Recognizing The Risk Of Nitazenes, the Newest Class Of Incredibly Powerful Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a category of strong synthetic opioids, have emerged as a major concern because of their extreme potency and association with overdoses. Despite the dearth of detailed statistics, alarming reports are highlighting the devastating and deadly impact. Learn more about the dangers, effects, key facts, and treatment options.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids that act on the brain’s opioid receptors. They were originally formulated more than half a century ago as a substitute to morphine but weren’t approved due to their heightened risk of overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly stronger than traditional opioids like morphine or even fentanyl. They are associated with many overdoses globally as they have begun to emerge in illicit drug markets.
What Do Nitazenes Look Like?
Nitazenes come in various forms. You may discover them as the following:
- White powdery substance, crystal-like solid, or powder with brown or yellow coloring.
- Counterfeit medications (e.g., fake oxycodone) are frequently mixed with heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the most recent xylazine overdoses involve nitazenes. Complicating matters is the fact that xylazine, an animal tranquilizer commonly used as prep for surgery, wouldn’t necessarily be discovered on medical toxicology screens completed in emergency rooms.
be detected on hospital toxicology screens conducted in ERs.
Worldwide Health Implications Of Nitazenes
Because of its recent appearance and the absence of comprehensive research about the impact of nitazenes, much of the information about these strong new opioids comes from anecdotal user descriptions. But it’s presently becoming clear that nitazenes are exacerbating the opioid epidemic, contributing to rising overdose rates through fake pills and illegal drugs. Due to uncontrolled production, there is an increased risk of dangerous, inconsistent levels of potency and contamination.
Important Facts About Nitazenes
Compounding the opioid crisis, nitazenes are extraordinarily potent and have an elevated threat of overdose. Here are some additional facts about these dangerous opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are frequently much more potent than fentanyl. Certain derivatives, like isotonitazene, can be as much as 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes are becoming more widespread in the illicit drug market, commonly as substitutes or additives to opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users may unintentionally consume nitazenes, elevating the threat of overdose.
- Effects: Similar to other opioids, individuals could experience euphoria, sedation, and pain relief. Dangerous respiratory depression can occur, which is frequently lethal in high doses or when combined with depressants like benzos or alcohol.
- Detection Problems: Regular toxicology screenings may not detect nitazenes, calling for different testing to determine nitazene-influenced overdoses.
- Risk of Overdose: Even seemingly insignificant amounts can produce deadly overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) could counteract the effects, but higher or additional doses are commonly required.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is among the most commonly detected. Other prevalent derivatives include metonitazene, protonitazene, and etonitazene, which create life-threatening effects in minimal amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment strategies for nitazene addiction align with those used for other opioids. Here are the types of care you will find at licensed centers:
- Medically guided detox: Focuses on safety during the withdrawal stage.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Utilizes approved drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy and counseling: Behavioral therapy to examine root causes and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Aftercare planning: Carefully designed recovery plans promote enduring sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center delivers comprehensive care for people struggling with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically directed detox: 24-hour medical supervision to promote comfort and safety throughout detox
- Immediate transport: Transportation within minutes of your call
- Personalized detox plans: Tailored care for every client that is suitable for the difficulties of nitazene use
- Complete care planning: Support throughout the entire process, providing a seamless transition from detox to the next phase of care
Get Support For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everyone deserves skilled detox care in Boston. Reach out to Sunrise Detox Millbury at 508-506-8940 to get the guidance you require. With the increase of strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our team is dedicated to offering timely and compassionate support 24/7, 365 days a 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.
