Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing powerful pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. Common physical effects include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and constricted pupils. Because fentanyl also slows the central nervous system, it leads to decreased heart rate and breathing. At high doses, it can quickly cause respiratory depression, where breathing becomes too slow or stops entirely, significantly increasing the risk of death. Repeated use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction, with the latter arising from its engagement with the brain’s reward pathways.
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