The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has issued an urgent warning to coroners and law enforcement agencies across the state regarding a highly dangerous drug that is becoming increasingly popular.
According to a news release from IDOH, there has been a noticeable increase in the illicit use of Medetomidine, a non-opioid sedative primarily intended for veterinary use.
Officials report that users often mix Medetomidine with other illegal and highly addictive substances such as fentanyl, xylazine, and heroin.
Medetomidine has gained the street name “Zombie Drug” due to the symptoms it causes, which include:
- Sedation
- Analgesia (pain relief)
- Dry mouth
- Respiratory depression
- Hypnotic effects
- Dilated pupils
- Hypothermia
- Involuntary muscle twitching
- Slow heart rate
- Initial hypertension
The IDOH release also noted that Medetomidine has been found in samples from used syringes at various Syringe Service Program sites in Marion County.
While Medetomidine itself does not respond to Narcan or naloxone, which are opioid antagonists commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, IDOH still advises using Narcan during suspected overdoses since Medetomidine is often combined with opioids.
Residents of Hamilton County can obtain free Narcan from the Hamilton County Health Department, located at 18030A Foundation Drive in Noblesville.
So far, Hamilton County has not reported any overdoses linked to Medetomidine, but local officials emphasize the importance of staying vigilant.
“Hamilton County has not yet encountered Medetomidine in our investigations of fatal overdoses,” said Jeff Jellison, the Hamilton County Coroner. “However, given its widespread use just south of our county border, our community must remain on alert. Medetomidine is frequently mixed into pills and powders that are sold on the street or through illegal online pharmacies.”
For anyone struggling with drug addiction, help is available from the following resources:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- DEA Recovery Resources
- Blue Cross Blue Shield drug resources
- Indiana Addiction Treatment
- National Rehab Hotline
