Nitazene-related deaths in Norway 2021-2024
Merete Vevelstad1, Hege-Merete Krabseth2, An-Magritt Haneborg1
1Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Forensic Science International
|January 1, 2026
Summary
Nitazene synthetic opioids caused a sharp increase in overdose deaths in Norway from 2023 to 2024, primarily affecting young males. Enhanced information is crucial for inexperienced users regarding the extreme overdose risks of these potent substances.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Addiction Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids with high overdose risks, never marketed for therapeutic use.
- This study addresses the rising concern of nitazene-related fatalities in Norway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document nitazene concentrations and toxicological findings in all registered nitazene-related deaths in Norway between 2021 and 2024.
- To identify trends and demographic patterns associated with these fatalities.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of de-identified data from forensic autopsy cases in Norway (2021-2024) where nitazenes were detected.
- Analysis of nitazene and co-occurring drug concentrations in peripheral blood and urine using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- A significant escalation in nitazene-related deaths occurred since June 2023, totaling 36 cases by October 2024.
- The majority of fatalities involved males (94.4%), with a median age of 29 years.
- Metonitazene and protonitazepyne were the most frequently detected nitazenes; over 90% of cases involved other psychoactive drugs, and 50% involved designer benzodiazepines.
Conclusions:
- Nitazene-related deaths have markedly increased in Norway, particularly since mid-2023.
- The demographic profile of victims is predominantly young males.
- There is an urgent need for improved public health information regarding the extreme overdose risks associated with nitazene use, especially for novice drug users.
Keywords:
4′-hydroxy nitazene (4′-OH-nitazene)Etonitazepyne (N-pyrrolidino etonitazene)Fatal intoxicationMetonitazeneMetonitazepyne (N-pyrrolidino metonitazene)N-desethyl isotonitazeneNitazenesProtonitazeneProtonitazepyne (N-pyrrolidino protonitazene)More Related Videos
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