketamine works primarily on the NMDA receptor, then it is not a true opioid.

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Like many addictive recreational drugs, ketamine can cause specific changes in your brain chemistry that may lead to misuse, abuse, or addiction. That said, evidence suggests that ketamine has a low potential for addiction compared to opioids.

Studies indicate that Ketamine users are less likely to develop a dependency on the drug. The dissociative and hallucinogenic effects may deter recreational use, reducing the risk of habitual consumption. However, after prolonged misuse of ketamine, users develop tolerance. When you develop a tolerance for ketamine, you end up needing more of the drug to get the same effects. After continued use of ketamine, you can develop a strong psychological dependence on ketamine.

A ketamine high is short and can end abruptly. Thus, ketamine users often take the drug in a binge pattern to maintain the high over a long time. This can lead to building tolerance quickly. When stopping ketamine use, ketamine withdrawal symptoms begin—typically around 24 hours after your last dose. Frequent ketamine users report trying but often failing to stop using ketamine, so medical supervised detox is recommended.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Actor Matthew Perry’s tragic death from “the acute effects of ketamine” raised many questions about the drug. But the truth is ketamine therapy — a treatment Perry was receiving under medical supervision — is an exciting frontier in mental health treatment. This innovative approach involves the controlled administration of ketamine to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Ketamine often delivers rapid relief, making it a promising option for individuals who haven’t responded well to other treatments.

In 2021, international group of experts on mood disorders published a paper on the current evidence of two forms of the ketamine — a nasal spray called esketamine and intravenous ketamine — for managing treatment-resistant depression. They noted that the drugs offer “opportunity and hope” to patients, but that there is an “urgent need to clarify the long-term efficacy of these agents as well as significant unanswered questions with respect to safety.” A trusted physician or mental health-care provider should be consulted and present if ketamine therapy is a treatment option for you.

The Experience: Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?

An intriguing aspect of ketamine therapy is an altered state of consciousness. Patients may experience a “K-hole,” characterized by profound dissociation and introspection. However, it’s essential to distinguish this from the typical notion of getting high. The therapeutic effects of Ketamine are rooted in its ability to reset neural pathways, offering a new perspective to those struggling with mental health challenges.

Candidacy Considerations

While Ketamine therapy holds promise, it’s not suitable for everyone. Ketamine treatment, in general, is for people suffering from serious mental illness who have tried other medications with little or no relief. It has been most widely studied in people with treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidality. It may also benefit patients with conditions such as PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

People with certain conditions such as psychosis generally are not candidates for therapeutic ketamine.

Ketamine Addiction Treatment at Aliya 

If you or a loved one are struggling with ketamine use, Aliya Health Group’s treatment programs are here to help. Detox is the first step on your path to recovery. Medical detox provides a highly structured care plan, including 24/7 monitoring. It’s a way to safely and effectively begin treatment for drug addiction. You’ll have high-quality support as you go through ketamine withdrawal.

Your medically supported detox will cater to your unique treatment needs. That’s why medical detox begins with a comprehensive assessment. You’ll meet with a medical doctor and discuss your medical and psychiatric history. Then licensed professionals will assist you with an individualized plan.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Transportation aid
• Skills to manage cravings
• Aftercare referrals

Treatment does not end with medical detox. After reaching stability, you will need aftercare support for your psychological well-being. This is crucial to addiction recovery. Our team will work with you to create a specialized treatment approach to support your full recovery from ketamine addiction.

Treatment after detox includes:

• Relapse prevention
• Therapy
• Medical support
• Mental health support
• Life-skills training

While it can feel scary to begin the detox process, the prognosis for recovery from ketamine abuse is very good. And you don’t have to do it alone. Allow us to help you take your first step on your journey to recovery.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a strong stimulant that’s become a major player in the world of substance abuse. One of the key questions that arises is, “what does methamphetamine look like?” From the physical characteristics of meth to its various forms and the broader impact of its use, understanding this dangerous drug can save lives.

What Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth (methamphetamine) is a potent and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Some slang terms you might hear for methamphetamine are meth, chalk, crank, crystal, glass, tweak, ice, or tina. Originating from illegal labs, crystal meth is a man-made drug derived from amphetamine, a synthetic mood-altering stimulant.

A Japanese chemist first synthesized meth in 1893. In 1919, the chemist Akira Ogata streamlined the manufacturing process. He created crystal meth by combining phosphorus and iodine. Today, meth is typically made by combining over-the-counter medications and toxic chemicals. The process is dangerous, leading not only to the production of the drug but also hazardous waste.

The production, sale, and use of methamphetamine are illegal in most places due to its high potential for abuse and severe health risks.

What Does Meth Feel Like?

Methamphetamine greatly increases the release of dopamine in the brain, resulting in intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Smoking or injecting meth puts the drug very quickly into the bloodstream and brain, causing an immediate, intense “rush” or “flash.” This lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Snorting or oral ingestion produces a euphoric high, but not an intense rush. Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and oral ingestion produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

How Long Is Meth in Your System?

Many people wonder: how long does meth last? The effects of meth can last anywhere from around 8-24 hours, depending on how much is taken, the time of day, how it was administered (IV, oral, etc.), how well the kidneys and liver are functioning, and your unique body chemistry. The physical consequences of meth use can be severe, including dental issues (often referred to as “meth mouth”), skin sores, and mental health deterioration.

Startling Meth Statistics

Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, about 2.5 million people reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months. Statistics also indicate a disturbing rise in methamphetamine-related incidents. In 2021, approximately 32,537 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential other than cocaine (primarily methamphetamine).

What Does Methamphetamine Look Like?

Because methamphetamine can be produced using many different methods, its appearance can vary dramatically. In its purest form, meth is a white crystalline powder that’s odorless, bitter-tasting, and dissolves easily in water or alcohol.

Depending on how the meth was made, it can come in a variety of hues, including brown, yellow-gray, orange, blue, and pink. Meth manufacturers have been known to add food coloring or dye to batches of meth to help sell their product. Meth producers will often cut real meth with other substances, or sell counterfeit powders to pass it off as what looks like meth.

Meth can also be compressed into pill form or a less-common waxy, gooey oil called meth base.

People use methamphetamine in several ways. Some smoke it, some snort it, and others inject it. The way it’s consumed can affect the intensity and duration of the drug’s impact.

Meth’s Portrayal in Society and Media

Often depicted as a destructive force, methamphetamine’s impact on individuals and communities has been showcased in many documentaries, TV shows, and movies. Characters struggling with addiction are portrayed as erratic, desperate, and sometimes violent. These portrayals serve as cautionary tales, aiming to highlight the dangers of methamphetamine abuse.

It’s essential to recognize that media portrayals can sometimes oversimplify the complex issue of methamphetamine addiction. While they shed light on the negative aspects of the drug, they may not capture the underlying factors contributing to addiction, such as socioeconomic challenges, mental health issues, and lack of access to proper treatment. The media’s portrayal can also contribute to the stigmatization of individuals facing methamphetamine addiction. This stigma can hinder their willingness to seek help and perpetuate misconceptions about the nature of addiction.

Depictions of meth use and distribution can also have a real-world impact. Several years ago, for example, meth manufacturers started adding blue coloring to the drug to mimic the supposedly pure-blue meth featured on the TV series Breaking Bad.

Signs and Symptoms of Meth Abuse

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of meth abuse is crucial for early intervention. Here are some key indicators:

Behavioral Signs

• Hyperfocus and repetitive behaviors, like constantly picking at the skin or compulsively cleaning
• Social isolation
• Strained relationships

Psychological Signs

• Cognitive impairment, including memory issues, limited attention span, poor decision-making abilities, impaired judgment
• Mood swings ranging from extreme euphoria to intense irritability, are common
• Hyperactivity, talkativeness
• Paranoia and hallucinations
• Aggression

Physical Health Signs

• Cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and increased risk of heart attack
• Tooth loss and decay (known as “meth mouth)
• Erratic sleep patterns
• Rapid weight loss
• Dilated pupils
• Acne

Environmental Clues

• Presence of paraphernalia, such as pipes, syringes, or small bags with crystal-like residue, can indicate meth use

How Is Crystal Meth Addiction Treated?

Addressing crystal meth addiction involves a comprehensive approach that considers an individual’s physical, mental, and social aspects. Treatment typically includes:

• Detoxification under medical supervision to safely remove methamphetamine from the body
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, support groups
• Medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings

Meth Treatment at Aliya Health Group

A meth addiction is difficult to overcome, but possible with the right treatment, support, and motivation. Aliya Health Group offers evidence-based substance abuse and mental health treatment that addresses the root causes of methamphetamine addiction.

Our holistic approach to addiction treatment teaches you healthier ways to cope without the drug and helps you begin repairing the mental and physical effects of meth abuse. Our tailored treatment programs encompass:

Detox Services: Medically supervised detoxification to ensure a safe withdrawal process.

Therapeutic Approaches: To address the underlying causes of addiction, including trauma, a dual-diagnosis, and other challenges

Aftercare Planning: Continued support and resources for a successful transition back to daily life

If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, seeking help is the first step towards a healthier future. Aliya Health Group is here to support you on that journey.

In the vast expanse of the internet, where convenience often collides with danger, a critical question arises: Is it safe to buy crystal meth online? While it may be possible to buy illegal drugs like meth online, the consequences associated with doing so far outweigh any benefits.

What Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth, a shortened term for crystal methamphetamine, is a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, it shares its legal status with drugs like cocaine and morphine. The crystalline form of methamphetamine is illegal, and its production, sale, and use are strictly prohibited.

Commonly referred to as “meth, “crystal meth blue,” and other slang terms, crystal meth has left a lasting mark on popular culture through various media portrayals. This infamous drug has gained popularity due to its potential to provide intense euphoric effects, increased energy, and heightened alertness.

Some meth abusers say crystal meth produces a high like none other. The drug works by flooding the brain with extremely high amounts of dopamine. The high is quick and strong. Very high levels of dopamine can make you feel euphoric and invincible. Users can quickly develop an addiction to meth and tolerance to its pleasurable effects.

Crystal Meth vs. Crack

Crystal meth often is compared to crack cocaine. The drugs produce similar physiological effects, are highly addictive, and typically are smoked using a glass pipe. When not using a crystal meth pipe, meth can also be injected. Immediately after smoking or injecting crystal meth, people experience a brief rush that’s followed by a high that may last 12 hours or more. Crack users experience the same effects, but only for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Startling Statistics on Crystal Meth Use

According to recent statistics, crystal meth abuse has seen a concerning rise, with alarming rates of addiction and related crimes.

• Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 0.9% (or about 2.5 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months (2021 DT 1.1).
• That same study showed that among people aged 12 or older in 2021, an estimated 0.6% (or about 1.6 million people) had a methamphetamine use disorder in the past 12 months (2021 DT 5.1).
• In 2022, an estimated 0.2% of 8th graders, 0.3% of 10th graders, and 0.5% of 12th graders reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.
• In 2021, approximately 32,537 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential other than cocaine (primarily methamphetamine).

While online sales are only a small fraction of the total global drug trade, the impact is widespread. For example, according to a 2016 study, recreational and pharmaceutical drugs were the most popular products sold through online marketplaces. Illegal drug sales generated approximately $27 million between December 2013 and July 2015 in the U.S.

Xanax is the most widely prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. It’s the brand name for the drug alprazolam and belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Primarily prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, It is possible to safely use Xanax, but this means using it according to prescription instructions while under doctor supervision. While effective for its intended purposes, Xanax carries potential risks, including the potential for dependence and addiction. Some people with a Xanax use disorder may try to buy Xanax from Mexico or other untrustworthy sources. That is never a good idea. 

A total of 30.6 million adults (12.6%) reported past-year benzodiazepine use-25.3 million (10.4%) as prescribed and 5.3 million (2.2%) misuse.

How Does Xanax Work?

Xanax is often prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. It is an alternative to Valium, another kind of benzodiazepine that treats anxiety and panic attacks.

Panic and anxiety are usually caused by excess activity in the brain. Xanax and other benzodiazepines cause you to feel calm because they influence a chemical messenger in the brain, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Xanax causes an increase of GABA in the brain, which elicits a feeling of calm and provides short-term relief from feelings of panic or anxiety. It is normal to start at the lowest most effective dose and work your way up as you build tolerance and as your doctor sees fit. Xanax also works quickly. Some people feel different after 15 to 20 minutes, though it may take up to an hour to feel its effects. Once taken, the effects of Xanax can last up to six hours.

Xanax can also be used as a one-time medication for certain panic-inducing situations, such as fear of flying or the temporary effects of a phobia.

How Long for Xanax to Kick In?

If you are taking Xanax, it will generally take 15 minutes to an hour for the effects to kick in. Within this time frame, you will start experiencing the effects of the drug. Xanax is absorbed by the body very quickly.  You should feel a sedative, relaxing effect within one hour of taking it.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Many people wonder how long it takes for Xanax to kick in and stay in the body. Xanax concentration peaks in the bloodstream 1–2 hours after you take it. It may take your body about five days to fully get rid of Xanax.

How Long Does Xanax Last?

Typically, the body eliminates half of the drug after 11 hours, but this varies between people.

In August 2022, drug enforcement authorities noted that pills containing the fentanyl were being manufactured in various colors. Commonly known as rainbow fentanyl, these pills come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. So, what are rainbow fentanyl pills and why are they such a threat to kids and young adults? It’s important to understand the dangers of prescription opioids and explore treatment options that can help you or someone you know recover from fentanyl addiction.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a frequently prescribed opioid painkiller that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Its remarkable strength makes it an effective treatment in managing the most severe forms of pain, such as breakthrough cancer pain and post-surgical pain. However, fentanyl’s strength also contributes to the unfortunate prevalence of opioid addiction.

As a member of the opioid family of medications, fentanyl functions by blocking pain receptors in the brain while simultaneously increasing the production of dopamine. Dopamine, a crucial brain chemical, plays a pivotal role in regulating the learning and reward system. It also significantly influences our ability to manage pain, experience happiness, and feel pleasure.

The unparalleled potency of fentanyl, coupled with its euphoric effects, results in a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Regrettably, the prescription drug’s highly addictive nature has propelled it to the forefront of the opioid crisis. Now, fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.

What are Common Slang Terms for Fentanyl

While fentanyl can be taken safely for prescribed medical use, its role in illicit drug use continues to rise. Like all prescription and illegal drugs found on the black market, fentanyl is know by a variety of street names. Common slang terms for fentanyl include:

• China white
• China girl
• TNT
• Crush
• Dance fever

These aliases often change from one region to next, assisting in the concealment of its underground circulation. They also highlight fentanyl’s popularity and widespread misuse. For this reason, it’s essential to recognize and understand the dangers associated with fentanyl. Increased awareness, education, and access to evidence-based treatment options are all crucial components of addressing the challenges of fentanyl addiction.

Fentanyl Statistics

Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Drug poisonings are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.  Fentanyl available in the United States is primarily supplied by two criminal drug networks, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Fentanyl has been implicated in overdose deaths because it is commonly used to lace other drugs, like heroin. Frequently, people do not even know that fentanyl is in the drug they are taking. This results in many unintentional overdoses.

Campus Drug Prevention, an initiative by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), says that fentanyl-laced cocaine is a particular concern across college campuses today. If you use any illicit drug, there is the possibility that it is laced with fentanyl.

Popular Name Brands and Routes of Administration of Fentanyl

Many people wonder, “What does prescription fentanyl look like ad how is it taken?” There are many different types of prescription fentanyl, including:

• Actiq: Known as fentanyl lollipop, this is administered under the tongue for quick pain relief. It’s used for patients who are already taking painkiller medication.
• Duragesic: Designed in the form of a skin patch, this type of fentanyl is prescribed to treat severe to moderate pain, with the effects lasting as long as three days.
• Sublimaze: Hospitals administer this form of heroin through an IV injection to manage pain before and after surgery.
• Subsys: This sublingual spray is administered under an individual’s tongue to deliver pain relief immediately for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain.
• Abstral: Primarily used for opioid-tolerant patients who experience breakthrough cancer pain, this comes in tablet form that dissolves quickly by being placed under the tongue.
• Lazanda: This fentanyl nasal spray gets into a person’s system quickly.

Illicit fentanyl sold on the street is usually found in pill or tablet form. Illegal fentanyl may sometimes be sold in brightly colored pills called rainbow fentanyl. It is also sold as powder, on blotter paper, as tablets that look like other prescription medication, or as a liquid.

It is important to note that fentanyl should only be prescribed by a trained healthcare professional. This is because fentanyl — both as a prescription and as an illegal drug — has a high potential for abuse and can lead to overdose if not taken as directed.