Understanding The Risk Of Nitazenes, the Latest Class Of Alarmingly Strong Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a group of strong synthetic opioids, have surfaced as a serious concern due to their intense potency and link to overdose deaths. Despite the lack of thorough statistics, alarming reports indicate the devastating and deadly impact. Gain insights into what they are, the dangers, effects, and treatment possibilities.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids that impact opioid receptors in the brain. They were initially developed more than half a century ago as a substitute to morphine but were never released due to their elevated potential for overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly stronger than conventional opioids like morphine or even fentanyl. They are associated with many overdose fatalities worldwide as they have begun to emerge in illegal drug markets.
What Do Nitazenes Look Like?
Nitazenes are available in various forms. You may encounter them as the following:
- White powdery substance, crystalline solid, or powder with brown or yellow coloring.
- Counterfeit medications (e.g., fake oxycodone) are often combined with ketamine, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the recently reported xylazine overdoses involve nitazenes. A A concerning aspect is that xylazine, an animal sedative commonly used as prep for surgery, would not necessarily be discovered on clinical toxicology screens conducted in hospitals.
be identified on clinical toxicology screens performed in ERs.
Global Public Health Ramifications Of Nitazenes
As a result of its recent appearance and the lack of official research concerning the effects of nitazenes, some of the information about these strong new opioids comes from firsthand user descriptions. But it’s presently becoming more apparent that nitazenes are worsening the overdose epidemic, leading to rising overdose rates through fraudulent pills and illicit drugs. The levels of potency can fluctuate widely and the danger of contamination is increased due to the ungoverned production.
Key Facts About Nitazenes
Intensifying the opioid crisis, nitazenes are alarmingly strong and come with a high risk of overdose. Here are several additional facts about these synthetic opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are often much more potent than fentanyl. Various derivatives, like isotonitazene, may be as much as 100 times more potent than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes have become more common in the illegal drug market, commonly as substitutes or additives to opioids like heroin or fentanyl. Users might inadvertently ingest nitazenes, elevating the threat of overdose.
- Effects: Similar to other opioids, people who take nitazenes may experience euphoria, sedation, and pain relief. Severe respiratory depression can take place, which is often deadly in large doses or when taken with depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
- Detection Issues: Regular toxicology screenings may fail to detect nitazenes, necessitating specialized testing to confirm nitazene-impacted overdoses.
- Overdose Risks: Even seemingly insignificant amounts can cause deadly overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) may neutralize the effects, but higher or multiple doses are commonly required.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is one of the most frequently found. Other prevalent derivatives include protonitazene, metonitazene, and etonitazene, which cause life-threatening effects in limited amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment approaches for nitazene addiction are similar to those developed for other opioids. Here are the types of care you will find at credentialed facilities:
- Medically directed detox: Ensures safety throughout the withdrawal process.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Incorporates medications like buprenorphine or methadone to control withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Counseling: Behavioral therapy to address causes behind the addiction and build positive coping mechanisms.
- Aftercare planning: Carefully designed recovery plans promote lasting sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center offers complete care for individuals struggling with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically directed detox: round-the-clock medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort over the course of detox
- Prompt transport: Transportation within minutes of your call
- Individualized detox plans: Customized care for all patients that addresses the complexities of nitazene use
- Comprehensive care management: Support over the entire process, offering a seamless transition from detox to the next phase of care
Find Help For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everybody deserves specialized detox care in Palm Beach. Call Sunrise Detox Palm Beach at 561-621-2517 to obtain the help you require. With the emergence of potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our personnel are committed to offering compassionate and timely support day and night, all year long.
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.
