Duterte's Prescription Drug Use: Fact vs Fiction

President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has been a polarizing figure, often deemed controversial due to his strong stance on drugs. However, beyond his public persona, his controversial statements about drug use reveal a more personal aspect. President Duterte has admitted to using fentanyl, a powerful opioid medication that has become a significant concern in many countries due to its potential for abuse and overdose.

President Duterte Admits to Fentanyl Use

In 2018, President Duterte provided a personal account regarding his fentanyl use during an interview with The Associated Press. He admitted, ldquo;That fentanyl the doctor stopped it because he got mad. Irsquo;m supposed to cut it into four pieces. Eh there was a time na yung buo nilagay ko because more than just the disappearance of pain you feel that you are on cloud nine. Para bang everything is okay with the world nothing to worry about.rdquo;

This statement provides an insight into Dutertersquo;s personal experience with fentanyl. According to his description, fentanyl can lead to a euphoric feeling that goes beyond pain relief, creating a false sense of well-being. Duterte mentions that it was prescribed by a doctor who eventually stopped it because of Dutertersquo;s insistence on using the full dose rather than a divided one.

Fentanyl: An Overview

Fentanyl, also known as fentanil, is an opioid pain medication with a rapid onset and short duration of action. Typically administered in medical settings, it is also misused recreationally, leading to thousands of overdose deaths from 2000 to 2017. Improper use of fentanyl beyond its medical scope can have serious health implications.

Side Effects and Risks

The most common side effects of fentanyl, affecting more than 10% of patients, include:

Diarrhea Nausea Constipation Dry mouth Somnolence (sleepiness) Confusion Asthenia (lack of energy) Weakeness Sweating

Less frequently, 3 to 10% of patients may experience:

Abdominal pain Headache Fatigue Anorexia (loss of appetite) Weight loss Dizziness Nervousness Hallucinations Anxiety Depression Flu-like symptoms Dyspepsia (indigestion) Indigestion Dyspnea (shortness of breath) Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate or depth) Apnea (absence of breathing) Urinary retention

Moreover, the use of fentanyl has been associated with aphasia, an acquired language disorder that can affect speech production.

Prescription Purpose and Controversy

While President Duterte has implied that his fentanyl use is under medical supervision, the perception of his statements has led to controversy. Media and public reactions often interpret his admission as a sign of drug addiction or abuse, rather than recognizing the legal medicinal use of the drug for pain management and its sedative effects. Some critics also refer to this as his attempt to portray a strongman or Hitler-like image to solidify his power.

Itrsquo;s crucial to understand that President Dutertersquo;s use is not illegal recreational drug use. He is taking a prescribed dose of fentanyl for both psychological and physical relief. As an elderly man at 72 years old, he is experiencing signs often associated with aging, including physical pain and potential emotional disturbances. Itrsquo;s common for people in their senescence stage to show signs of childishness and physical ailments. Respecting his privacy and understanding the medical context of his claims is essential.

Legitimate medical use of opioid medications like fentanyl under medical supervision aims to improve quality of life for patients dealing with chronic pain. Misconceptions about such personal health matters can lead to unnecessary stigma and misunderstanding.

In conclusion, while the claim that President Duterte is a drug user is often cited, the reality is that he is using fentanyl as part of his medical treatment. Public discourse should focus on medical accuracy and respect for his personal health and well-being.