Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms and Risks

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to this drug’s high potency, a fentanyl overdose can be deadly.¹ 

Keep reading to learn about the risks and signs of a fentanyl overdose, what to do in case of an overdose, and treatment options for fentanyl addiction.

Fentanyl Overdose

Although it is sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, fentanyl is also illicitly made in labs, which is the form most frequently associated with overdose. A fentanyl overdose means that a person has taken more of the drug than their body can handle. When this occurs, the drug can overpower the brain and other organs, causing dangerous and potentially fatal effects.^1,2 

Like other opioids, fentanyl affects the brain stem by acting on the body’s opioid receptors. When a person takes too much fentanyl, they can suffer from slowed breathing or they may stop breathing altogether because the brain stem is responsible for controlling the breathing reflex. This is known as respiratory depression and can result in hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain. Hypoxia can lead to coma or even death.^1,2

Illicitly made fentanyl is commonly mixed with other illegal drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines, counterfeit pills, MDMA, and heroin. Drug dealers are increasingly adding fentanyl to street drugs because it is inexpensive, and a small amount produces an intense high.^1,2

However, because it has no taste or smell, someone may not know that their drugs are laced with fentanyl or how much fentanyl they contain. This means people who take illicit drugs could be taking a substance that is much stronger than they think, which further increases the already-present risk of overdose.^1–3

Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly depending on a person’s body weight, tolerance, and prior usage. The DEA found than 42% of seized pills tested for fentanyl contained a potentially lethal dose.⁴

The rising use of fentanyl, both intentionally and unintentionally, has been one the main driving forces behind the current wave of America’s opioid crisis. Overdose deaths skyrocketed in 2021. This was the first time that there were more than 100,000 fatal drug overdoses in the U.S. and over 70% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.^3,5

Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms

Being able to recognize the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose  can help you respond quickly and potentially save someone’s life.²

The signs of a fentanyl or other opioid overdose include:²

• Unconsciousness or inability to waken.
• Slow, shallow, or strained breathing that may sound like choking or gurgling.
• Blue or purple fingernails and lips (the color may appear grayish or ashen in darker complexions).
• Pinpoint pupils or pupils that don’t react to light.
• Vomiting.
• Inability to speak.
• Faint heartbeat.
• Limp arms and legs.

What to Do in Case of a Fentanyl Overdose?

An overdose requires immediate medical attention. If someone is displaying the symptoms mentioned above, call 911 right away and follow these steps:²

• Administer naloxone immediately if you have access to it. Even if you’re not sure if the person has taken opioids, you should provide naloxone because it cannot harm the person, and it won’t have any effect if they haven’t taken opioids.
• Support the person’s breathing by giving them CPR (rescue breaths) if you know how. If not, follow the instructions from the 911 operator. Once breathing is restored, roll them onto their side with their top leg bent.
• Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive. Let them know the specific substances the person took, whether they have any medical conditions, or other relevant information.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone—also known by the brand names Narcan, Kloxxado, RiVive, and Zimhi — is a life-saving opioid overdose antidote that can quickly restore a person’s breathing and reverse the effects of fentanyl or other opioids when administered in time. As an opioid antagonist, it works by attaching to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of the drug.^2,6

People who have received naloxone still require emergency medical attention because it only lasts for 30 to 90 minutes. Due to the potency of fentanyl, a person may need more than one dose of naloxone to restore breathing.⁶ 

A person who has been given a naloxone should also be monitored for at least two hours after the last dose.⁶

Naloxone is available at most pharmacies, as well as community-based distribution programs and local health departments. It comes in an easy-to-use nasal spray or injectable  that can be obtained without a prescription in many states.⁶

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Rhode Island

Fentanyl long-term effects can include addiction, which is clinically known as an opioid use disorder (OUD). Addiction is a chronic yet treatable medical condition that results in compulsive substance use despite the negative effects it has on a person’s life. If you or someone you care about has experienced an overdose and is struggling with opioid or fentanyl addiction, we are here to help.^1,8

At AdCare, our Rhode Island inpatient rehab facility provides evidence-based fentanyl addiction treatment and customized care designed to meet you or your loved one’s individual needs.

We offer different levels of drug and alcohol rehab, from medical detox and withdrawal management to inpatient rehab and outpatient care. We also offer different medications for addiction treatment and are licensed to provide methadone, a safe and effective medication that can be used to help people with fentanyl withdrawal, as well as those seeking treatment for OUD.⁹

When you’re ready to reach out, please call us at to speak with an admissions navigator about your treatment options or to ask any questions you may have about rehab. You can also learn more about rehab admissions and insurance coverage for addiction treatment.

Remember, there is always hope. It’s never too late to seek help.