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Name: Beta-hydroxythiofentanyl
Type: Synthetic opioid
AKA: ['N-[1-[2-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl]-N-phenylpropionamide', 'N-[1-[2-hydroxy-2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenylpropanamide']
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II. Natural Derivative
Synthetic substance, no natural derivative
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III. Chemical Profile (IUPAC name)
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IV. History
Beta-hydroxythiofentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid and an analog of fentanyl. It was first identified in the 1980s as part of the illicit drug market. Like other fentanyl analogs, beta-hydroxythiofentanyl has a high potential for overdose and fatal respiratory depression. Its emergence has contributed to the opioid epidemic, leading to increased efforts to regulate and control synthetic opioids.
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V. Legal Information
Beta-hydroxythiofentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is controlled in many jurisdictions due to its similarity to fentanyl. In the US, it is considered a Schedule I substance under analog laws due to its high abuse potential. Globally, its legal status varies but is increasingly regulated as part of broader efforts to control synthetic opioids and combat the opioid crisis.
US Federal Schedule - I
Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote.
Key US Federal Policies:
Controlled Substances Act. Public Law: Public Law 91-513 (text can be found on GovInfo) (https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/csa). Date enacted: October 27, 1970.
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VI. Physical Effects
Beta-Hydroxythiofentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is used for pain relief. As a downer, it causes significant sedation and respiratory depression. Short-term effects include pain relief and euphoria, while long-term use can lead to addiction and overdose. Overdose risks include severe respiratory issues. Safe use requires careful dosing. Recent findings focus on its high potency and potential for misuse, necessitating stringent control measures.  |
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VII. Psychological Effects
Beta-Hydroxythiofentanyl, a synthetic opioid, impacts opioid receptors, leading to euphoria and sedation. Psychological effects include mood swings and potential cognitive impairment. Long-term use carries risks of dependence and severe mental health issues. Research focuses on its potency, abuse potential, and impact on mental health.
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VIII. Culture
Beta-hydroxythiofentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is part of the broader opioid narrative involving the ongoing crisis of opioid abuse and overdose deaths. Its cultural significance is tied to the challenges of synthetic opioids in the illicit drug market, contributing to public health issues. The substance underscores the dangers of synthetic analogs and the complexities of regulating and controlling their distribution. Beta-hydroxythiofentanyl’s role in the cultural narrative is one of caution and crisis management, highlighting the significant societal impact of synthetic opioid misuse and the continuous efforts to address the opioid epidemic.
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