Emergence of Medetomidine in the NYC Drug Supply (Carfentanil as well)

[tryptakid]

Hey all, I wanted to mention a developing issue with a novel xylazine like drug 'medetomidine' in a few drug markets. I've heard of Philly and Chicago in addition to NYC where this appears to be competing with xylazine as an additive in the street dope market.

From the linked release:

Medetomidine is a non-opioid anesthetic that is FDA-approved for veterinary use. It is similar to xylazine,but is more potent and causes longer-lasting effects. At this time, medetomidine cannot be differentiated from dexmedetomidine (Precedex)—a sedative which is FDA-approved for human use—through secondary laboratory testing. As medetomidine/dexmedetomidine are not opioids, naloxone cannot reverse the effects of these substances. However, since medetomidine/dexmedetomidine have most often been found with fentanyl and other potent opioids, it is important to use naloxone even in the case of a suspected medetomidine/dexmedetomidine-involved overdose. Individuals may still be sedated after naloxone reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression. For this reason, it is important to administer rescue breathing, place individuals in a rescue position to protect their airways, and continue to monitor their breathing with a pulse oximeter. Call emergency services to facilitate access to further monitoring and administration of supplemental oxygen.

Clinical Information on Medetomidine/Dexmedetomidine:

• Similar to xylazine, medetomidine is a synthetic alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist sedative used in veterinary medicine. Medetomidine is used for sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation and anxiolysis (i.e., anti-anxiety).

• The effects of medetomidine intoxication may include: extreme sedation, slower than usual heart rate (reportedly as low as 40 beats per minute), low blood pressure, and central nervous system depression. Someone experiencing medetomidine intoxication may be unresponsive to verbal commands or physical stimuli even though they may still be breathing.

• Medetomidine is not an opioid, so the effects of medetomidine cannot be reversed with the administration of naloxone.

• Since medetomidine has most often been found with fentanyl and other opioids, naloxone should be administered in all suspected overdoses involving medetomidine. Rescue breathing or supplemental oxygen should be administered in cases of stopped or irregular breathing.

Just wanted to pass along as this came up in one of our team meetings this week. My thinking is that this continues to be a way for suppliers/manufacturers to attempt to differentiate the qualities of 'dope' (of which all can produce nearly pure fentanyl/fentalogues) so the use of admixtures to increase potency as a way to stand out as opposed to competitors is a viable option. Of course, this leads to the potential for undesirable side effects such as xylazine wounds (no graphic photos contained in this link) and complications in withdrawal management.

According to this health alert from the city of Philadelphia it is currently unknown whether medetomidine causes the wounds that xylazine is know for.

Just wanted to pass along.

 

[kongoman]

Im so sorry that you have this fuckin problem. I dont know where are we gonna finish with this shit in the streets. Fucking stupid bastards gangs!

 

[TheFunkeeJunkee]

My heart goes out to the nod squad in the US. Here in Australia all we have is crappy high purity Heroin HCL.

 

[Jnowhere]

Yeah, you said it! Kongoman