Nitazenes

How are nitazenes used?

Nitazenes can be injected, inhaled, or swallowed (tablet form).²

Effects of nitazenes

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug. 

Nitazenes affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch).

Short term effects of nitazenes include:

• euphoria
• relaxation, drowsiness and clumsiness
• pain relief
• reduced stress
• itchiness
• nausea and vomiting
• fever and sweating
• slow breathing and heart rate.⁴

Overdose

If the dose is too high, you might overdose. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you or someone you are with has any of these symptoms:

• slow/shallow breathing
• bluish/greyish lips and complexion
• passing out
• coma
• death.⁵

Ambulance officers do not have to involve the police.

The potency of nitazenes varies between drugs in the class. They can range from levels similar to morphine, to a lot stronger than fentanyl.^6,7

If overdose occurs, naloxone will likely temporarily reverse the drug’s effects, including respiratory depression. More than one dose may be required.⁶

Long-term effects

The long-term effects of nitazenes haven’t been studied enough to understand what the risks might be, but it’s thought they may be like other opioids.

Some common long-term effects of opioids include:

• increased tolerance
• dependence
• constipation
• damage to vital organs such as the lungs, brain and heart.

Tolerance and dependence

Nitazenes have a high potential for tolerance and dependence.⁸

Mixing nitazenes and other drugs

The effects of taking nitazenes with other drugs – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications – can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Because of a lack of formal research around mixing nitazenes with other substances, this information covers mixing other substances with opioids in general:

Low risk

• Opioids + cannabis: Mixing these drugs can work together to increase effects, so while the risk is low there is still a possible risk.

Caution required

• Opioids + MDMA/LSD: Unlikely to cause interaction. Don’t use Tramadol and MDMA together due to risk of seizures.

Dangerous

• Opioids + nitrous oxide: Can cause impaired coordination, memory loss and passing out.
• Opioids + GHB/GBL/benzodiazepines/alcohol: Can cause difficulty breathing, passing out, vomiting and possible death.
• Opioids + ketamine: Can cause nausea, vomiting, passing out, and possible death.
• Opioids + cocaine/ice/speed: Increases the risk of heart strain. The stimulant effect of cocaine increases heart rate, and the opioid decreases heart rate. Depending on the amount taken there is a risk of respiratory arrest or heart problems if one wears off before the other.^9,10,11

Reducing harm

Start with a low dose. Try a small amount first to see how you are affected. It’s important to remember if you are swallowing the drug, it will take longer to take effect than other methods such as injecting. This means there may be more time to get medical help if needed.

Avoid using alone. Have a sober person around who is able to help if needed.

Have naloxone available. Strong opioids like nitazenes may need more than one dose to reverse an overdose.

Avoid taking nitazenes with other substances, in particular other opioids such as heroin. Also avoid depressant drugs like alcohol, GHB, and benzodiazepines.

If you aren't sure if someone is overdosing, call triple zero and request an ambulance. Do not leave the person alone. Ambulances are not required to involve the police.¹³

Withdrawal from nitazenes

Giving up nitazenes after using them for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without them.

Reports from people who use nitazenes suggest that the withdrawal from nitazenes is comparable to a severe opioid withdrawal.

Reported effects include:

• excessive sweating
• restless legs
• fever
• dizziness
• flu-like symptoms
• blackouts
• anxiety
• panic attacks.^14,15

Getting help

If your use of nitazenes is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au