The deaths of two University of Mississippi students have prompted online concerns about drug safety on college campuses. Kratom products were reportedly found during the investigations, leading to questions about kratom safety, although the cause of the deaths has not been confirmed. Separately, warnings about cychlorphine have circulated among students and university communities, prompting speculation that the synthetic opioid may be linked to the deaths or present in other substances.
As the warnings spread, students are asking how to know whether cychlorphine is present, whether naloxone works, and whether similar risks exist at other campuses. Some posts incorrectly claim that naloxone is ineffective against cychlorphine, while others clarify that multiple doses may be needed.
Recommendation
Educate audiences about kratom, 7-OH, and cychlorphine, including what these substances are, their potential health risks, and how to reduce the risk of overdose. Clarify that cychlorphine may not be detected by standard test strips and that naloxone can still reverse an overdose, although multiple doses may be needed. Continue to encourage fentanyl test strips and share information about where people can access naloxone.
Reading links: AP
Communication resources: Use these shareable social graphics about kratom
