DEAFinal Rule

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of ethyleneoxynitazene, methylenedioxynitazene, 5-methyl etodesnitazene, N-desethyl etonitazene, N-desethyl protonitazene, N,N-dimethylamino etonitazene, and N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene in Schedule I

HealthcareOther

Summary

The DEA is temporarily classifying seven new synthetic drugs as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they are now illegal to make, possess, or distribute in the United States. These drugs are dangerous opioids similar to fentanyl that have been linked to overdose deaths and addiction, and this regulation aims to stop their spread before they become a major public health crisis.

Key Points

  • 1Seven new synthetic opioid drugs are now classified as Schedule I, the most restrictive drug category, making them illegal to possess or sell
  • 2These drugs (ethyleneoxynitazene, methylenedioxynitazene, and five related compounds) are powerful painkillers similar to fentanyl that pose serious overdose risks
  • 3The DEA took emergency action after detecting these drugs appearing in the illegal drug supply and linked to overdose deaths
  • 4This is a temporary classification that the DEA can enforce immediately while they gather more evidence for a permanent ban
  • 5People caught with these drugs can face federal criminal charges, and manufacturers or suppliers face significant prison time and fines

Key Dates

Published

October 15, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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