Recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose
Baton Rouge, La. (October 5, 2026) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is alerting residents to the detection of cychlorphine (N-propionitrile chlorphine) in Louisiana and reminding individuals about the importance of overdose-prevention strategies. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and being prepared to act can save lives.
Cychlorphine is a highly potent, emerging synthetic opioid identified in the illicit drug supply across the U.S. and Louisiana, including in counterfeit pills and drug mixtures.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) reported 106 drug-supply reports across 10 states in 2025, with detections across the country. Cychlorphine has been linked to at least 55 deaths nationally from 2025 to 2026, with the highest prevalence in Ohio, Texas, and Tennessee. There has been evidence of exposure to cychlorphine in Louisiana, and at least two opioid-related deaths confirmed the presence of cychlorphine since December 2025. We expect the data to evolve as surveillance and toxicology testing expand.
Best practices for overdose prevention
An opioid overdose should be suspected when a person’s breathing slows or stops, they are unresponsive, or they have blue or purple fingernails and lips.
Naloxone, commonly known as the brand Narcan, is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses by restoring breathing. Naloxone is effective with cychlorphine, though the potency of this synthetic opioid may require repeat dosing.
If an overdose is suspected:
· Call 911 immediately.
· Administer naloxone. Naloxone restores breathing. If the person resumes normal breathing, additional naloxone may not be needed, but continue to monitor them and re-dose as necessary.
· Provide rescue breaths. Supporting breathing is essential while naloxone takes effect. Rescue breathing provides immediate oxygen and can save a life. Use a CPR/resuscitation face mask or barrier device when available to reduce direct contact and provide safer breathing support. Barrier devices are widely available.
· Repeat naloxone if needed. If the person does not respond or breathing slows again, administer another dose. Naloxone administration may be repeated as needed without fear of harm to the individual.
Carrying naloxone can be lifesaving. It is important for people who use opioids, have close friends or family members who do, or are likely to be in contact with someone who uses opioids to consider carrying it. Naloxone can be obtained from one of LDH’s Local Governing Entities, parish health units, or other locations near you. It can also be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy or online.
If you have naloxone that is expired, do not throw it away. Research shows that naloxone retains high potency and remains safe to use long past its expiration date. Recent legislation in Louisiana provides immunity for individuals using or distributing expired naloxone during an emergency. Keep naloxone accessible, avoid extreme heat, and be ready to use it.
For more information
· Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Public Safety Advisory
· Novel Opioid Cychlorphine Linked to Non-Fatal Overdose in First Direct Evidence of Patient Exposure
· Novel Synthetic Opioid Cychlorphine: What Doctors Should Know
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Preventing Opioid Overdose