and is frequently used as a substitution for heroin because it can easily be dissolved with water and injected into the bloodstream to produce similar euphoric effects.
It is classified as a Schedule II drug in the U.S. 6 It produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation, and also works to relieve feelings of anxiety. Hydromorphone is another prescription pain reliever that is two to eight times more potent than morphine. They don’t know they are buying or consuming fentanyl, which can lead to dangerous side effects or an accidental overdose. 5 Many illegal drug manufacturers add fentanyl to heroin to increase its potency, but most often, buyers are under the impression they are buying pure heroin. According to the DEA, fentanyl is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to its high potential for abuse, it is frequently found on the black market and illegally manufactured in secret labs, primarily located in Mexico. When abused, it can produce temporary feelings of euphoria and a powerful, short-lived high. Fentanylįentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was initially developed to treat patients suffering from cancer-related pain. It is only available in medically supervised settings but many health experts have concerns about the drug’s potential for misuse, abuse, and diversion. 4 Dsuvia was approved by the FDA in 2018 and was developed for acute pain management in a hospital setting.
It is up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl and 1000 times more potent than morphine. Sufentanil (Dsuvia)ĭsuvia is the most powerful opioid painkiller approved for human use. Occasionally it is found on the black market and has surfaced in communities all over the U.S. Carfentanil has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths all over the country and continues to be a serious danger to public safety. 3 It is used as a tranquilizer for elephants and other large animals so even a very tiny dose can be lethal in humans. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), carfentanil is about 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Opioid Pain Medication List: Strongest to Weakest CarfentanilĬarfentanil is a highly potent synthetic opioid and a fentanyl analog. Here are some of the most common prescription opioid pain relievers, from strongest to weakest. Any misuse of these drugs can contribute to addiction, overdose, or death. Regardless of potency, all prescription opioids should be used with extreme caution and only as prescribed.
While they do work to relieve pain, they also produce feelings of euphoria, which can make it extremely difficult to stop using them, especially after taking them for an extended amount of time.ĭepending on the type of prescription opioid taken, its side effects, risks, and potency will vary. Most opioid pain relievers are controlled substances that have a high potential for abuse. Prescription opioid pain relievers are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat pain, but that does not mean they are safe. Opioid Pain Medication List: Strongest to Weakest.