Heavier sedation noticed in recent drug overdoses in Sudbury

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The health unit is warning of heavier nods from substances circulating in the Sudbury-Manitoulin area.

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“The cause of the increase in sedation is unknown,” said Public Health Sudbury and Districts in a release. “This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil.”

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Reports include heavy nods, the health unit said, which point to the likelihood of benzos being in the mix, and/or tranquilizers like xylazine and medetomidine.

Poisoning occurs when a person’s body cannot handle the effects of a substance. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. They can also die.

“Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different,” the health unit noted.

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Symptoms from an opioid overdose include: bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails; dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake; choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds; and slow, weak, or no breathing.

Benzo toxicity poisoning may last for hours and look like: extreme sleepiness or passing out; poor balance or movement control; slurred speech; blackouts and memory loss.

Tips on helping an overdose victim

• Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry.

• Stay with them and keep an eye on them.

• Check that limbs are not restricted.

•If they are having trouble breathing or not breathing, give rescue breaths.

• Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.

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• Administer naloxone. It won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed.

• If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Recommendations for drug users

• Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it

• Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Reseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy

• Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter and street drugs.

• Start with a lower dose and go slow.

• Avoid using drugs when you are alone.

• Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 or the Brave App. These services provide 24/7 confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.

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