Fentanyl is an extremely potent and addictive synthetic opioid drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.[1] It is available as a prescription for people who are tolerant to opioids and suffering severe pain as well as for before and after surgery. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a form of unregulated fentanyl that is often manufactured in clandestine labs and is completely unregulated.[2] This type of fentanyl has become a major problem across the United States.
Today, fentanyl abuse is responsible for the majority of opioid-related overdose deaths in the nation. In 2017, 59% of opioid overdose deaths involved fentanyl.[1] More recent studies from 2021 have found that nearly 90% of opioid overdose deaths involved fentanyl.[3]
Fentanyl is powerful and deadly, so it’s important to avoid the drug at all costs. Drug dealers and users may use street names, nicknames, or slang terms to refer to specific drugs. Understanding what fentanyl street names, nicknames, and slang terms are used to describe the drug can help you or a loved one avoid using it.
Understanding Street Names and Slang Terms
Slang terms or nicknames exist for all types of drugs ranging from prescription medications to illicit substances. Drug dealers may use slang terms in text messages or on the internet to avoid law enforcement. They may also use slang terms in person out of habit. Drug users may use slang terms for similar reasons, but they may also be trying to fly under the radar to go unnoticed by friends and family.
For example, teens often use street names to discuss drugs in secret to avoid getting into trouble with their parents, teachers, or law enforcement.
People who are using drugs are more likely to know and use fentanyl street names, so if they are using any of the street names, you may want to have a conversation with them about their behaviors.
List of Fentanyl Street Names and Slang Terms
There are many street names used to describe fentanyl. The street name a person uses may vary depending on what their friends say, their geographical location, and their age.
Many fentanyl slang terms are derived from the appearance of the drug or the effects of the drug. Other nicknames may seem more random. Common fentanyl street names include:
- Apache
- Cash
- China girl
- China town
- China white
- Chinese food
- Crazy one
- Dance fever
- Dragon
- Dragon’s breath
- Feddy
- Fent
- Fenty
- Fetty
- Fire
- Friend
- Girl
- Goodfella
- Great bear
- He-Man
- Jackpot
- King ivory
- Lollipop
- Murder 8
- Poison
- Shoes
- Tango
- Tango & Cash
- TNT
- Toe tag dope
- White girl
Some of these slang terms are also used to refer to other drugs. For example, “white girl” is a popular nickname for cocaine, and “china white” is a popular nickname for powdered heroin. Other terms, such as fent, fenty, and fetty are unique to fentanyl.
Fentanyl Side Effects
Many fentanyl slang terms are derived from the effects of the drug. Fentanyl produces feelings of:[4]
- Sedation
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Respiratory depression
Fentanyl is also known to cause overdose in many instances, hence the nicknames like “poison” and “murder 8.” Symptoms of fentanyl overdose include:
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Limp body
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue-colored lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of fentanyl overdose and temporarily restore breathing long enough for a person to get medical care. If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, it may be a good idea to carry naloxone.
Brand Names for Prescription Fentanyl
Fentanyl is available by prescription only and it comes in a variety of different formulations. Each formulation has its own unique brand name. Brand names for fentanyl include:
- Sublimaze (injection)
- Duragesic (extended-release transdermal patch)
- Buccal tablet (Fentora)
- Sublingual tablet (Abstral)
- Sublingual spray (Subsys)
- Nasal spray (Lazanda)
- Lozenges or lollipops (Actiq)
If someone is abusing prescription fentanyl, they may use its brand name instead of street names.
Find Help for Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction
Fentanyl is extremely addictive and dangerous, so it is nothing to play around with. If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction, the time to get help is now.
While the nation is caught in the midst of an addiction epidemic, our addiction interventionists in Edison, New Jersey provide addiction interventions to Edison and surrounding areas. Our innovative and solution-based techniques will help guide your loved one to the drug and alcohol rehab facility that will best meet their individual needs. We will be with you every step of the way.
Don’t wait any longer. Call now to get the help you deserve.
References:
Medically Reviewed: August 18, 2022
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.