What is a primary characteristic of fentanyl compared to morphine?

Fentanyl is known for its greater risk of overdose compared to morphine due to its significantly higher potency. Specifically, fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, meaning that even a very small amount of fentanyl can lead to severe respiratory depression and death. This extreme potency increases the likelihood of unintentional overdose, particularly if the drug is misused or not administered under strict medical supervision.

The characteristics of fentanyl also include a rapid onset of action, which can further complicate its use. The quick effects can lead to users taking more of the drug, unknowingly increasing their risk for overdose. In contrast, morphine has a lower potency, making it easier to dose safely, while still effective for pain management. This distinction plays a crucial role in clinical settings and contributes to the heightened concern surrounding fentanyl use in both medical and illicit contexts.