03/06/2025
❗️ Community Notice 3rd June 2025
A crushed partial white pill (reported by the client to have been a 'Xanax' bar) was expected to contain alprazolam.
However, testing identified a combination of alprazolam, bromazolam, diazepam, and the potent synthetic opioid protonitazene.
The pill was sourced locally (ACT region).
Protonitazene is a highly potent synthetic opioid, estimated to be more than 200 times stronger than morphine. Even tiny amounts can cause overdose. Nitazenes are turning up more often in pills, powders and counterfeit medications across Australia.
Alprazolam, bromazolam and diazepam are all benzodiazepines - sedatives that vary widely in strength, onset and duration. When mixed with opioids, they significantly increase the risk of depressant overdose.
Test your stuff - always assume your drugs might not be what you expect. Some counterfeit pharmaceuticals can look very convincing and even be in 'branded' blister packs.
Carry naloxone and don't use alone - naloxone is free and can reverse a protonitazene overdose (though several doses may be required).
All nitazenes carry a high risk of overdose. It's difficult for health services to provide safer use advice due to limited evidence that they can or should be safely used. Being informed, carrying naloxone, and staying with others can reduce potential harm.
