VIDEO – HANDLE WITH CARE –
Feb. 13, 2026 – Fentanyl continues to be the primary cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Even a very small amount of it can cause a lethal overdose. Last year, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, accounted for 60% of all overdose deaths in the United States. And for seniors, it’s becoming a bigger issue.
“The overdose crisis has continually gotten worse,” said Daniel Arendt, PharmD, associate professor of pharmacy practice and administrative sciences at University of Cincinnati.
And now deaths from fentanyl mixed with stimulants have skyrocketed among seniors, increasing by 9,000% in just eight years!
“The opioid epidemic really entered the public lexicon in the early 2010s of recognizing how much of an issue it was,” explained Dr. Arendt
Fentanyl is only available by prescription. It comes as patches to put on your skin, lozenges and tablets, nasal spray and injections that are usually given in a hospital. Seniors are at risk because they usually take several medications. Methamphetamine is one of the most common stimulants paired with fentanyl, surpassing alcohol, and benzodiazepines. A 2025 study says one reason seniors are at higher risk is they process drugs more slowly, leading to longer effects and increased overdose risk.
