September 20, 2022

Another synthetic opioid is increasing in presence, and worryingly, is more potent than fentanyl.

Nitazenes, which were developed more than 60 years ago for potential use as a pain reliever, are being found in the illicit drug supply, and deaths have increased more than four times in Tennessee between 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately, this number may be underestimated due to the fact that it is not routinely tested for. Further, while this happened in one state, according to Dr. Weinstein, it’s safe to assume that this substance is elsewhere.

“If such a significant increase occurred in Knox County, Tennessee — a county with a population under 500,000 — we’d be remiss to believe that larger counties and metropolitan areas would not have seen even greater increases if nitazines were a standard part of testing schedules.”

To find out more about this substance, visit Healthline.