10/24/2026
This spring, the Missouri Department of Public Safety and our state partners warned about the extreme danger posed by nitazenes – synthetic opioids considered five to 10 times more dangerous than fentanyl. Health authorities were concerned because these lab-made opioids were showing up in wastewater sampling from Missouri schools and in counterfeit pills, powders and vapes.
‼️⚠️Now, another dangerous synthetic opioid that’s also considered to be up to 10 times more deadly than fentanyl – cychlorphine – is concerning health officials across the country.
▶️Los Angeles County has just confirmed its first death linked to cychlorphine.
▶️In April, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy reported 55 deaths had been linked to cychlorphine dating back to 2025.
Cychlorphine suppresses breathing, causing severe, life-threatening respiratory and cardiovascular depression.
It is currently undetectable by fentanyl testing strips and is being mixed into the illicit drug supply without people knowing.
▶️Naloxone works with cychlorphine, just as it does with nitazenes. But multiple doses may be required to reverse an overdose caused by opioids.
▶️Treat any illicit substance as a potential risk. Stay informed, stay prepared, avoid illicit substances and carry naloxone. It’s safe to use and saves lives.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Missouri State Highway Patrol Missouri Department of Mental Health
