Much Stronger Than Fentanyl, Nitazenes Present Looming Crisis

Overdose victims require multiple doses of Naloxone due to strength of nitazene opioids.

Dr.OGA/Shutterstock

A new killer has emerged in the illegal drug market, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Synthetic opioids called nitazenes—as much as 20 times more potent than fentanyl—have infiltrated street drugs from heroin to benzodiazepines, catching unsuspecting users in a web of addiction and overdose death.

These opioids have evaded authorities and fueled a silent epidemic, presenting novel dangers that law enforcement is only beginning to grasp.

No Medical Use, High Addiction Risk

Nitazenes belong to a class of synthetic opioids called isotonitazenes, or ISOs. These compounds have gained attention because of their powerful painkilling properties. First developed in the 1950s, nitazenes were never approved for medical use and long remained obscure, known only in academic circles.