​A severe opioid overdose has occurred after taking a white tablet.

The tablet was described as containing LSD or magic mushroom.

Blood tests detected protonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid.

K​n​​ow the risks​​​ 

• Nitazenes, such as protonitazene, are synthetic opioids that are stronger and may be longer acting than many other opioids. They are up to 500 times more potent than heroin.
• Nitazenes are dangerous and vary in effect – some nitazenes are so potent that there is no safe dose. The purity can also vary within a single batch.
• Nitazene use has been linked to death and other serious harms in NSW.
• The risks of overdose are increased if you:
  • Use drugs alone.
  • Use nitazenes or other opioids if you have not used them before.
  • Use drugs again after a break.
  • Use with other drugs (like alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine or GHB).
  • Use a new batch.

Effects to look out for

• Pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or skin turning blue/grey.
• If you or others experience these symptoms, get help immediately.

Getting help

• If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:
• Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
• Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
• Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.

Take Home Naloxone program

• Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available in an easy to use nasal spray, and as a pre-filled injection. With basic training, it can be administered by anyone.
• The effects of naloxone may wear off, and ongoing doses and hospital treatment may be needed.
• You should carry naloxone if:
  • You are using drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, benzos, or opioids.
  • You are hosting or going to a party where drugs will be present.
• If you might experience or witness an opioid overdose you can get naloxone for free without a prescription in NSW from many community pharmacies, needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
• Visit Your R​oom to find out where you can get naloxone and for more information on take home naloxone.
• NUAA can mail you naloxone in a discreet package. Order via their online shop: shop.nuaa.org.au or call (02) 9171 6650.

Support and advice

For free and confidential advice:

• Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time, 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
• Call NUAA on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA for a range of resources on opioids and naloxone.
• Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
• Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.