Medetomidine in Illicit Drugs Causing Fatal Overdoses
You are here:Several states have issued public health advisories about the dangerous chemical, Medetomidine, recently linked to hundreds of fatal overdoses. This raises questions about why the drug is added to already deadly street drugs like fentanyl and xylazine.
Medetomidine was first detected in illicit drugs in 2022, but only rarely and in small amounts. But, it has spread rapidly, prompting the need for more awareness among first responders and ER medical teams.
What Is Medetomidine?
The non-opioid animal tranquilizer, is a synthetically manufactured mix of dexmedetomidine and levomedetomidine. Medetomidine (Domitor), is not approved for human use. Similar to, but 200 times more potent than xylazine, the drug can cause several dangerous side effects, including:
- Sedation
- Pain relief
- Hypothermia
- Muscle contractions
- Hallucinations
- Respiratory depression
- Slowed heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure
- Depressed central nervous system
- Decreases in brain and spinal cord activity
Drug dealers mix Medetomidine with fentanyl, heroin, benzos, and xylazine to prolong euphoria, making the mixture more desirable. Unfortunately, people can’t detect the presence of Medetomidine and no test strips are available.
In 2024, emergency room doctors noticed many overdose patients had heart rates below 20 bpm and realized the patient must have taken something more potent than the usual opioids. They sent laboratory tests of street drug samples which came back positive for Medetomidine.
Medetomidine is approved for use by licensed veterinarians, but is not classified under the Controlled Substances Act.
Does Naloxone Reverse Medetomidine Overdose?
Naloxone does not reverse Medetomidine overdose. Because opioids are often present with Medetomidine, Naloxone will reverse the effects of those drugs. Since Medetomidine is not generally tested for, there is an increasing need to expand early detection strategies.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Like most street drugs, Medetomidine causes a range of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is withheld. Furthermore, as a potent sedative, repeated Medetomidine use can lead to dependence or addiction.
Although data on Medetomidine is limited, some common withdrawal symptoms have been reported, including:
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe vomiting
- Restlessness
- High blood pressure
- Confusion
- Disorientation
Medetomidine is often mixed with opioids. Therefore, some of the withdrawal symptoms may be the result of the other drugs involved. More studies will determine the effects specifically caused by Medetomidine.
Why Do Drug Dealers Experiment With New Combinations?
Drug dealers and cartels continue to stay ahead of U.S. law enforcement when it comes to new street drugs. Due to an almost endless supply of psychoactive substances, there are thousands of potential drug combinations.
Why do dealers experiment with different combinations? They want to increase profits by providing the cheapest, most potent drug. Anything could be added to enhance the euphoric effects. The most popular additives are carfentanil, fentanyl, propionyl chloride, ephedrine, lysergic acid, acetone, ethyl ether, and many more. As they continue peddling the dangerous concoctions, many customers may die, but they know new ones are right around the corner. It’s an endless cycle of deception and death.
Treatment for Medetomidine Abuse and Addiction
Individuals who use street drugs today are at high risk for overdose and death due to the increased potency of illicit substances in recent years. Also, many people are addicted to two or more drugs consecutively without realizing it. For these reasons, treatment should include methodologies that can be customized for each client’s specific situation.
At Design for Change Recovery, we offer up-to-date, evidence-based therapies for the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of addiction. The components of our full continuum of care include:
- Detoxification
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodrama Therapy
- Psychodrama Therapy
- Bio-Sound Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Music and Art Therapy
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Nutritional Education
- Relapse Prevention Strategies
- Family Therapy
- Aftercare Services
Our facility in beautiful Lancaster, CA provides a comforting, serene environment that promotes healing. The following levels of care are available to accommodate your unique needs:
- Outpatient Programs
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Inpatient Programs
- Intensive Inpatient Programs
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- Extended Care Services
Short-term and long-term programs are based on the severity of addiction, co-occurring disorders, and the substance involved. Our treatment advisors will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best level of care for you.
Our facility is fully licensed and JCAHO-accredited. This means you can expect the utmost in professional care and treatment during your time in our program. We are also in-network with major insurance companies to ensure the high-quality treatment you need and deserve.
Reach Out to Design for Change Today
Reach out to Design for Change Recovery today to begin your recovery journey. Although rehab isn’t easy, it is the most effective way to eliminate the risks of continued drug use. We’ve helped hundreds of people achieve lasting sobriety. Let us do the same for you.
Sources:
jamanetwork.com/ – Medetomidine Infiltrates the US Illicit Opioid Market
hip.phila.gov/ – Health Alert
unodc.org/ – Chemical Required for the Illicit Manufacture of Drugs
