Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

Issued: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

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The Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) with heavy and prolonged sedation and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury and districts area.

While we cannot identify the substance(s) causing the poisonings, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.

A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent poisonings to save lives:

• Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
• Call 911 if you suspect a poisoning.
• Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and street drugs.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
• Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
• If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
• Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
• If you must use alone, consider the following options.
  • Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
  • Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.

Opioid poisoning symptoms include:

• fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
• skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
• dizziness and confusion
• the person can’t be woken up
• choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• slow, weak, or no breathing
• drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

Stimulant poisonings symptoms include:

• seizures
• drooling or frothing from the mouth
• limb spasms or rigidity
• tightening or pain in the chest
• not breathing or shallow breathing
• signs of a stroke such as the inability to talk clearly, losing feelings in the face, arms, or legs on one side of the body

Due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity, an overdose may last for hours and look like:

• extreme sleepiness or passing out
• poor balance and movement control
• slurred speech
• blackouts and memory loss

How to respond to a poisoning:

• GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid poisoning and will do no harm if the poisoning is not due to opioids. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.
• Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
• If a stimulant poisoning is suspected:
  • Try to keep the person awake. If they are anxious, try to get them to slow down and relax.
  • Cool the person down with a damp washcloth on their forehead.
  • If the person is having a seizure, remove any sharp or dangerous items around them.
• If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.

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This item was last modified on October 23, 2024