If a dot of fentanyl can kill you, how do we use it in medicine, and how do people get addicted?

Question

I’ve always heard that a singular dot of fentanyl can kill you. Yet we use it medically, for pain relief. And many people are addicted to it but stay alive while using. Is there like a different method of using it? How do people use it and not die?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

When I was administered fentanyl for a 2+ hour dislocated shoulder, I still felt the pain, I just didn’t care.

As a lifelong mountain biker, I’ve had lots of injuries that require medical pain relief and I hate the nausea so much I developed a post hospital routine that I’d drink and vomit a McDonald’s vanilla shake.

Never liked downers unless I was in excruciating pain. Then, they are swell.