Medetomidine, a new form of "tranq", has been detected in fentanyl samples brought to Drug Checking Los Angeles. Sometimes described as a stronger version of xylazine and acting on the same receptors in the brain, medetomidine is an additive in fentanyl that may result in heavy sedation and sometimes confusion for several hours. It may also affect withdrawal symptoms and skin wounds. While originating in the Northeast U.S., medetomidine has begun popping up in fentanyl across the country, including California and samples obtained in Los Angeles. Forms of medetomidine are currently used as a sedative in both human and animal medicine. Although medetomidine still remains rare in samples we test during our drug checking services, people who use fentanyl should be aware of the possibility of its presence and that its effects last longer than xylazine. Withdrawals from medetomidine may be severe or dangerous and may require hospitalization. In the event of an opioid overdose with suspected xylazine or medetomidine, give naloxone (Narcan), rescue breaths if needed, and call 911. While naloxone does not work on medetomidine or xylazine, it will reverse the effects of opioids and restore breathing until help arrives—not necessarily reverse the sedating effects of medetomidine or xylazine. While to our knowledge no medetomidine strips have undergone independent review, we are currently piloting a new medetomidine test strip on all fentanyl samples received during our services and evaluating how well they work. Medetomidine will test negative on a xylazine test strip, even though it may feel similar to xylazine. If you are interested or suspect that medetomdine or xylazine may be in your drugs, come visit us at one of our four sites in Los Angeles! Can't visit us in person? Send us a DM or email (checkingLA@proton.me) to explore take-home drug checking options. #drugchecking #losangeles #medetomidine #xylazine #fentanyl #harmreduction

The Drug Checking Los Angeles weekly schedule. Located at 4 spots, 5 times a week across Los Angeles—rain or shine! *Services at 1625 Schrader Blvd are located in the back parking lot behind the @lalgbtcenter McDonald/Wright building, next to the @communityhealthprojectla mobile unit. **The facility operated by @thesidewalkprojectla is a women-only space (trans & nonbinary inclusive). Men are welcome to bring samples for drug checking, but may be asked to wait outside while they are analyzed. #drugchecking #losangeles #harmreduction

We join the international harm reduction community in mourning Peter Krykant. Only a few of us ever got to meet him in person, but we all knew him to be a passionate, generous person. In fact, in the few days before Peter passed, he arranged for our team to visit The Thistle, Glasgow's drug consumption room. We were supposed to meet him for coffee and a city walk that morning - bright and early as he said - but sadly couldn't get in touch day-of. And absolutely devastating to now know why.

Headed to Coachella? 🎡 Come through to drug checking Thurs & Sun 7:30-9:30 PM at the LA LGBT Center back parking lot. Fentanyl test strips, Narcan, & more available from @communityhealthprojectla 📍1625 Schrader Blvd

Hi from Vienna 👋 Our very own Chelsea Shover has been at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs this week, an annual meeting focussed on global drug policy #cnd68

Talking all things drugs & drug checking today at the UCLA-CDU CFAR Community Conference.