Facts About Fentanyl - TDMHSAS

This two-page Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services fact sheet explains fentanyl’s potency and its presence in counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs. It presents Tennessee overdose deaths involving fentanyl from 2020 through 2024 and compares authentic and counterfeit oxycodone tablets. It describes how opioid overdoses affect breathing and addresses misconceptions about accidental fentanyl exposure. It also explains how to use fentanyl test strips and interpret the results. The fact sheet emphasizes testing limitations and the importance of having naloxone available regardless of test results. It can support community education, prevention outreach, and conversations about reducing overdose risk. UPDATED NOVEMBER 2026