"Iso"
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Isotonitazene is a potent synthetic opioid, and it is being abused for its opioidergic effects. The abuse of isotonitazene, similar to other synthetic opioids, has been associated with adverse health effects, including numerous deaths. The availability of synthetic opioids in the illicit drug market continues to pose an imminent hazard to the public safety. Adverse health effects associated with the abuse of synthetic opioids and the continued evolution and increased popularity of these substances have been a serious concern in recent years. As the United States continues to experience an unprecedented epidemic of opioid misuse and abuse, the presence of new synthetic opioids with no approved medical use exacerbates the epidemic. Beginning in April 2019, isotonitazene emerged on the illicit synthetic drug market as evidenced by its identification in drug seizures.
ISO’s high potency comes with an increased risk of overdose – a big issue the DEA Washington Division is currently working to tackle. According to provisional CDC data, in 2021, U.S. drug overdose deaths hit their highest level on record -- nearly 108,000 people. Even more concerning: over 75% of those deaths involved a synthetic opioid.
Tragically, many of these overdose victims have no idea they are ingesting these dangerous and extremely potent drugs. The DEA says these synthetic opioids currently can only be properly identified after a lab test, so people don't realize they're buying them until it's too late.
Is There an Effective Treatment for a Nitazene Overdose?
Naloxone, which first responders often use to revive people who have overdosed on heroin or fentanyl, should be effective in treating people suffering from a nitazene overdose, though higher doses may be needed, Marino says.
Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a synthetic medication approved by the FDA to quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It's an opioid antagonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors to reverse and block the effects of other opioids, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
