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Description
Where: Nitazenes have been detected in the drug supply in all areas of Scotland. The alert was recently updated as these drugs have been detected in the heroin and benzo supply.
What: Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids. They pose a significant risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death. At first, they were mainly detected in drugs sold as oxycodone but are now more commonly found in heroin and benzodiazepines.
Side Effects: Side effects of opioids include reduced breathing and slowed heart rate, pain relief, drowsiness, constricted pupils, nausea and itching.
Naloxone temporarily reverses opioid overdoses (including Nitazenes), buying time until medical help arrives. You may need to administer more repeat doses than usual, leaving 2 to 3 minutes between doses.
For further information on this nitazenes alert, harm reduction information and other current RADAR alerts, click the website link below.
You can also visit the Scottish Drugs Forum website for more information and resources.