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An urgent warning has been issued over a new opioid drug following a series of overdoses.
Nitacenes have been found in drug samples linked to a cluster of about 20 overdoses reported in the Penrith area of western Sydney over the past month.
The super-potent synthetic opioid is similar to fentanyl, which has devastated parts of the United States, leaving addicts scattered on the streets or reeling in a drug haze in cities including New York, Sacramento, Philadelphia and Portland.
But the drug, manufactured in illicit Chinese laboratories and smuggled abroad, is even more dangerous than fentanyl and hundreds of times more potent than heroin, making users much more likely to overdose.
An urgent warning has been issued over a new opioid drug following a series of overdoses. Nitacenes have been found in drug samples linked to a cluster of about 20 overdoses reported in the Penrith area of western Sydney over the past month.
Super-strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl and now nitacenes have been blamed for creating “zombie land” scenes in several major US cities. In the photo, fentanyl users passed out on the streets of Sacramento, California.
“Nitacenes are extremely potent,” NSW Health addiction medicine specialist Dr Hester Wilson said in a public health statement.
‘It is important for people to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond.
‘Opioids such as heroin can cause pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, unconsciousness, slow breathing/snoring, and blue/gray skin, and can be life-threatening.
‘One of the dangers of the illicit drug supply is that the potency and content of the substance being consumed is unknown and can be inconsistent.
“In light of this detection, people who use drugs such as heroin should carry naloxone with them.”
Synthetic opioid users often lie on the streets lost in the throes of substance use. Pictured: A man suspected of being under the influence of drugs in Seattle
Super-strong synthetic opioids are similar to fentanyl, which has devastated parts of the US.
Users of synthetic opioids can remain mobile but in a deformed mental state, giving their name to the so-called “zombie lands.” This man, who is believed to have used drugs, was photographed in San Francisco last year.
NSW Health notes that naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, but must be administered “quickly” as the drug is more likely to cause respiratory arrest.
Nitazenes can last longer in the body than heroin and naloxone, so higher and repeated doses of naloxone, as well as hospital treatment, are often required.
The medications cause feelings of pain relief, euphoria, relaxation and drowsiness, but also sweating, itching and nausea.
Anyone who uses naloxone should call Triple Zero to request an ambulance immediately after use for follow-up care.