How does fentanyl affect drivers?

On Behalf of | Jan 3, 2022 | Drug Charges, Drug Crimes

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid with up to 100 times the potency of morphine, serves as a critical treatment for people with chronic pain issues or severe pain after surgery. Outside of these legitimate medical purposes, the law considers any use of fentanyl illegal.

Unfortunately, people still use fentanyl outside of medical settings. Even those who use it appropriately may make the poor decision of attempting to drive while on this powerful drug.

The effects of fentanyl use

The National Institute on Drug Abuse takes a look at the synthetic opioid fentanyl, a substance that has made multiple headlines in recent years. Fentanyl, like other opioids, affects the part of your brain in control of emotions and physical pain. Use of fentanyl often results in:

  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Breathing problems
  • Sedation
  • Confusion

Fentanyl may also cause a sense of euphoria, which can kickstart the addiction for many individuals. However, just as many can take the drugs for legitimate reasons and still make the wrong decisions.

You should never operate any vehicle while using severe painkillers due to these effects. The law considers it a form of intoxicated driving because your faculties will suffer from the same sort of effects and impact that alcohol or recreational drugs may have.

The dangers of drowsy driving

In specific, drowsy or sedated drivers may easily fall asleep at the wheel. This can cause some of the most dangerous accidents due to the severity of a crash that a driver cannot work toward mitigating at all. Thus, driving under the influence of fentanyl can cause serious crashes with equally serious repercussions.

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