MCHD to residents: Be ready to respond as synthetic opioids increase overdose risk 3-23-26

March 23, 2026

MCHD to residents: Be ready to respond as synthetic opioids increase overdose risk

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is urging residents to be aware that the changing drug supply may include emerging synthetic opioids such as cychlorphine (N-Propionitrile chlorphine), putting people at risk for rapid, life-threatening overdose.

Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, still works to reverse opioid overdoses, but stronger synthetic opioids may require more than one dose and immediate medical attention.

“If you think someone may be overdosing, give naloxone right away, call 911, try to keep the person breathing, place them on their side, and stay with them until emergency help arrives,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

Recent warnings have linked cychlorphine to fatal overdoses, and health officials caution that newer synthetic opioids may be mixed into the illicit drug supply without a person knowing exactly what they are taking.

Because naloxone’s effects are temporary and breathing problems can return, people who receive naloxone still need to be evaluated by emergency medical professionals as quickly as possible.

Residents are encouraged to carry naloxone, learn how to use it, and be prepared to give additional doses every two to three minutes if the person does not respond and help has not yet arrived.

You may visit https://alabama.crediblemind.com/topics/opioid-use for more information about opioid use and behavioral health resources. To request your free Narcan rescue kit, please visit https://nextdistro.org/alnarcan.

If you want to know more about the MCHD’s Overdose Prevention program, please call 251-410-6322. Overdose Prevention focuses on the complex and changing nature of the drug overdose epidemic. It highlights the need for an interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and cohesive public health approach.