Cychlorphine linked to at least 41 deaths in parts of Tennessee

Officials say the designer opioid cychlorphine has been linked to at least 41 deaths across 11 Tennessee counties between July 2025 and February 2026, and some reports indicate naloxone (Narcan) may not reverse overdoses.

A synthetic designer opioid called cychlorphine has been identified in a recent cluster of fatal overdoses. Local forensic officials reported a link between the drug and multiple deaths in East Tennessee. National and state health officials have issued warnings as the drug appears to be spreading. What officials report: - The Knox County Regional Forensic Center reported cychlorphine was linked to at least 41 deaths across 11 counties between July 2025 and February 2026. - Cychlorphine is described in reports as a synthetic opioid and has been touted as being four to 10 times as potent as fentanyl. - Police in Tennessee reported that naloxone (Narcan) may not always reverse overdoses involving this substance, and health officials in several other states have issued warnings. Summary: Local forensic authorities report a concentrated series of deaths tied to cychlorphine and note that the substance has appeared in the recreational drug supply. Undetermined at this time.