Citation

Bao Y, Meng S, Shi J, Lu L. Lancet Psychiatry 2019; 6(7): e15.

Affiliation

Institute of Mental Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China. Electronic address: linlu@bjmu.edu.cn.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30218-4

PMID

31230685

Abstract

Starting May 1, 2019, China has included all fentanyl-related substances in the supplementary list of controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with non-medical use, according to the joint announcement made by the Ministry of Public Security, the National Health Commission, and the National Medical Products Administration in China.

An increasing number of new psychotropic substances are being synthesised and over 100 countries and territories have reported the use of such substances. The non-medical use of prescription drugs, especially opioid prescription drugs, is becoming a major threat to public health. Non-medical use of fentanyl and its analogues is driving an unprecedented number of overdose deaths worldwide, especially in North America.

Fentanyl, which is about 100 times more potent than morphine, has an important medical function in the treatment of severe pain. The manufacture, consumption, and storage of fentanyl are strictly controlled; however, the misuse of illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogues is alarming and presents a complex challenge.

Fortunately, abuse of fentanyl and its analogues is rarely found in China. 14 cases of fentanyl abuse were reported among drug users in Beijing during 2005–2009.4 Nevertheless, the Chinese government recognised the necessity of fentanyl control and ...

Language: en