EDINBURG, SCOTLAND – The Public Health Department in Scotland (PHS) is sending out an alert after a recent spike in deadly and near-deadly drug overdoses among heroin users. Some of the overdoses have involved a sudden and rapid collapse, with many people requiring multiple doses of naloxone to reverse the effects. Early testing has detected a nitazene-type opioid in some heroin samples, but further analysis is underway to identify the exact substance.
“We are very concerned about the presence of synthetic drugs like nitazenes within the unregulated drugs market across Scotland,” said Dr. Tara Shivaji, a consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS.
As Emily’s Hope reported last year, nitazenes are an emerging class of opioids in the United States that appear to be even more powerful than fentanyl.
“This means even a small amount poses an increased risk of overdose or death. There are ways to reduce the risk of overdose when taking drugs, but there is no safe way to take nitazenes,” said Shivaji.
Public Health Scotland is urging people to take extra precautions:
- Do not use drugs alone – Have someone with you who can help in an emergency.
- Avoid mixing substances – Combining drugs (including alcohol and prescription medications) increases the risk of overdose.
- Know the signs of overdose, including:
- Sudden collapse
- Unresponsiveness
- Blue or pale skin
- Snoring, gurgling, or raspy breathing
- Seizures or fits
- Carry naloxone – If you or someone you know uses drugs, having naloxone on hand could save a life.
