Cychlorphine warnings spread across 25 states

Cychlorphine, an unapproved synthetic opioid that federal officials say may be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl, is drawing warnings from public health and law enforcement agencies as it is detected in multiple states. Authorities say it may be mixed unknowingly into fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine or counterfeit prescription pills, and standard opioid screens and fentanyl test strips may not detect it. Reports of deaths linked to the drug vary, but officials have associated it with fatal overdoses since 2025; the DEA temporarily placed it in Schedule I in August 2026. Missouri officials are raising awareness, though local authorities and doctors cited in reports have not confirmed cases in their areas; Ohio counties have reported detections, and campuses are also sharing warnings. Cychlorphine can dangerously suppress breathing and affect the cardiovascular system; naloxone can help reverse an overdose, sometimes requiring multiple doses, and officials advise calling 911.