Warning of new opiod drug (nitazene) on the streets: Question re strength...

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potency and risks associated with nitazene, a new synthetic opioid, in comparison to other opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Participants explore the implications of its strength, the challenges of dosage estimation, and the dangers of accidental overdoses, particularly in the context of illegal manufacturing and distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of potency comparisons, such as nitazene being "200 times stronger than fentanyl," and wonder how these figures are derived.
  • It is noted that nitazenes require much smaller doses to achieve similar effects compared to other opioids, but the variability in potency among different nitazenes complicates comparisons.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of quality control in illegal drug manufacturing, leading to unpredictable dosages and increased overdose risks.
  • Participants discuss the importance of naloxone in reversing overdoses, with some noting that multiple doses may be necessary due to the potency of nitazenes.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the motives behind cutting nitazene into street drugs, suggesting it seems counterproductive to harm users.
  • There is a mention of the challenges in finding reliable information on nitazenes, particularly in the context of AI-generated content and the need for better non-AI sources.
  • Some participants share personal experiences with test kits for detecting fentanyl and nitazene in street drugs, emphasizing the importance of naloxone availability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the dangers posed by nitazenes and the challenges in dosage estimation, but there are multiple competing views regarding the implications of its potency and the motivations behind its distribution. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding the specifics of nitazene's effects and the best approaches to mitigate risks.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clinical use of nitazenes, which leads to uncertainty about dosages in street drugs. Additionally, the discussion highlights the variability in potency among different nitazenes and the absence of comprehensive data on their effects and overdose responses.

  • #31
berkeman said:
Yes.


Yeah, as @Laroxe said, the effects of Narcan are short-lived, like 20-30 minutes or so. That's why it's still important to get the patient to the hospital even if they claim they are fine after they start breathing and wake up.
That explains the times I've seen someone wake up but doze off again as the opiate the person ODed on slowly retook the receptors. But yeah, as you say we're told to call the ambulance regardless.

EDIT: Sadly, I've lost count on all the times I've called an ambulance. I've had 2 people die from me. One because he was adamant on ending it. I called every authority imaginable, police, 112 (911 over there), family, his entire phone contact book, but he had threatened with doing it so many times that noone took it seriously. I was staring at a bunch of mixed pills 20 cm high. In the end I had to leave. You simply can't play babysitter for grown up people like that. Next day he was dead. What really p..... me off was that noone contacted me afterwards to hear what toll the experience took on me! And that was after an almost 20 minute conversation with police!

The other because I found him too late and there was nothing the EMTs could do.

EDIT: Even after immediately adminstering Naloxone nasally!

What a waste.

:mad:
 
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