In Vivo Analysis of New Psychoactive Substances： Nitazenes.

Abstract

Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids that have recently emerged in the illegal drug market. They are characterized by high potency and a narrow therapeutic window. Compared with traditional opioids, these substances are more likely to cause severe respiratory depression. In recent years, the abuse of nitazenes has occurred frequently, causing hundreds of overdose deaths worldwide, and posing a serious threat to individual health and public safety. As more nitazenes continue to emerge, research on the identification of these substances has received increasing attention. This paper reviews the structural characteristics, in vivo and in vitro pharmacological characterizations and analysis methods of common nitazenes, aiming to provide a basis and reference for the study of these substances in forensic toxicology.