32 suspected overdoses and two drug-related deaths reported in Waterloo Region

A community drug alert has been issued for Waterloo Region as officials are reporting 32 suspected drug overdoses and at least two drug-related deaths between March 10 and March 15.

According to the drug alert, Sanguen’s Drug Checking program has tested fentanyl samples that have contained unexpected nitazenes, carfentanil, parafluorofentanyl, medetomidine and benzodiazepines, which can increase the risk of an overdose.

White-coloured fentanyl has been identified as a substance of particular concern.

Some people have said they have experienced extreme sleepiness and a very low heart rate for a long time after using drugs that may have been tainted with the unexpected substances. Anyone who feels those symptoms is urged to go to the hospital for help.

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 reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose. It is important to seek medical help after administering 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.