Researchers believe the use of benzimidazole opioids, also known as nitazene opioids or nitazenes, is on the rise.
Nitazenes are a class of highly potent (powerful) synthetic opioids that were developed over 60 years ago, in the 1950s, as an alternative to morphine. However, they were never approved for medical use in the United States due to their high risk of dangerous side effects and overdose.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), nitazenes are often abused for their psychoactive effects. These effects may include feelings of euphoria, pain relief, reduced stress, sleepiness, relaxation, or sedation. Other potential effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, itchiness, slow breathing, and a slow heart rate.
The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) states that nitazenes are distributed in pure form or mixed with other drugs. They can be made into sprays, pills, or powders, which can be inhaled, swallowed, taken sublingually, or injected. Nitazenes are sometimes used unintentionally because people are unaware that other illicit drugs are laced with it.
Nitazenes, which can be far more powerful than fentanyl and other opioids, present an increased risk of overdose. Taking a high dose of nitazene may result in the following symptoms of an opioid overdose:
- Discolored skin (Blue or gray skin, lips, or nails)
- Losing consciousness
- Weak or limp limbs
- Unresponsiveness
- Pin-point pupils
- Vomiting
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Coma
- Death
If someone you know is displaying these signs, act quickly by calling 911 and administering Naloxone or other opioid overdose reversal drugs, if available.
If you have a loved one struggling with substance abuse, it’s natural to feel confused and helpless. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the path to recovery and healing alone.
At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department has a Division of Addiction Services where your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and drug dependency. These services are available through our outpatient Reflections Treatment Program.
For more information about our Reflections treatment program, please contact us at (718) 670-5078.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.