Tags: What is medetomidine? Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative that is increasingly found in unregulated opioids & sedatives. It is significantly more potent than xylazine (tranq) and can cause longer lasting sedation and withdrawal.
Medetomidine is NOT an opioid, but most medetomidine overdoses involve opioids. Naloxone should still be used.
Physical Effects:
- extreme sedation
- abnormally slow or fast heart rate low blood pressure
- heart failure
- slow or shallow breathing when combined with fentanyl
Medetomidine is often mixed with and sold as fentanyl. During an overdose, medetomidine may cause a person to remain unresponsive after naloxone and rescue breaths. This is because naloxone only works on opioids, and will not counter the sedative effects of medetomidine. Medetomidine overdose response should focus primarily on restoring breath rather than on responsiveness.
For more information about medetomidine and supplies for overdose prevention, come visit us Face to Face at 873 Second Street, Santa Rosa. We’re open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
