A new drug is emerging in the illegal drug market, driving a rise in overdose deaths. Cychlorphine, a “designer drug” and synthetic opioid, is reported to be four to 10 times more potent than fentanyl, making overdoses more likely. The drug is not approved by the FDA, and there is limited information about its safety.
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education reports that these types of drugs first appeared in recreational markets around 2020 and are contributing to the increase in fatal overdoses, based on toxicology findings. Many users may not realize they are taking it, as it is often mixed with other substances such as heroin.
Regions Most Affected by the Cychlorphine Crisis
Parts of East Tennessee have been hit particularly hard. The Knox County Regional Forensic Center has linked the drug to at least 41 deaths across 11 counties between July 2025 and February 2026.
“What’s especially troubling is that cychlorphine may have been circulating far longer than we know,” said Chris Thomas, chief administrative officer and director of the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, in a Facebook post. “And I’ve said this before; we don’t know if it’s contained to a limited supply or one bad batch, or if it’s representative of a longer-term shift in the drug supply. That’s what is really concerning.”
“It has never been more dangerous to take street-level drugs than right now,” Thomas added.
Health officials in Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma and South Carolina have also issued warnings, as the drug appears easy to access and continues to spread.
“This is poison, plain and simple,” said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in a news release.
“Parents need to understand how serious this is and talk to their kids now, because one mistake, one exposure, can be fatal. We will use every tool at our disposal to stop this and protect South Carolina families.”
Serious Health Risks
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States, accounting for approximately 17,000 deaths each year. Although overdose numbers declined slightly in recent years, the emergence of stronger street drugs could reverse that trend.
Because users often do not know the dosage or substances they are consuming, these drugs can quickly suppress the respiratory system, making it difficult or impossible to breathe.
Possible Resistance to Narcan
Authorities in Tennessee warn that Narcan may be less effective in treating overdoses involving this drug. Its chemical differences from fentanyl also mean standard fentanyl test strips may not detect it.
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