What are Nitazens?

Nitaznes are ultra-powerful synthetic opioids, developed in the years 1950-1960 in Switzerland to replace morphine. Nevertheless, Never authorized in medicine. However, they are now classified among drugs prohibited in France since July 9, 2024 by the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM).

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These molecules can be. However, up to 500 times more powerful than morphine. Meanwhile, and about 40 times more than fentanyl, itself responsible for thousands of deaths by overdose each year. Meanwhile, They come in the form of powder. Similarly, tablets, liquids or sprays and are often mixed with other drugs to strengthen the effects.

Nitazènes: QAre the risks? – What nitazens? – What nitazens? new

Nitaznes act very quickly on the central what nitazens? In addition, nervous system. causing brutal respiratory depression. Even very small doses can cause fatal overdose. Their presence in other drugs is often overlooked by consumers, who thus involuntarily ingest.

Especially since these substances are almost undetectable by conventional toxicological tests, complicating medical care in an emergency. The overdose crisis linked to opioids. especially in the United States, was largely aggravated by the rapid dissemination of these products.

Where are they?

Mainly manufactured in China, Nitazens are circulating worldwide. In the United States. they gradually replace fentanyl in the illicit drug market. causing a major health crisis: more than 4,300 seizures since 2019, tens of thousands of annual deaths linked to opioids (including 76 % due to opioids in 2023 according to the CDC).

In Europe, their presence is increasingly worried. In the United Kingdom. more than 450 overdose what nitazens? new deaths linked to Nitazens were recorded over 18 months, especially in Scotland where what nitazens? the situation is qualified as a major health crisis. These opioids also strike West Africa. where they are part of the “Kush”. a mixture of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol and formaldehyde, particularly dangerous and responsible for a health emergency declared in 2024 in several countries.

What is the authorities’ response?

Faced with these dangers, France prohibited Nitazens in 2024 and strengthens the surveillance of illicit substances. The ANSM. the health authorities insist on the need to make antidotes to overdoses (such as naloxone) more accessible. to improve screening capacities in laboratories.

Internationally. Additionally. the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (ONUDC) sounds alarm: if the criminal networks – Albanian, Turkish, Italian or Mexican mafia – are embarking on the massive import of Nitaznes in Europe, the health crisis could take dramatic proportions.