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Medetomidine

All articles tagged with #medetomidine

local1 month ago•41 min saved

Utah drug supply tainted by veterinary sedative medetomidine, DEA warns

A powerful veterinary sedative, medetomidine, has been detected in Utah’s street-drug supply, alongside fentanyl and other tranquilizers like xylazine, as the DEA reports large fentanyl seizures in the state and along major trafficking corridors. Narcan (naloxone) can reverse fentanyl but not medetomidine, complicating overdoses; if both substances are present, responders may reverse the fentanyl and still see the person unconscious. The finding underscores the need for updated public-education, better first-responder training, and treatment options alongside enforcement to reduce harm.

via KUTV|

#fentanyl #local #medetomidine

local1 month ago•35 min saved

Utah street drugs contain veterinary sedative medetomidine, not reversible by Narcan

Utah’s opioid and fentanyl task forces detected medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, in the state’s illicit drug supply. First seen in U.S. street drugs in 2022, medetomidine is more potent than xylazine and cannot be reversed by naloxone, since it isn’t an opioid; naloxone remains essential for opioid overdoses like fentanyl. Officials urge quick overdose response—call 911, administer naloxone, and support breathing—while continuing surveillance and public health guidance to save lives.

via KUTV|

#fentanyl #local #medetomidine

health2 months ago•9 min saved

Dex in the Jail: Medetomidine Worsens Opioid Withdrawals Behind Bars

Medetomidine, an adulterant now found in illicit fentanyl, is triggering severe, fast-onset opioid withdrawal in incarcerated people and often requires complex treatment beyond standard detox, including higher-dose clonidine and hospital-level care. Jails with established MOUD programs fare better, but many facilities lack resources, detection can be difficult, and political/funding barriers remain. Cases from Pennsylvania show life-threatening complications and death, underscoring the need for broader access to addiction medicines and prompt hospital referrals to safely manage medetomidine withdrawal.

via statnews.com|

#clonidine #health #jailhealthcare

health3 months ago•5 min saved

Medetomidine fears rise as it infiltrates NC street drugs

North Carolina researchers warn that medetomidine, a veterinary sedative not approved for humans, is appearing in the state’s street drug supply and could worsen health risks. The substance—more potent and longer-acting than similar drugs—has been linked to dangerous withdrawal and severe cardiovascular effects if users stop abruptly. Many overdoses involve fentanyl, so opioid reversal medications may be needed. UNC’s Street Drug Analysis Lab has tracked its appearance since 2022, with Tarboro samples showing mixed contamination. Public health officials advocate education and the use of inexpensive test strips to detect medetomidine and slow its spread, noting NC has not yet reached the crisis levels seen in some other cities but is monitoring closely.

via WRAL|

#drug-testing-strips #health #medetomidine

health4 months ago•3 min saved

Maine Warns of Vet Sedative in Illicit Drugs

Maine public health officials warn medetomidine, a veterinary sedative nicknamed 'rhino tranq,' is appearing in the illicit drug supply—often with fentanyl—and is far more potent than xylazine, potentially causing severe withdrawals, sedation, and cardiovascular problems. While statewide overdoses declined last year, hotspots like Penobscot County and Bangor remain of concern. Testing is limited, naloxone should be used for suspected medetomidine-related overdoses (even though medetomidine itself isn’t reversed by naloxone), and harm-reduction groups urge drug checking as the drug supply remains unpredictable.

via WGME|

#drug-supply #harm-reduction #health

public-health4 months ago•79 min saved

Maine Faces New Drug Threat as Vet Sedative Medetomidine Surfaces in Street Drugs

Maine public health officials warn medetomidine, a veterinary sedative nicknamed 'rhino tranq,' has appeared in the state's drug supply—often mixed with fentanyl—and is far more potent than xylazine. It can trigger severe withdrawal and dangerous drops in blood pressure or heart rate; naloxone may not reverse medetomidine on its own, so prompt medical care is essential. Testing is limited, and harm-reduction groups are urging drug checking and awareness as Bangor and Penobscot County report rising overdoses amid an HIV outbreak among people who use drugs.

via Bangor Daily News|

#drug-supply #harm-reduction #medetomidine

public-health2 years ago•1 min saved

Animal Tranquilizer in Street Drugs Sparks Public Health Alert

A new synthetic drug, medetomidine, a dog tranquilizer, has been detected in Syracuse's street drug supply, mixed with fentanyl for a more dangerous high. This follows a recent alert for carfentanil in the area. Medetomidine, which has a significant impact on the central nervous system, has caused two non-fatal overdoses in Syracuse and has been found in other major cities. Unlike opioid overdoses, the effects of medetomidine are not reversible with Narcan.

via syracuse.com|

#fentanyl #medetomidine #overdose

local-news2 years ago•2 min saved

Health Officials Warn of Deadly 'Zombie Drug' Surge Across Multiple States

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning about medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer linked to overdose deaths in Ingham, Berrien, and Wayne counties. Medetomidine, which is not approved for human use, can cause severe adverse effects and is not detectable by current testing strips. The MDHHS urges healthcare providers and harm reduction agencies to raise awareness and implement strategies to reduce overdose risks.

via WDIV ClickOnDetroit|

#local-news #mdhhs #medetomidine

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Deadly 'Zombie Drug' Laced with Animal Sedative Fuels US Overdose Crisis"

A new street drug called medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer 100 times stronger than xylazine, is causing overdose deaths in nine U.S. states. Often found mixed with fentanyl and heroin, medetomidine leads to severe sedation and slowed heart rate, and is not reversible with Narcan. The drug is exacerbating the drug crisis in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Experts emphasize the importance of calling 911 and providing rescue breathing during overdoses, while urging against dehumanizing those affected.

via NewsNation Now|

#drug-epidemic #health #medetomidine

public-health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Deadly New 'Zombie Drug' Causing Mass Overdoses Across U.S."

A new chemical sedative, medetomidine, is being mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs, causing mass overdoses in cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. This drug, which is 100 times more potent than xylazine, has led to severe health issues, including dangerously low heart rates and gruesome skin wounds. Public health advisories have been issued in several states, and experts emphasize the need for immediate medical attention and rescue breathing in addition to naloxone during overdoses.

via Newser|

#drug-cartels #fentanyl #medetomidine

public-health2 years ago•5 min saved

Animal Tranquilizer in Street Drugs Sparks Overdose Crisis in SF

U.S. drug gangs are mixing the potent sedative medetomidine into street drugs like fentanyl, causing a surge in overdoses and severe health complications. This new combination, which began causing mass overdoses in late April, is difficult to detect and treat, complicating medical responses. Public health officials are issuing warnings as the toxic drug supply grows more dangerous, with similar outbreaks reported in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. Experts are urging better preparedness for emergency treatments and cautioning drug users about the heightened risks.

via NPR|

#medetomidine #overdoses #public-health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Deadly Animal Tranquilizer in Street Drugs Sparks SF Overdose Crisis

A new street drug, medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer, is causing overdoses across the US. More potent than xylazine, it is being mixed with fentanyl and other drugs, leading to deadly effects and a zombified state in users. Medetomidine has been detected in multiple states, including Illinois, California, and Florida, and poses severe health risks, including heart failure and sudden death. The drug does not respond to naloxone, complicating overdose treatments.

via Daily Mail|

#dea #drug-overdose #fentanyl