The New Synthetic Opioid, Isotonitazene

The synthetic opioids landscape is ever-changing, and the latest arrival is isotonitazene, often referred to as iso. This potent drug has been causing a stir since 2020, with an increase in isotonitazene addiction and overdoses across the United States. This development is worrying experts, given the potency and availability of this relatively unexamined new substance.

Recently, isotonitazene, also known as iso, was not regulated. It was used to mix with different drugs, including a new type of heroin. Originally, just a few overdoses linked to iso, but now it is a nationwide problem. The opioid addiction crisis is getting worse with no signs of stopping.

Many people become addicted to isotonitazene unknowingly when it is mixed with other drugs. Conversely, some people deliberately seek it due to its potent effects and ready availability. Keep reading to explore the risks linked to this new drug and discover how to obtain treatment for opioid use disorders.

Iso Drug

Iso is an artificial opioid that’s new to the drug market. It’s more potent than morphine and feels like fentanyl, but it has a unique chemical makeup that makes it different.

Isotonitazene is not used for medical reasons due to the high risks of abuse, addiction, and overdose outweighing any benefits.

During the first seven months of 2020, the United States experienced a significant surge in overdose deaths related to Iso. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) labeled isotonitazene as a dangerous drug due to a worrying pattern, placing it in the highest category of control.

In its powdered form, iso usually appears off-white but sometimes has yellow or brownish hues. People may consume it by swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting it. Some drug dealers press iso into fake pills or mix it with other substances to cut costs while still delivering potent effects.

Isotonitazene is a new drug and doesn’t have many street names yet. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies some common slang terms, which include:

• Iso
• Nitazene
• Toni

Isotonitazene Side Effects

Isotonitazene has side effects like other synthetic opioids. However, we don’t know the drug’s long-term effects because it’s a new drug.

Dealers sometimes mix iso with other drugs, so healthcare workers may not know symptoms are from isotonitazene. This can lead to underreporting of some side effects.

Known side effects of isotonitazene include:

• Breathing slowly
• Feeling nervous
• Throwing up
• Itchy eyes
• High temperature
• Trouble going to the bathroom
• Stomach upset
• Sudden fear
• Passing out
• Really thirsty
• Feeling woozy
• Signs of stopping a habit
• Feeling like you have the flu

Like fentanyl, isotonitazene is extremely potent, even in small quantities. However, simply touching or having brief contact with it does not cause death; these substances must enter a person’s body to have an effect.

Isotonitazene Dangers

Isotonitazene is dangerous because it is very potent and can be mixed with other substances without being noticed.

Isotonitazene is as much as 100 times more potent than morphine, placing it on the same level as fentanyl. Although fentanyl has legitimate medical uses when administered under medical supervision and in controlled doses, isotonitazene does not offer any medical benefits.

A further danger of isotonitazene is its strong binding to opioid receptors. Not much research has been done on reversing isotonitazene overdoses. Emergency responders and healthcare workers have observed that multiple doses of Narcan are often needed to reverse these overdoses. In some cases, even with multiple doses, Narcan may not be effective in reversing the overdose.

A small amount of iso is enough to produce intense and often deadly effects.

In its powdered form, it can resemble fentanyl and heroin. It is cheaper and easier to obtain. Dealers prefer using it to create a stronger and more addictive product. This allows them to save money.

Isotonitazene has a different structure than other synthetic opioids. It may not show up on standard drug tests. Harm reduction centers and healthcare professionals commonly use these tests.

Iso is already widely used in counterfeit pills on the drug market because it’s easy to press and highly potent. Numerous accidental overdose deaths involve people consuming contaminated or adulterated drugs unknowingly.

A study carried out in the Midwest United States over the initial seven months of 2020 found that, from 1,021 fatalities due to opioid overdose, 40 were associated with isotonitazene. Fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and alcohol were among the most frequently identified substances in autopsy screenings. Despite the limited scope of the study, it highlights how quickly isotonitazene is becoming prevalent in the drug supply, often without users’ awareness.

Isotonitazene Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to isotonitazene or other opioids, help is available. To stay safe, it’s important to overcome addiction as new and more dangerous drugs continue to appear.

At White Oak Recovery Center, we focus on treating the entire person, not just the addiction. We collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your addiction. It starts with medical detox on-site for a safe withdrawal in a private, peaceful setting with supportive, non-judgmental care.

Our treatment center offers a peaceful environment for you to focus on yourself without the usual distractions of everyday life. While at WORC, we teach you effective skills to handle challenges in everyday life after treatment.

A rewarding life free from the burden of addiction is achievable. Get in touch with one of our caring treatment specialists today to begin your journey toward recovery. Reach out now.