27 suspected drug overdoses and three drug-related deaths reported in Waterloo in less than a week

A community drug alert has been extended in Waterloo Region.

Twenty-seven suspected overdoses and three suspected drug-related deaths were reported in the area between March 20 and March 24.

The latest warning comes after a similar drug alert was issued on March 16.

Sanguen’s Drug Checking program found fentanyl samples with unexpected amounts of medetomidine, benzodiazepines, nitazenes, carfentanil and parafluorofentanyl.

White fentanyl and pale-yellow drugs were noted as particularly concerning substances.

“There are reports of people throwing up a lot after using drugs. This is a sign to go to the hospital. It may be medetomidine withdrawal,” the notice said.

People have also reported extreme sleepiness, sometimes referred to as being “on the nod” after consuming drugs. Officials said that is also a sign to seek help at the hospital.

Although Naloxone cannot stop the effects of non-opioid drugs, such as medetomidine and benzodiazepine, people are still encouraged to administer it if they believe someone is experiencing an overdose.

Naloxone is a substance that temporarily reverses the symptoms of an opioid overdose. It is important to seek medical help after using the potentially life-saving drug. A person experiencing an overdose may also need more than one dose of Naloxone. According to the Government of Canada, it only works if a person has opioids in their system, and Naloxone cannot be improperly used or create dependence.