Experts are raising concerns about the illegal drug supply in Waterloo Region after a string of suspected overdoses. According to the Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System, there were 70 suspected overdoses or drug poisonings between Sept. 28 and Oct. 1. The number has prompted officials to extend a community drug alert that was first issued on Sept. 18. “People who use unregulated (street) fentanyl may be at greater risk for overdose/drug poisoning,” the alert said. Sanguen’s Drug Checking Program has detected fentanyl mixed with non-opioids (such as Medetomidine and Benzodiazepines), fentanyl mixed with other opioids (such as Para-fluorofentanyl and Nitazenes) and fentanyl that is stronger than expected. Drugs that are yellow in colour are a particular concern. The alert said some people reported feelings of strong sedation after using street drugs. People who consumed cocaine or meth also reported feelings of sedation. Complex overdoses should be treated at a hospital. Symptoms can include deep sleepiness, very low heart rate and seizures. Complex withdrawal symptoms also merit a trip to a hospital. People experiencing complex withdraw may vomit a lot, experience chest pain, drift in an out of consciousness and have a high heart rate or blood pressure. Naloxone should be administered if an overdose is suspected. 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.
