Rising Concerns Over Medetomidine in Illicit Drugs
Growing use of a common animal tranquilizer in illegal narcotics
Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, has been found in illicit drugs, particularly in combinations with opioids like fentanyl, in regions such as Montreal and Quebec, Canada. This emerging trend poses significant health risks and necessitates public awareness.
Detection and Prevalence
Medetomidine was first detected in drugs seized in the United States in 2022. By 2024, it had made its way to Canada, with 925 samples containing medetomidine analyzed between January and September 2024, mainly in Ontario[1]. In Quebec, the substance was first detected in April 2023, and since then, it has been found approximately 21 times, which is less than 2% of all Canadian detections[1].
Health Risks and Overdoses
When mixed with opioids, medetomidine elevates the sedative effects, leading to severe health issues, including heart and brain damage[2][3]. It does not respond to naloxone, complicating overdose responses[3]. Cases of overdoses linked to medetomidine-adulterated drugs have been reported, with emergency services facing challenges due to prolonged sedative effects[3].
Public Awareness and Comparison with Other Substances
Groups in Montreal are warning users about the presence of medetomidine in street drugs, highlighting its dangerous effects[4]. Another veterinary drug, xylazine, known as the "zombie drug," has also been used to adulterate fentanyl, leading to severe health issues. Unlike xylazine, medetomidine is relatively new in the illicit market and is seen as a replacement for xylazine in some areas[2][5].
Mitigation Strategies
In the current context of a constant evolution of illicit drugs, supporting supervised injection sites is crucial. Martin Pagé, general director of Dopamine, emphasizes the importance of knowledge transfer between community organizations about new substances in circulation and best intervention practices[6]. It is still recommended to continue administering naloxone in case of suspected overdose, as it is often impossible to immediately determine if the person has consumed an opioid, medetomidine, or a mixture of both[7].
Dr. Alexandre Larocque reminds people to never use drugs alone, have naloxone on hand, and test a small dose before taking the whole quantity[8]. In case of an overdose involving medetomidine, intervention must be done in the emergency room.
In summary, the increasing presence of medetomidine in illicit drugs in Montreal and Quebec poses significant health risks due to its potent sedative effects and lack of response to typical overdose treatments. Public health advisories and awareness campaigns are essential to mitigate these risks.
The French-speaking communities in Montreal and Quebec should be made aware of the growing presence of medetomidine, a dangerous sedative found in illicit drugs, due to its potential health risks and the complications in overdose responses. Additionally, understanding the differences between medetomidine and other substances like xylazine, also found in illicit drugs, is crucial for health and wellness, especially when it comes to recognizing and managing related medical-conditions.
