New Animal Tranquilizer Medetomidine Fuels Overdose Surge in Midwest

Health officials warn of the potent sedative's spread in street drugs, complicating the opioid crisis and overdose treatments.

Medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer, is increasingly found mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs.
The drug is linked to a recent spike in overdoses in Wisconsin, Michigan, and other Midwest states.
Medetomidine is more potent than xylazine and is not reversible by Narcan, complicating overdose responses.
Health officials emphasize the importance of using Narcan in suspected overdoses, despite medetomidine's presence.
Public health departments are urging increased awareness and distribution of drug test strips and other harm reduction tools.