HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Health has issued a warning to coroners and law enforcement throughout the state about a deadly drug that is quickly rising in popularity.
According to an IDOH news release, officials have reported seeing a rise in the illicit use of Medetomidine, a non-opioid sedative primarily used in veterinary medicine.
IDOH said users typically mix Medetomidine with other illegal and highly addictive substances, including fentanyl, xylazine and heroin.
Its street name has been described as the "Zombie Drug" due to the symptoms commonly associated with its use. These include:
- sedation
- analgesia
- dry mouth
- respiratory depression
- hypnotic effects
- dilated pupils
- hypothermia
- involuntary muscle twitching
- slow heart rate
- initial hypertension
The release said traces of Medetomidine have also been detected in samples derived from used syringes at various Syringe Service Program sites throughout Marion County.
While Medetomidine does not directly respond to Narcan or naloxone, an opioid antagonist that is commonly used to reverse an ongoing opioid overdose, IDOH still recommends applying Narcan during a suspected overdose since the drug is typically combined with other opioids.
Hamilton County residents can obtain free Narcan at the Hamilton County Health Department, which is located at 18030A Foundation Drive in Noblesville.
Although Hamilton County has not reported any drug overdoses that have been linked to medetomidine so far, Jeff Jellison said county officials must remain vigilant as illicit use of the drug continues to grow.
“The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office has not yet seen medetomidine during our investigations of fatal overdoses," said Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison. "Because of its widespread use just south of our county border, the community must remain on alert. Medetomidine is commonly mixed into pills and powders often purchased on the street or from internet black market pharmacies."
For anyone who is currently struggling with addiction to drugs, FOX59/CBS4 has compiled a list of resources that can help: