New drug mix causing harder-to-revive overdoses, sparking panic in Vancouver
Yvette Brend
CBC
April 12th, 2019
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Yvette Brend
CBC
April 12th, 2019
A new kind of overdose is showing up among Vancouver drug users and it's challenging front-line overdose prevention workers trying to save lives.
Toxicology reports are revealing a different drug being mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs, which are already adulterated with ever more bizarre and dangerous fillers, according to Dr. Keith Ahamad, an addiction expert.
The unusual chemical — similar to drugs prescribed in Canada for anxiety — is showing up in urine tests, according to health officials.
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Toxicology tests have revealed that the new additive is etizolam, which is a benzodiazepine-like analog, often called a benzo.
Etizolam is described as having 10 times the potency of Valium. It isn't approved for sale in North America.
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