Nitazene is a name many Australians may not be familiar with, but it is a growing concern in the realm of public health. This synthetic opioid, once an obscure chemical created as an alternative to morphine, has surfaced in illicit drug markets, posing significant risks to individuals and communities alike.
With reports claiming the drug is 50 times more potent than fentanyl and over a hundred times more potent than heroin, nitazene represents a deadly threat to the Australian community.
This blog aims to shed light on what the drug is, why it is dangerous, and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you.
What is nitazene?
Nitazene is a synthetic opioid developed in the 1950s but was never approved for medical use due to its high potential for overdose. Recently, it has resurfaced as a component of illicit drug supplies.
Belonging to the same class of drugs as fentanyl, nitazene can be extremely potent, with even minuscule amounts posing a serious overdose risk.
Often, nitazene is laced with other drugs, such as heroin or counterfeit pills, making it difficult for users to know what they are consuming.
Why is nitazene dangerous?
The dangers of nitazene lie in its extreme potency and unpredictability. Even tiny amounts can lead to life-threatening overdoses, particularly when users are unaware of its presence in a substance.
Unlike some more well-known opioids, nitazene is not widely tested for, making it harder to identify in both medical emergencies and broader public health monitoring efforts.
New South Wales (NSW) Health Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Kate Conigrave said that “due to the drug being illicit and unregulated, there is no way of knowing what type of nitazene is present or what dosage is being taken.”
“The strength and contents can vary widely, even within the same batch. So it is extremely important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose”
Another significant risk is its presence in counterfeit pills or other substances, which may appear safe to unsuspecting users. This hidden nature exacerbates the threat, as individuals might unknowingly ingest nitazene, drastically increasing the likelihood of overdose.
Effects of nitazene use
The effects of nitazene use, like other opioids, can vary depending on the dose, the individual, and whether it is combined with other substances.
Dr. Conigrave went on to warn the public on the signs of nitazene use, saying that the opioid “can cause pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey, and can be life-threatening.“
Given its extreme potency, even small amounts of nitazene can have profound effects, including a high risk of overdose. Here's a breakdown of its effects:
Short-term effects
- Euphoria and pain relief: As a synthetic opioid, nitazene can produce feelings of intense pleasure and pain relief similar to other opioids like morphine or fentanyl.
- Sedation: Users may feel drowsy or lethargic, often referred to as “nodding off.”
- Respiratory depression: Nitazene can significantly slow down breathing, which is the primary cause of fatal overdoses.
- Nausea and vomiting: Common side effects of opioid use.
- Confusion and dizziness: Impaired cognitive function and coordination may occur.
- Pupil constriction: Pinpoint pupils are a typical sign of opioid use.
Overdose effects
Nitazene's extreme potency increases the risk of overdose, even in small amounts. Overdose symptoms include:
- Severe respiratory depression: Breathing slows or stops entirely, leading to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the brain.
- Unresponsiveness: Individuals may fall unconscious and cannot be awakened.
- Bluish skin or lips: A sign of oxygen deprivation.
- Slow or erratic pulse: Heart rate may weaken or stop altogether.
It’s worth noting that in May 2024, NSW Health reported around 20 overdoses where nitazenes were found in people who thought they were using heroin.
Long-term effects
Although there is limited research on nitazene specifically, its effects are likely to align with those of other potent opioids:
- Dependence and addiction: Regular use can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
- Tolerance development: Over time, users may need higher doses to achieve the same effect, increasing overdose risks.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Abrupt cessation can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, muscle pain, nausea, and insomnia.
- Organ damage: Chronic use can lead to complications such as liver or kidney damage, particularly when mixed with other harmful substances.
Hidden risks
- Unintentional ingestion: Nitazene is often mixed with other drugs (e.g., heroin or counterfeit pills) without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.
- Difficulty in detection: Standard drug testing kits may not detect nitazene, complicating diagnosis and treatment in medical emergencies.
Nitazene is particularly concerning due to its potency and unpredictability. Public awareness, harm reduction strategies, and emergency measures like carrying naloxone can be life-saving in mitigating its effects.
The current situation in Australia
Nitazene has begun to appear in illicit drug markets worldwide, including our home country, where it is linked to the growing problem of illegal drugs in Australia and New Zealand.
Public health authorities are concerned about its potential to worsen the opioid crisis, as its potency increases the risk of fatal overdoses.
In December 2024, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) warned the public over alarming synthetic opioids, including nitazene, which can be laced into other drugs like cocaine and MDMA.
Earlier that year, a Malaysian man was arrested and charged with multiple counts including possessing 4kg of a nitazene analogue. If found guilty, the man could face life imprisonment.
Three others in NSW suffered severe overdoses after using the drug, while a fourth person also suffered an overdose after ingesting nitazene when he thought it was a different drug.
Detection and testing of the drug remain a challenge due to its relatively recent emergence, leaving gaps in awareness and preparedness.
What can the public do?
Education and caution are key to addressing the threat of nitazene. Here are some steps the public can take:
- Stay informed: Learn about nitazene and its risks to understand the potential dangers in your community.
- Avoid illicit substances: Illicit drugs can often contain hidden components like nitazene, increasing the risk of harm.
- Carry naloxone: If you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose, keeping naloxone on hand can be lifesaving.
- Encourage open conversations: Stigma often prevents people from seeking help. Promote understanding and support for those affected by substance use.
The role of authorities and communities
Addressing the substance’s threat requires collaboration between authorities, healthcare providers, and communities. Increased testing and monitoring can help identify the presence of nitazene in drug supplies, while public health campaigns can spread awareness about its risks.
Additionally, providing support and resources for individuals struggling with substance use can help reduce the broader impact of opioids.
How we can combat nitazene
Nitazene is a hidden but growing danger, and awareness is our best defence. By understanding its risks and recognising the signs of overdose, we can work together to protect ourselves and our communities.
Whether through education, harm reduction, or supporting those in need, we all have a role to play in addressing this critical issue. Stay informed, stay safe, and help spread the word nitazene and its dangers.
