There are always new drugs showing up in our drug supply, as people look to get their hands on stronger substances. A new so-called “zombie drug” is appearing in street drugs across the U.S., particularly in larger cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh. Medetomidine is an animal sedative that’s 100 times stronger than xylazine (tranq), a drug that’s already contributed to increasing overdose rates. This animal sedative causes slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, along with skin wounds, such as open sores and abscesses.
Knowing that medetomidine is even stronger than xylazine, it’s important to educate yourself and your loved ones. Let’s learn more about this substance, the effects it can cause, how it’s consumed, and whether it responds to Narcan, a potentially life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
What is Medetomidine?
Medetomidine is a synthetic drug used as an animal tranquilizer, and the latest drug to appear in the fentanyl supply. It is mainly used by veterinarians to calm animals and relieve pain during surgeries and medical procedures. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for controlling pain and alertness. Even though medetomidine is used by animals, it is not safe for human consumption. Unfortunately, it was found in the drug supply in 2022 (fentanyl and heroin), and now it seems to be spreading across the U.S.
Medetomidine is similar to xylazine, a powerful animal sedative found in substances, especially fentanyl. People who use fentanyl may seek out xylazine because the high lasts longer, or they may unknowingly ingest it. This substance is extremely dangerous because it can cause significant damage to the body and increase the risk for overdose and death. However, medetomidine is even stronger than xylazine. When combined with opioids, its effects can last for several hours and cause:
- Sedation or sleepiness
- Pain relief
- Muscle relaxation
- Low blood pressure
- Low heartbeat
- Hallucinations
Why is Medetomidine So Dangerous?
Taking too much medetomidine can be extremely dangerous, causing symptoms like low blood pressure, low heart rate, extreme sleepiness, trouble breathing, coma, or death. These effects happen because the drug slows down the body’s central nervous system and heart. If too much medetomidine is taken, it can slow breathing to dangerously low levels, potentially stopping breathing altogether. The drug can also slow the heart and lower blood pressure so much that the organs don’t get enough blood and oxygen.
Another concern is that there’s no way to detect medetomidine in fentanyl or any other drug, so people who use illicit substances could be ingesting the substance without knowing it. Furthermore, since medetomidine is not an opioid, it does not respond to Narcan. If someone is experiencing an overdose, Narcan will likely be administered to reverse the effects of heroin or fentanyl, but it will not work on medetomidine. The longer term effects of medetomidine are also unknown, as this substance is not intended for human use.
How Can I Protect My Loved Ones?
It’s important to educate your loved ones on the dangers of laced drugs. Substances like heroin or fentanyl are not safe on their own, but it’s becoming more and more common for them to be laced with other substances like xylazine or medetomidine. There are also no test strips to test for the presence of medetomidine.
While abstinence is always the best policy, you can encourage your loved one to practice safe habits such as using clean, sterile needles, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and having access to Narcan. If someone does have an overdose, get medical help right away and administer Narcan, as this can help with any opioids in the person’s system. Rescue breathing may also be needed. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Get Help for an Opioid Use Disorder in Santa Rosa, CA
Since opioids are getting stronger and more dangerous, stopping the use of these drugs is the best way to protect your health and well-being. Fortunately, opioid use disorder (OUD) is a treatable condition that can be managed with medications and behavioral therapies. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are medications approved by the FDA to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management have also been proven to change negative behaviors related to drug use and develop healthier ways to cope. Other ways to support recovery from OUD are support groups and peer support, holistic and complementary practices, family support, and aftercare. To learn more about treating OUD in yourself or a loved one, contact Pura Vida Recovery today.
