10x Stronger Than Fentanyl: Cychlorphine Spreads

Emergency medical services in Austin, Texas, have reported a sharp increase in opioid overdose calls in late September 2026, with 98 calls logged in the preceding 30 days, a significant rise from 73 calls during the same period in 2025. A concerning trend observed is the higher number of patients requiring multiple Narcan doses.

This surge is attributed to the growing prevalence of cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid estimated to be up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl. Cychlorphine, first synthesized in the 1960s, has become more widespread in illicit trafficking in recent years and was initially detected in the U.S. in April 2024.

Cychlorphine has now been detected in 17 countries across Europe and North America, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Officials warn that this drug could potentially lead to an opioid epidemic more deadly than the current fentanyl crisis, emphasizing that street drugs have never been more dangerous than in 2026.

While Tennessee has reported a high number of fatal overdoses linked to cychlorphine, health officials in Mississippi have not yet detected the drug but remain vigilant. Awareness campaigns and collaborations with substance abuse providers are underway to combat the crisis.