Examining The Risk Of Nitazenes, the Newest Class Of Dangerously Powerful Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a class of strong synthetic opioids, have emerged as a serious concern due to their extreme potency and link to overdoses. While detailed statistics are scarce, troubling reports indicate the devastating and lethal impact. Gain insights into the threats, effects, notable facts, and treatment possibilities.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that affect the brain’s opioid receptors. They were originally formulated about 60 years ago as a substitute to morphine but weren’t approved due to their extreme threat of overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly more potent than traditional opioids like morphine or even fentanyl. They are associated with many overdoses worldwide as they have begun to emerge in illicit drug markets.
How Do Nitazenes Appear?
Nitazenes come in different forms. You can encounter them as the following:
- White powdery substance, crystallized matter, or brown/yellow powder.
- Counterfeit medications (e.g., fake oxycodone) are frequently combined with heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Some of the more recent xylazine overdoses implicate nitazenes. Complicating matters is the fact that xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer frequently used as a preparation for surgery, wouldn’t necessarily be found on clinical toxicology screens completed in emergency rooms.
be detected on hospital toxicology screens performed in ERs.
Global Public Health Concerns Regarding Nitazenes
Due to its recent arrival and the absence of official research concerning the use and effects of nitazenes, some of the information about these potent new opioids comes from firsthand user accounts. But it’s now becoming clear that nitazenes are making the overdose epidemic worse, contributing to increasing overdose rates through fake pills and illegal drugs. Potency levels can vary greatly and the danger of contamination is greater because of the ungoverned production.
Key Facts About Nitazenes
Intensifying the opioid upsurge, nitazenes are extraordinarily potent and have a significant threat of overdose. Here are some additional facts about these dangerous opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are commonly much more powerful than fentanyl. Various derivatives, such as isotonitazene, can be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes are increasing common in the underground drug market, commonly as substitutes or additives to opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users could unknowingly take nitazenes, elevating overdose risks.
- Effects: Like other opioids, users could experience sedation, pain relief, and euphoria. Serious respiratory depression may result, which is often fatal in large doses or when combined with depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Detection Problems: Regular toxicology screenings may fail to detect nitazenes, calling for advanced testing to determine nitazene-impacted overdoses.
- Overdose Risks: Even minimal amounts can produce deadly overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) might counteract the effects, but repeated or higher doses are commonly required.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is one of the most commonly discovered. Other common derivatives include protonitazene, metonitazene, and etonitazene, which produce dangerous effects in small amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment approaches for nitazene addiction are similar to those for other opioids. Here are the types of care you will find at accredited facilities:
- Medically supervised detox: Promotes safety during withdrawal.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Incorporates medications like buprenorphine or methadone to manage withdrawal symptoms and urges.
- Skilled therapy: Behavioral therapy to investigate causes behind the addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Aftercare planning: Thoughtfully designed recovery plans encourage lasting sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center offers complete care for people dealing with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically supervised detox: 24-hour medical observation to maintain comfort and safety throughout detox
- Prompt transport: Transportation within minutes of your call
- Personalized detox plans: Tailored care for each client that makes sense for the complexities of nitazene use
- Comprehensive care coordination: Support throughout the recovery process, offering a seamless transition from detox to the next stage of care
Find Help For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everyone deserves skilled detox care in Philadelphia. Call Sunrise Detox Cherry Hill at 856-333-3783 to find the guidance you need. With the emergence of powerful synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our staff is dedicated to offering compassionate and immediate support day and night, every day of the year.
Author
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Stephen Cooke brings over a decade of experience in international and American healthcare communications to Praesum. A prolific writer and published author, Stephen has dedicated his career to promoting health and recovery across various organizations.
