Fentanyl overdoses increasingly affecting the elderly INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — 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% o f all overdose deaths in the United States. “The overdose crisis has continually gotten worse,” said Daniel Arendt, PharmD, associate professor of pharmacy practice and administrative sciences at University of Cincinnati. For seniors, it’s becoming a bigger issue because they usually take several medications. Deaths from fentanyl mixed with stimulants have skyrocketed among seniors, increasing by 9,000% in just eight years. 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. “The opioid epidemic really entered the public lexicon in the early 2010s of recognizing how much of an issue it was,” Dr. Arendt explained. 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. “And it’s still a public health epidemic,” Dr. Arendt said. Experts said what pain medicine specialists can do is recognize that polysubstance use can occur in all age groups, be cautious when prescribing opioids to people over 65, simplify medication routines and use clear labeling and safe storage instructions. Seniors who have multiple chronic conditions are more likely to overdose. Some of the signs to look for include having pale, blue or purple lips and fingernails, slowed or stopped heartbeat or breathing, tiny pupils and they are unresponsive. If any of these signs arise, call 911 immediately. ...read more read less