Nitazenes: What you need to know

What are nitazenes?

Nitazenes are a type of synthetic opioid - drugs made in a lab to copy the effects of heroin and other opioids. 

Nitazenes have been found in the illicit drugs supply across the UK in drugs sold as heroin, oxycodone, diazepam, and other pills or powders bought on the street or online. 

Because they are much stronger than heroin, even a small amount can cause overdose or death, especially if the person doesn't know the drug contains nitazenes. 

What effects do nitazenes have on you? 

Nitazenes have been known to be in drugs administered by injecting, swallowing, snorting, and smoking. They affect your body in the same way as other opioids like heroin or morphine, but they are much stronger. Even a small amount can have a powerful effect, and there is a very high risk of overdose. 

Effects include: 

• Reduced breathing 
• Reduced heart rate 
• Euphoria 
• Pain relief 
• Drowsiness 
• Constipation 
• Small pupils
• Nausea (feeling or being sick) 
• Itching

Nitazenes: How to reduce harm 

There are ways to reduce the risk of harm and overdose when taking drugs, but there is no safe way to take nitazenes. Even when following all harm reduction advice, there is still a significant risk involved. 

Due to their strength, it's almost impossible to accurately measure the right dose. The contents can vary widely even within the same batch. 

• Try not to use alone - and don't let your friends use alone either.
• Avoid injecting if possible. It's more difficult to judge the dose.
• Start low and go slow. Take the smallest amount you can and leave at least two hours between doses.
• Be aware of fake or mixed drugs. Pills, powders or liquids bought on the street or online might not be what they seem. If you can, get each new batch tested through WEDINOS.
• Avoid mixing drugs, including alcohol and medicines - this increases your risk of overdose. Try to use one drug at a time. 
• Carry naloxone - it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including synthetic opioids such as nitazenes. 

Naloxone saves lives 

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioids like heroin, methadone and nitazenes. 

• Get, carry and know how to use naloxone.
• If you're unsure what someone has taken, use it anyway - it won't harm anyone who hasn't used opioids. 
• Synthetic opioids like nitazenes can require multiple doses, so make sure you have enough supply. 
• You can get naloxone from a drug service or participating pharmacy.