What Color Is Fentanyl?

If there’s one word that strikes fear in people today, it would probably be fentanyl. Most people know that it’s a drug, that it’s used to lace other drugs, and overdosing on it is happening much too frequently now. What they may not know is what color is fentanyl. What is it? And how do we identify it? Let’s explore the look of fentanyl and how to understand what we’re looking at.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is a Schedule II controlled substance that is similar to morphine but 100 times more potent. It’s typically used to treat patients with chronic pain or severe pain following surgery and was manufactured as an anesthetic in the ‘60s. While the war on drugs has been a household saying since the ‘80s, with each generation having its own drug of the moment, fentanyl has become one of the most prolific concerns in the opioid epidemic. There has been an alarming increase in fentanyl use since the 2000s, but it especially hit an all-time high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fentanyl since 2020 has been the cause of 170,000 deaths alone.

The Appearance of Fentanyl

The reason why fentanyl is so popular is because there’s no one way to take it, meaning that it comes in many different forms. For instance, medicated patches are available for those who have severe chronic pain. But not all forms are equal — for example, just one 25 micrograms/hour fentanyl patch is equivalent to about 60 to 90 mg of oral morphine in 24 hours. Lozenges are another form the drug can come in; one pharmaceutical brand, in particular, is known for its raspberry-flavored “lollipop” fentanyl lozenges. Just like any other pain medication, fentanyl also comes in tablet and injectable forms; under a doctor or medical professional supervision, these would not be lethal doses.

The appearance and color of pharmaceutical fentanyl products vary by brand and form, but typically, if injected, the fentanyl is clear. At the same time, tablets are small and round in white or blue. To anyone who isn’t a medical professional, you wouldn’t think twice about the pill because of its size and color, but also because there is no taste or smell to the drug. That’s why it’s hard to give a uniform answer to the big question of this blog: What color is fentanyl?

Illicit Fentanyl and Its Variations

The way illicit fentanyl is presented is alarming because it can look like a regular generic pain medication. While typically white, a blue variation is known as “crazy blue. Illicit fentanyl is also tasteless, making it nearly impossible to determine if it is laced with any other street drug. There has also been a new trend with illicit fentanyl to make the pills brightly colored; this is geared toward younger adults and teens. Like many abused drugs, street names may be used instead of the actual substance (fentanyl). Common street names for unlawful fentanyl include:

• Crazy One.
• Dance Fever.
• Dragon’s Breath.
• Fire.
• Friend.
• Goodfella.
• Great Bear.
• He-Man.
• Jackpot.
• Murder 8.
• TNT.

Identifying Fentanyl

Since fentanyl is nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye — and there isn’t one answer to the question what color is fentanyl — the drug may be difficult to identify. There are many risks in not being able to pinpoint such a harmful drug as fentanyl; for one, not knowing what you are taking is a risk all on its own. Another risk is thinking you are taking a different prescription pain medication with the doctor’s orders to take two; since fentanyl is so much more powerful than any other pain narcotic, there is a greater chance of accidentally overdosing. There are, thankfully, ways you can test for the presence of fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips are an inexpensive drug-testing technology that was originally developed for urinalysis but is also effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in drug samples. An at-home drug test would also be able to detect if someone has fentanyl in their system.

Health Risks and Dangers of Fentanyl

Like any drug — legal or not — there are potentially severe health risks of fentanyl. Similar to other opioids, fentanyl has the following side effects:

• Rash or skin reaction.
• Constipation.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Fatigue or drowsiness. 
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Respiratory depression is even more of a risk with fentanyl. Respiratory depression is due to fentanyl being administrated through the binding of the mu opioid receptors at specific sites in the central nervous system. Many people who start to use fentanyl become long-term users, and their risk of overdose can increase each time they use it.

Fentanyl Overdose Prevention

Since fentanyl is 100 times stronger than other opioids, there is a greater chance of overdosing. Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• Being in a stupor.
• Change in pupil size.
• Clammy skin.
• Blue lips, skin, or nails.
• Coma.
• Respiratory failure that could lead to death.

Because of its potency, fentanyl works quickly; responding quickly with naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, can save someone’s life. Naloxone is a nasal spray that helps reverse the effects of fentanyl or other opioid overdose.

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

So, what color is fentanyl? That all depends on its form, and even then, there might not be a uniform answer. While we might not be able to accurately detect it with the naked eye, the consequences of its misuse can be fatal. 
Resurgence Behavioral Health has multiple options for comprehensive addiction treatment programs. We have a medical detox program that offers a safe environment to get substances out of your system, as well as treatments designed to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms so that patients can detox safely and more comfortably. Our residential treatment program is available for those who wish to start their recovery without distraction and gain tools to live a successful, sober life. Outpatient addiction treatment programs are ideal for people who are transitioning from more intensive treatment plans. If you or a loved one needs help, we’re here for you. Contact us online or call us at 855-458-0050 today to get started.

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial