WHAT IT IS

Names: Fentanyl citrate (Sublimaze, Sufentanil), alpha-methylfentanyl (AMF, China White), parafluorofentanyl (PFF), meperidine (MPPP), synthetic or new heroin.

Type: Analgesic, opioid.

Forms: Designed to resemble heroin as white powder or water solution.

Combinations: With MPTP as undesirable byproduct.

Usage: Injected into bloodstream or muscle. Snorted into nasal passage.

Legal Status: Legal as synthetic substances, except AMF.

Other Forms: Fentanyl is the most powerful narcotic analgesic in medical use for surgical situations.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE

Similar to heroin. Euphoric rush, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation.

WHAT IT DOES

To Your Brain: Depresses breathing brain center.

To Your Body: Depresses body systems including heart functions.

Special Characteristics: Rigid muscles and depressed breathing may last long after other effects end. AMF may relieve drug withdrawal symptoms longer than heroin does, but toxic effects are more potent and threatening. MPTP is a dangerous, accidental byproduct of sloppy MPPP manufacture.

HOW IT CAN HURT YOU

Muscle rigidity, depressed breathing, extreme toxic effects, MPTP induced immobility, alteration of speech, loss of body control, tremor, drooling, flattened facial expression and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety.

Death from stopped breathing due to powerful toxic effects.

Dependence develops with tolerance and craving for "rush."

Unborn children may be affected when pregnant women take designer drugs. Ingredients and potency are unpredictable.

WHEN TO GET HELP

• Are you using synthetic drugs?
• Do you think about how and when you're going to use drugs again?
• Is your work or school performance affected?
• Are you having problems with family and friends?
• Do you spend more on drugs than you can afford?
• Do you use a variety of drugs?

One "yes" and your common sense tells you it's time to get smart about drugs and the rest of your life.

Fact: Over 200 known high risk synthetic drugs exist on the street with potentially fatal toxic effects.