Health unit warns of new tranquilizers found in unregulated fentanyl

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is sounding alarm bells after a new drug has been found in street drugs circulating in the region. 

The drug, medetomidine/dexmedetomidine, is a tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine. In humans it causes increased sedation and slows down the heart rate and breathing, warns the health unit in an advisory posted to social media. 

According to a fact sheet prepared by Toronto's Drug Checking Service, the tranquilizer drug has been found in unregulated fentanyl supply. 

Technically two different anaesthetic drugs, medetomidine is a tranquilizer approved for use only in animals, and dexmedetomidine is approved for use on humans as well as animals for sedation and pain relief. Both have similar chemical structures, so are reported together when found in the unregulated drug supply. 

According to Toronto Drug Checking Service, the tranquilizers are being added to fentanyl and other opioids. 

The colours of the samples checked were varied and included blue, green, grey, orange, purple and white. 

The drugs can put users in a deep state of unconsciousness, and the risk increases when they are paired with opioids. More serious effects can include decreased blood pressure and heart rate and slowing down of breathing.

Naloxone will not work to reverse the impacts of medetomidine and dexmedetomidine, but will counter the effects of opioids mixed into the drug. 

The health unit reminds people who use drugs not to do so alone, and to call 911 in the case of an overdose. It is also recommended to have Naloxone with you if you are using opioid drugs. 

If you don't have anyone with you when you use drugs, you can call the National Overdose Response Service anywhere in Canada at 1-877-688-6677 and someone will stay on the phone with you while you use.