Emergence of Cychlorphine: The Potent Synthetic Opioid Raising Concerns in San Francisco
San Francisco Public Health officials are raising concerns about a potent new synthetic opioid called cychlorphine, which is believed to be even stronger than fentanyl. This drug has recently emerged in San Francisco and has been linked to an overdose death. The DEA first encountered cychlorphine in 2024, and it has the potential to be mixed into various drugs, making it difficult to detect.
Cychlorphine can be disguised in pills, powders, or mixed with other substances like cocaine. What makes this drug particularly dangerous is that it is challenging to identify using standard fentanyl test strips. Additionally, cychlorphine is thought to be resistant to Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, potentially requiring multiple doses to take effect.
In response to the emergence of cychlorphine, organizations like Code Tenderloin have increased the distribution of Narcan and are focusing on educating the community about the risks associated with counterfeit pills. Both the public health department and the DEA emphasize the importance of avoiding counterfeit drugs due to the unpredictable nature of the current drug supply.
In conclusion, the presence of cychlorphine in San Francisco has raised significant concerns among public health officials and law enforcement agencies. The potency and difficulty in detecting this synthetic opioid highlight the need for increased awareness and caution when it comes to counterfeit drugs. Staying informed and avoiding these substances is crucial to preventing potential overdoses and fatalities.