Cychlorphine, a new synthetic opioid, has been detected in Ohio’s illicit drug supply, prompting warnings from researchers who say the substance may be more potent than fentanyl and could be more difficult to reverse during an overdose.
Concerns Over Potency and Reversal
According to Dr. Jon Sprague, a toxicologist and scientific researcher at Bowling Green State University, cychlorphine was originally developed decades ago but was never approved for medical use due to its extreme potency.
Sprague compared the effect of cychlorphine to a carnival strength test, explaining that fentanyl may approach the maximum effect while cychlorphine appears capable of reaching the highest level with less exposure.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has identified orphines, the class of synthetic opioids that includes cychlorphine, in 36 cases across the state since October.
Warnings and Precautions
Health officials continue to encourage people to seek emergency help during suspected overdoses and emphasize that naloxone should always be administered when opioid exposure is possible, even if additional doses may be required.
Researchers say continued monitoring of the drug supply will be critical as new synthetic opioids continue to emerge.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
