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.
