Fentanyl was first created in 1960 by a chemist working for a Belgian pharmaceutical company called Jannsen Pharmeceutica. This chemist's name was Dr. Paul Jannsen. Although the compound was discovered in 1960 it was not realeased into the public until 1963. THe first step that Dr. Jannsen took in his synthesis of fentanyl was to react n-phenethyl-piperidone with aniline to create 4-anilino-n-Phenethyl-piperidine. This is then reacted with propionyl chloride giving Dr. Jannsen pure fentanyl. As you can see this is a fairly complicated process. The next step is to dilute the pure fentanyl becuase fentanyl when it is pure is toxic.

 

        Fentanyl is not only used in the medical world but also used on the streets illegally. It is an opiate, which is a drug that contains or behaves like an opium product, the effects of fentanyl are almost the exact same as those of the drug heroin. Illegal use did not start until the 1970's. Fentanyl, when used illegally is most often used with a shot. But it can also be smoked or snorted if desired.

 

        Shortly after its discovery in 1960, another form of fentanyl was discovered that is widely used today and that is fentanyl citrate. Fentanyl citrate allows for patients to have fast pain relief, up to 80 times that of morphine, by simply sucking on a "lollipop". This lollipop however is supposed to be bitter.