Missouri Warns of Dangerous Sedative in Illicit Drugs

If a person chooses to engage with illegal street drugs, they're already putting themselves in jeopardy. Now, health authorities in Missouri are warning that there's an added danger. A lethal sedative has been detected in some illegal drugs that greatly elevates the risk of overdose and could be fatal.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services just issued a dire warning about Medetomidine

This new bulletin from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says that Medetomidine has been detected in illicit drugs like fentanyl. They said "Medetomidine has been increasingly detected in law enforcement drug seizures, drug product and paraphernalia samples, and in wastewater samples".

What is Medetomidine and why is it so dangerous?

This substance is normally a a drug used by veterinarians to calm animals during surgical procedures and manage pain. In humans, Medetomidine "can cause profound sedation, bradycardia, and hypotension" according to Missouri health officials. The problem is so serious that the Centers for Disease Control has become involved. The study they released shows that the Midwest including Missouri is now the region with the 2nd highest instance of Medetomidine detection.

What can be done to save individuals who take drugs with Medetomidine present?

The Missouri Health bulletin says that opioid overdose reversal medications should be used by those treating overdoses to help restore normal breathing when fentanyl is also involved.