[Fentanyl tea]. / Fentanylte

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. Abuse of fentanyl patches is rarely occurring, but has been described. In this case a patient had been drinking hot tea mixed with two fentanyl patches. He was found unconscious, with convulsions and respiratory insufficiency. He was intubated and he responded to naloxone treatment, which was repeated several times during the observation. When fentanyl patches are abused this way large quantities of fentanyl are absorbed, giving severe and prolonged effect - exceeding the antidote. The patient must be observed for several hours in an intensive care unit.