There is a lot of confusion about the difference between fentanyl and heroin. Some people believe that they are the same drug, while others think that heroin is a more pure form of fentanyl. In reality, they are two very different drugs with unique properties. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between fentanyl and heroin.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. Fentanyl can be administered as a patch, lozenge, or injection, and it is also available in illicitly manufactured tablets, which are often sold as counterfeit drugs such as OxyContin or Vicodin.
Although it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and addiction, fentanyl is still prescribed for legitimate medical use. While the therapeutic effects of fentanyl can be lifesaving for patients in severe pain, the abuse of this drug can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death. As such, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the risks associated with fentanyl use and to monitor patients carefully for signs of abuse or dependence.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug. It is a synthetic opioid that is typically sold as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” When heroin is used, it is usually injected, sniffed, or smoked. Heroin enters the brain quickly and binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing.
Short-term effects of heroin include feelings of euphoria, dry mouth, heaviness in the extremities, and clouded mental functioning. Long-term effects of heroin include addiction, collapsed veins, abscesses (swollen tissue filled with pus), liver disease, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Death from overdose can occur within minutes from respiratory failure.
Difference between Fentanyl and Heroin
Fentanyl and heroin are both opioids, meaning they work by binding to certain receptors in the brain to produce a sense of pleasure. However, there are some important differences between the two drugs. For one, fentanyl is much more potent than heroin. This means that it takes a smaller dose to produce the same effect, which also makes it more likely to cause an overdose.
In addition, fentanyl is often sold as a powder, which makes it easier to inhale or inject and increases the risk of accidentally inhaling or injecting too much. Finally, fentanyl is sometimes used to cut heroin, which can lead to users unknowingly taking too high of a dose. Because of these dangers, it is important for users to be aware of the difference between fentanyl and heroin. While both drugs can be addictive and dangerous, understanding the difference between them is crucial for preventing overdoses and other serious consequences.
Conclusion
Fentanyl and heroin are both opioids, but they have different chemical structures and effects. Heroin is made from morphine, which is extracted from the opium poppy plant. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was first developed in 1959 as an anesthetic for surgery. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Both drugs can be addictive and cause serious health problems, but fentanyl is particularly dangerous because it can be absorbed through the skin, making it easy to overdose on.
