Cychlorphine, a strong synthetic opioid, has become a growing concern in at least 24 states, including Ohio. Recent overdose cases at college campuses across the nation are putting a spotlight on cychlorphine and its risks.
Jordan Meyer, senior epidemiologist in the Division of Community Health Services with Butler County General Health District, said cychlorphine is often found in counterfeit pills or powders and is between five to 10 times stronger than fentanyl.
Meyer said cychlorphine has not been detected in Butler County, but they are working closely with Hamilton County and other nearby areas to research the drug.
“You can’t be siloed in this field,” Meyer said. “If you’re more collaborative with all kinds of agencies working together, you can uncover more about [cychlorphine].”
Anna Radke, professor of addiction neuroscience, said a large concern with cychlorphine is its potency. An opioid’s potency correlates to how strong the drug binds to opioid receptors.
She said all opioids bind to the same receptors in the brain and spinal cord to inhibit cell function. This is what stops feelings of pain and promotes feelings of euphoria with opioid use. High potency increases the risk of respiratory depression, a lack of oxygen in the body and the leading cause of opioid overdoses.
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“[Cychlorphine] is very potent, meaning it binds to the receptor really well and causes strong effects at very low doses,” Radke said.
Meyer said the health district manages risks associated with cychlorphine through initiatives like Project DAWN, Deaths Avoided with Naloxone. Project DAWN is one of the naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) distribution sites for communities in Ohio.
The Butler County General Health District also provides naloxone trainings from the Harm Reduction Department. Meyer said people can attend these trainings individually or in groups to learn how and when to administer naloxone and how to recognize an overdose.
Meyer said because the drug supply is unpredictable, buying illicit drugs can be a gamble. He said people shouldn’t completely live in fear, but they should always be cautious if purchasing these substances.
Assistant Director of Behavioral Health and Risk Reduction Laura Brinson said Miami’s Office of Student Wellness provides free overdose prevention resources to students. Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips are available, along with prevention presentations from HAWKS Peer Health Educators.
Naloxone kits contain two doses of naloxone and instructions for responding to an overdose event.
“Naloxone is very safe, so even if you just suspect an overdose, use naloxone,” Brinson said. “It’s not going to hurt the person if they don’t have an opioid in their system, so when in doubt, use naloxone.”
Students can visit the Office of Student Wellness to get a personal naloxone kit, but NaloxBoxes containing two doses of naloxone are also available in Millett Hall, Cleveland Clinic Health Sciences and Wellness Building, the Rec Center, King Library and Armstrong Student Center.
Brinson said cychlorphine cases might require more than one dose of naloxone, so having at least two is a safe option. She said while fentanyl test strips will not detect cychlorphine, test strips are still very important in preventing opioid overdoses.
Brinson said symptoms of an opioid overdose include irregular or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, blue, gray or purple lips or fingernails, pinpoint pupils, limpness or choking sounds.
“[The symptoms] are basically just signs that the body isn’t getting enough oxygen,” Brinson said.
Brinson also said students should remember the Good Samaritan Policy at Miami. This policy allows students to seek medical assistance for themselves or others in drug or alcohol-related emergencies without risking arrest or disciplinary action.
“There’s no reason not to call,” she said. “If you suspect someone has overdosed, administer naloxone and call 911.”
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