Medetomidine Withdrawal Raises Alarm in Philadelphia

As the opioid epidemic rages on, there is a new drug causing concern. In Philadelphia and other cities, a veterinary sedative called medetomidine is causing a withdrawal crisis that’s claiming lives, experts say. 

Medetomidine is not approved for human use and can cause rapid dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms when mixed with opioids like fentanyl.

Medetomidine Intensifies Fentanyl Withdrawal Risks

Medetomidine is permeating the fentanyl market in Philadelphia and beyond, and users are often intrigued by something brand new. When people try it, they may immediately black out. But it’s what happens when you try to abstain from the drug that’s truly terrifying.

Once you’re exposed to this dangerous drug, the body rapidly becomes dependent. Within a few hours, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms begin. These symptoms can resemble severe stimulant and sedative withdrawal combined, making them difficult to manage without medical care.

Local hospitals have been stretched and strained due to medetomidine withdrawal. When using the drug, the heart rate typically slows down, but once withdrawal takes place an opposite reaction occurs. Most users have dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate, and many have tremors, nausea, and uncontrollable vomiting. 

There’s also a significant risk for severe psychiatric effects during withdrawal, including hallucinations. For this reason, attempting to detox from medetomidine without close medical supervision and medication support is not only dangerous for the patient but may also pose a threat to those around them. 

A Widening Epidemic

Medications used to treat animals have long been abused by people for recreational purposes, and they all come with potentially catastrophic side effects. Xylazine, the tranquillizer used for large animals, can cause things like human tissue abscesses. 

Like xylazine, medetomidine is not new to veterinarians. It has been used for more than thirty years, but it’s at least 200 times more potent. 

Imagine losing the ability to speak, vomiting profusely, and even defecating on the floor. That is the picture of many people who withdraw from medetomidine without medical support. Additionally, the high blood pressure from the withdrawal can cause irreversible brain damage.

Philadelphia isn’t the only city seeing this alarming issue, highlighting how quickly dangerous drug trends can spread across Pennsylvania and other regions. Areas in Maryland, Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, and Colorado have also reported cases of medetomidine overdose events. 

Why is this rapidly becoming popular? Part of the problem stems from the drug being easy to access online and inexpensive. It is also highly addictive so drug dealers aren’t bothered with combining much fentanyl with it. 

Even those who have detoxed must remain vigilant against relapsing because it’s so addictive, and comes with such severe and potentially fatal withdrawals. Currently, medetomidine seems to be on the horizon across the nation and is even more dangerous than fentanyl. 

Recognizing Dangerous Drug Withdrawal

If you or someone you love is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or struggling with drug addiction, help is available. Medically supervised treatment can reduce withdrawal risks and support long term recovery.

Explore addiction treatment centers near you on Addictions.com or call 800-681-1058 (Sponsored) to get confidential help right now.