TBI warns of potentially deadly drug after spike in overdoses

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: The TBI, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Tennessee Department of Health have an important warning to pass along.

In response to a recent spike of overdose incidents in other states around the country, we want to raise awareness about a highly dangerous substance that is now being found in the illicit drug supply: Medetomidine.

Medetomidine is a veterinary anesthetic with powerful sedative properties—far more potent than Xylazine—and it can cause prolonged sedation. It has appeared in our crime labs and, alarmingly, it is often mixed with fentanyl.

We strongly urge everyone to avoid this extremely hazardous and potentially deadly drug.

If you or a loved one is at risk of overdose, keep naloxone on hand. If you can’t afford naloxone or you need training on how to use it, locate the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist who serves your area at this link: TN.gov/behavioral-health/rops

For a free and confidential referral to addiction treatment services 24/7, call or text the Tennessee REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789. Treatment is available even if you have no means to pay for services.

Your safety matters. Share this message to help protect our communities.

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