SUDBURY—Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) is warning of a rise in drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.
“The cause of the increase is unknown,” an PHSD release May 6 stated. “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. Be cautious if using drugs and please share this information widely to help save lives.”
Reports include heavy nods (sedation) and multiple doses of naloxone being required. Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine), take steps to support someone who is sedated. You can do this by moving 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 and if they are having trouble breathing or not breathing, give rescue breaths.
To prevent poisonings PHSD explains, “a poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal. It is advised to carry a naloxone kit as it can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Reseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Visit ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free. 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.
In responding to poisonings, call 911, said PHSD. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives. Give naloxone. It won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation, and more doses may be needed. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
“It is important to note that different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different. Symptoms include: bluish, purple or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone), dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake; choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, and slow, weak, or no breathing.”
