Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Worse than Fentanyl

drug is undetectable with current drug screening.


A Message from the OhioMHAS Medical Director's Office: Opioid Overdoses Related to Carfentanyl

In recent weeks, a highly potent opioid has been identified as the likely contributor to a number of overdose deaths in the Akron and Columbus areas. This compound, carfentanyl, has a potency approximately 10,000 times that of morphine and 100 times that of fentanyl, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is not detected by routine drug screens. In cases of suspected carfentanyl overdose, clinical experience in emergency settings has demonstrated the need for dosing of naloxone in excess of the usual amount required to reverse opioid-related overdose symptoms. EMS providers have reported administering 4-7 doses of naloxone to reverse overdose symptoms in a significant percentage of patients with suspected carfentanyl overdose. Overdose victims not responding to typical doses of naloxone may require additional naloxone dosing due to the presence of this highly-potent opioid. This additional dosing can provide life-saving benefit in cases of carfentanyl overdose.


Terry Watts

Chief, Bureau of Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

30 East Broad Street (7th Floor)

Columbus, OH 43215