Metonitazene Powder is a potent, illicit synthetic opioid that is not approved for any medical use and poses a high risk of life-threatening overdose due to its extreme potency, which is comparable to or greater than fentanyl.
Key Information
- Appearance: It typically appears as a white, off-white, beige, or sometimes brown powder. It has been found in various forms, including chunky and crystalline.
- Potency: Metonitazene is estimated to be between 30 and 200 times more potent than morphine. Very small amounts can produce toxic, often fatal, effects.
- Illicit Use & Dangers: It is a controlled substance in the U.S. (Schedule I) and other countries and is clandestinely manufactured and trafficked. It is often sold illicitly as other substances like heroin, ketamine, or cocaine, increasing the risk of accidental exposure and overdose, as users may be unaware they are consuming a potent opioid.
- Health Risks: The primary adverse effect is severe respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing), which can lead to loss of consciousness and death.
- Overdose Management: The effects can be reversed by an opioid antagonist like naloxone, which is recommended to be carried by individuals who use drugs or their associates. Naloxone is safe to use even if an opioid overdose is not confirmed.
Signs of Opioid Overdose
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, seek emergency help immediately. Signs to look out for include:
- Breathing slowly or not at all.
- Reduced consciousness (difficulty waking or rousing the person).
- Tiny (pinpoint) pupils in some cases.
Using metonitazene with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, GHB, or benzodiazepines, significantly increases the risk of a fatal overdose.
