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Experts Warn: Nitazenes Surge Sparks Overdose Crisis

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Experts warn that nitazenes, synthetic opioids 20-43 times stronger than fentanyl, pose a significant overdose risk.
Developed in the 1950s, nitazenes were never approved for medical use due to their high potency.
These drugs are increasingly found in counterfeit pills sold online, often unbeknownst to users.
The DEA indicates that nitazenes are sourced from China and mixed with other illicit drugs, complicating overdose treatments.
Tennessee reports 92 nitazene-related deaths from 2019-2023, prompting officials to emphasize the need for awareness and detection tools.

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Story summary

Experts warn that nitazenes, synthetic opioids 20-43 times stronger than fentanyl, pose a significant overdose risk.
Developed in the 1950s, nitazenes were never approved for medical use due to their high potency.
These drugs are increasingly found in counterfeit pills sold online, often unbeknownst to users.
The DEA indicates that nitazenes are sourced from China and mixed with other illicit drugs, complicating overdose treatments.
Tennessee reports 92 nitazene-related deaths from 2019-2023, prompting officials to emphasize the need for awareness and detection tools.