Originally developed in the mid-20th century, Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids that were designed as a potential step-in for analgesics but were never approved for human use due to their very high potency and potential to overdose. This drug is so potent that it is 43 times stronger than fentanyl, a drug that is known to be fatal if even the smallest amount is inhaled, and 1000 times stronger than morphine, a drug that is meant to treat severe pains.
Nitazene is typically found in various different forms, like pills, liquids, capsules and patches. Looking for Nitazene is unreliable as pills can be made to mimic oxycodone (an opioid pain killer) or benzodiazepines (a class of sedative medication used for anxiety and insomnia). When it isn’t mixed in with other substances, Nitazene often appears as an off-white / brown powder or occasionally as a crystalline solid. Because of its high potency, only a very small amount needs to be ingested to produce strong effects, making it extremely dangerous when users are completely unaware of its presence. Often it is pressed into counterfeit tablets or mixed into street drugs, meaning people may believe they are taking a less powerful opioid or sedative and are instead hit with Nitazene.
Standard drug-testing kits and fentanyl strips usually cannot detect Nitazenes, so a special laboratory technique called “liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry” is required to confirm their presence. This means that it is basically impossible to determine if the drug you are consuming has this mixed in, until it is too late
if someone you know has just consumed Nitazene, it is crucial to act quickly and follow these steps to ensure their safety:
1. Put the person into the recovery position >>> with the person on their back, from your position, place their furthest arm directly out from their body and their closest arm across their chest. Bend their knee and roll the person onto their side whilst ensuring their head is tilted back to keep their airway clear. Ensure the person continues to breath until help arrives
2. Call for emergency help >>> Dial 999 and provide emergency services with the information you have about the overdose
3. If available, give the person Naloxone to reverse the effects of Nitazene. It may take multiple doses to fully reverse an overdose
4. Seek professional help >>> If the person is dependant on Nitazene, professional support can help withdrawal safely
