New drug claims three Michigan lives

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A new drug has been showing up across Michigan, it’s called Medetomidine. Health experts say it has already caused multiple deadly overdoses here in our state. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the drug is an animal tranquilizer that is not intended or approved to be used by people.

“It’s even more powerful than xylazine, so a very deadly drug of grave concern,” said Patrick Patterson, the Executive Director of Mid-Michigan Recovery Services.

Medetomidine slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and decreases brain and spinal cord activity.

“The problem with xylazine and medetomidine is that they’re sedatives so, Narcan doesn’t work and there is no test strip for it yet. We developed… test strips that are now available to test for Xylazine,” said Patterson.

Patterson says anyone who still chooses to take the drug or anything laced with it, will need medical attention quickly.

“Depression of the central nervous system which affects the heart and lungs. So, you’d just stop breathing,” said Patterson.

But long story short, it’s best not to buy street drugs.

“It’s likely that this drug is used to cut other drugs. People who are buying heroine is going to be the most common route here but any drug you’re buying illegally, you’ve got to be careful,” said Patterson.

There have been 3 overdose deaths reported in Ingham, Berrien, and Wayne counties. Though it’s not as effective, health experts still recommend using Narcan or Naloxone if an overdose occurs.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, you can visit the Mid-Michigan Recovery Services website here or call their office at (517) 887-0226 OR TOLL-FREE AT (800) 337-2310.

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