When we saw opioid overdoses in the news 15 years ago, OxyContin was the drug most often mentioned. Today, fentanyl is the opioid that’s keeping worried parents and loved ones up at night. But the shadowy cartels and criminal organizations that make millions off of America’s misery never sit still for long, sadly. Nitazenes are the newest threat that has New Jersey drug rehabs on high alert. 

This Achieve Wellness and Recovery article will bring you up to speed on nitazenes, the terrifying new ultra-powerful synthetic opioid being called the ‘next fentanyl.’ 

The New Super Opioids: Nitazenes 

There is a new ultra-powerful opioid on the streets, and it’s up to 40 times as powerful as fentanyl. Nitazenes, also referred to as benzimidazole opioids, belong to a category of synthetic opioids. Developed in the 1950s, they have never been approved for medical use in humans because of their hazardous side effects.

What Are Nitazenes and Benzimidazole Opioids Exactly?

Nitazenes are a group of powerful illicit synthetic opioids derived from 2-benzylbenzimidazole, a dangerous synthetic opioid first developed in the U.S. about 60 years ago. While nitazenes come in around a dozen different forms, none have ever been approved for human use. Benzimidazole opioids are considered extremely dangerous due to their extreme potency, which is about 40 times that of fentanyl.

Up until recently, New Jersey drug rehabs had seen few cases of nitazene addiction, but they are on the rise. Nitazenes have appeared in the news more recently because they are increasingly being found in counterfeit painkiller tablets seized in drug raids. 

These deadly super-opioids have also turned up in other fake prescription drugs, like fake Xanax or Adderall, and in seized Molly (MDMA) tablets. Public officials and law enforcement alike are ringing the alarm bells about nitazenes because they are already poised to make America’s opioid overdose death crisis even worse. 

A List of Nitazenes (Benzimidazole Opioids)

• N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (Pyro)
• Isotonitazene
• Metonitazene
• Etodesnitazene
• Flunitazene
• Butonitazene
• Clonitazene
• Etonitazene

The Effects of Nitazenes and Signs of Nitazene Use

The effects of nitazenes like Pyro, Nitro, and Franky are similar to fentanyl or any other very powerful synthetic opioid. They can cause drowsiness and intense euphoria. They have a powerful sedative effect, which makes them extremely dangerous because nitazenes are easy to overdose on. 

Nitazene overdose, like any opioid overdose, can lead to respiratory depression, arrest, and death. Nitazenes are extremely addictive, and a person who uses them regularly will experience opioid withdrawal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, cold sweats, anxiety, sleeplessness). 

7 Effects of Nitazenes

1. Extreme Euphoria: Intense feelings of pleasure and well-being.
2. Respiratory Depression: Slowed or difficult breathing, which can be life-threatening.
3. Sedation: Drowsiness or a heavy feeling leading to sleepiness.
4. Nausea and Vomiting: Common side effects, especially at higher doses.
5. Constipation: A typical opioid side effect due to slowed gastrointestinal activity. 
6. Overdose Risk: There is a high potential for overdose due to their extreme potency.
7. Tolerance and Dependence: Increased need for higher doses to achieve the same effect and physical dependence on the drug.

7 Signs Someone May Be Using Nitazenes

1. Pinpoint Pupils: Constricted pupils, a common sign of opioid use.
2. Drowsiness or Sedation: Unusual sleepiness or difficulty staying awake.
3. Slurred Speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly.
4. Confusion or Disorientation: Trouble focusing or understanding their surroundings.
5. Slow Breathing: Noticeably slow or shallow breathing.
6. Nausea and Vomiting: Frequent episodes of nausea or vomiting.
7. Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities.

What Makes Nitazenes So Dangerous?

Nitazenes like Pyro are extremely dangerous primarily because of their potency. Even the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is legal by prescription, must be handled very carefully. A fatal dose of pure fentanyl will fit on the head of a pin. Now imagine an opioid 40 TIMES more powerful than that. It’s easy to see why New Jersey drug rehabs like ours are working hard to raise awareness. 

There is an astronomical risk of accidental overdose when using nitazenes. Nitazenes and benzimidazole-class opioids were never approved for human use, in part because of the extreme risk of opioid overdose. The fact that they don’t do anything any better than existing opioids made them even less likely ever to receive FDA approval.   

Nitazenes (Benzimidazole Opioids) are dangerous because:

• They are so potent that accidental, fatal opioid overdose is a serious risk. 
• Nitazenes have never been tested nor approved for human use by the FDA.
• Any benzimidazole opioids you find will be made illegally without proper QC. 
• Nitazenes are found where people don’t expect them, such as counterfeit painkillers. 

What are the Slang Nicknames for Nitazenes?

While nitazenes have been inside the U.S. for at least 10 years, it has taken until now for them to spread widely enough to raise the attention of drug rehabs in New Jersey. Awareness of these deadly opioid compounds is essential for anyone with an addiction who uses illegal opioids or even Molly or potentially counterfeit prescription drugs. 

Here are the most well-known street nicknames for nitazenes:

Iso: 

Short for isotonitazene, one of the more commonly encountered nitazene derivatives.

Iso Brown: 

Nickname for the nitazene isotonitazene when presented in the form of a brown powder.

Toni or Tony: 

Derived from the “tonitazene” suffix in some nitazene compound names.

Nitro: 

A reference to the “nitazene” class, highlighting their potency. 

Frankie or Frankenstein: 

Slang terms that describe the unpredictable and dangerous effects of drugs containing nitazenes.

Pyro: 

The nickname ‘pyro’ is specifically associated with N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, a particularly potent nitazene.

What is Nitazene Addiction Treatment Like?

A top-tier alcohol and drug rehab like Achieve Wellness & Recovery is well-equipped to treat nitazene addiction and help people find long-term sobriety. Nitazene addiction treatment usually begins with treatment at our partner medical detox in NJ. 

After patients are comfortable and medically stabilized, they graduate to our Joint Commission Accredited partial hospitalization program (PHP) for dual-diagnosis addiction treatment. 

During treatment, every patient receives an individualized recovery plan to help ensure continued progress. Our award-winning intensive outpatient program offers compassionate addiction treatment in southern NJ with flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle.

Achieve Wellness & Recovery: Recover from Opioid Addiction

If you or someone you love is dependent on or addicted to nitazenes or any other opioid — Achieve Wellness & Recovery is the New Jersey drug rehab to call. Opioid overdose kills more than 130 Americans every single day. Don’t let your loved one add to the count. 

Nitazenes represent a serious threat that must not be underestimated. Even if you aren’t sure if you or your loved one are ready to enter substance abuse treatment yet—-it is never too soon to call. We’re here to answer your questions about nitazenes and other opioids and give you a path to recovery—-but only you can make the first call. 

Reach Achieve Wellness & Recovery at:  (833) 680-0142

You can also click here to learn how our New Jersey drug rehab can work with your insurance.