New synthetic opioid cychlorphine raises alarms in the Southeast

A newly emerging synthetic opioid called cychlorphine is raising alarms across the Southeast, with experts warning it may be stronger than fentanyl and harder to detect in the street drug supply.

In east Tennessee, the drug has been linked to 41 deaths across 11 counties since July 2025. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it has no confirmed cases in Georgia but is monitoring developments in nearby states. Health experts say naloxone remains a lifesaving tool, though multiple doses may be needed.