What are nitazenes? What to know about the drug that can be 10 times as potent as fentanyl

Colorado Overdose Linked to a New, Potent Opioid

According to the Boulder County Coroner’s office, a Colorado overdose death can be attributed to a new formulation of nitazenes, which are opioids. This is believed to be the first time that this formulation has been found to cause an overdose death. This discovery has raised concerns about the dangers posed by these drugs.

Understanding Nitazenes

Originally developed during the 1950s and 1960s for commercial sale, nitazenes have been repurposed by illicit drug manufacturers to create new synthetic opioids. This is due to the crackdown on substances like fentanyl. As a result, different versions of nitazenes have emerged, making it challenging for authorities to address the issue.

Dr. Wilson M. Compton, the deputy director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, revealed that while the illicit use of nitazenes remains rare, testing for these substances is not routinely conducted for overdose deaths. This complicates efforts to understand the full extent of the dangers posed by these compounds.

The Dangers of Nitazenes

According to experts like Claire Zagorski and Dr. Wilson M. Compton, nitazenes are very potent substances. Some formulations, such as N-Desethyl etonitazene, are about 10 times as potent as fentanyl, a well-known and highly potent opioid. This has raised concerns about their potential to cause severe harm or even death.

Mixing Nitazenes and Naloxone

As with other opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil, naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, is effective against nitazenes. However, there is a concern that some nitazenes may be long-acting, meaning that individuals who receive naloxone treatment should still seek medical attention. Nitazenes present unique risks and require specialized interventions.

The Future of Nitazenes

Given the ever-evolving nature of illicit drug production, the challenge of tracking and dealing with new, potentially harmful substances like nitazenes remains a priority. Without a clear understanding of the risks posed by these opioids, it will be essential to conduct further research to mitigate the harmful effects posed by these dangerous drugs.