5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Nitazenes are a new class of synthetic opioids that are significantly more potent than fentanyl and heroin.

• 2

  Since 2019, over 4,300 nitazene-related drug seizures have been reported in the United States, often mixed with other drugs.

• 3

  Nitazenes pose unique challenges in overdose treatment, as naloxone may be less effective and standard toxicology screens do not detect them.

• 4

  The emergence of nitazenes complicates the opioid epidemic, as they are synthesized from accessible chemicals and evade current regulations.

• 5

  Harm reduction experts advocate for drug-checking services to help detect nitazenes and prevent fatal overdoses.