Isotonitazepyne

Isotonitazene is a potent synthetic opioid that is part of the benzimidazole class of opioids. It was first synthesized in the 1950s as part of a group of compounds known as the nitazenes. Isotonitazene is an analog of etazene, which is itself an opioid analgesic.

Pharmacology

Isotonitazene is a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It is believed to have a potency approximately 500 to 600 times that of morphine. The drug's effects are primarily due to its action at the mu-opioid receptor, where it acts as a potent agonist. This results in profound analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.

Effects

The effects of isotonitazene are similar to other opioids and include pain relief, euphoria, sedation, and respiratory depression. However, due to its high potency, the risk of overdose and death is significantly higher than with other opioids. Symptoms of an overdose can include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips and skin, and unconsciousness.

Legal Status

Isotonitazene is a controlled substance in many countries due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. In the United States, it is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

See Also

• Opioid epidemic
• Fentanyl
• Carfentanil