ERIE, Pa. — Erie County law enforcement and public health agencies are monitoring an emerging synthetic opioid known as cychlorphine, though no confirmed cases have been identified in Erie County.
Cychlorphine, also known as N-propionitrile chlorphine, is a non-fentanyl synthetic opioid that early laboratory testing suggests may be 4.5 to 10 times stronger than fentanyl.
Federal investigators have documented the drug in multiple states, including Pennsylvania. At least 55 deaths nationwide were reported in 2025 and 2026, with concentrations in Tennessee, Ohio and Texas.
Officials warn that standard fentanyl and nitazene test strips generally do not detect cychlorphine.
The drug has also been found in counterfeit pills, including tablets sold as Xanax, potentially exposing people to opioids without their knowledge.
Naloxone, or Narcan, remains effective in overdoses involving cychlorphine, though some cases have required multiple doses.
Erie County agencies, including the District Attorney’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Department of Health, hospitals, EMS and law enforcement, are working together to track any local detections and expand public education.
The DEA placed cychlorphine into Schedule I on Aug. 27.
Anyone experiencing or witnessing a suspected overdose should call 911 immediately.