Fentanyl is an opioid derivative that was first synthesized from the opium plant. After major surgery, doctors often prescribe it as a pain relief option for patients.

 

Moreover, doctors may prescribe fentanyl to cancer patients with long-term pain if the patient has established sensitivity to other opioids.

 

When administered, fentanyl attaches to opioid receptors in the brain's reward and pleasure centers, reducing pain and emotional distress. A natural opioid analgesic called endorphin binds to these similar receptors. The body's natural reaction to a stressor or discomfort triggers the production of beta-endorphins, one of the numerous forms of endorphins.

 

It's not only physical activity or eating a healthy diet that causes the production of endorphins; it's also doing activities that make you happy. Opioid receptors are involved in the reward circuit, providing analgesia and euphoria when activated.

 

Opioid medicines provide enhanced analgesia but also cause an overflow of the brain's reward circuit impulses, leading to feelings of pleasure, which may be counterproductive.

 

Opioid abuse is the medical name for addiction to fentanyl or other opioids. As the brain adjusts to the availability of opioids with prolonged usage, it may become difficult to experience euphoria without opioids like fentanyl. This can fail to derive pleasure from activities one previously enjoyed.

 

Fentanyl is administered to patients through injection, tablet, or patch. However, illicitly made fentanyl is often found in liquid or powder form.

 

It is usually blended with other substances like heroin, amphetamine, and cocaine since it has no flavor, odor, or identifying characteristics and is inexpensive to develop illegitimately.

 

It is also shaped into tablets that resemble common prescription drugs like Valium and Ritalin. Fentanyl is sometimes used in liquid forms, such as eye drops, nasal sprays, etc.