The Boyd County Coroner's Office is warning residents about a dangerous new trend appearing in overdose deaths, as forensic laboratories across the country—and within the region—are detecting the veterinary sedative medetomidine in illicit drugs.
In a public statement released Thursday, Boyd County Coroner Mark Hammond said the drug is increasingly being found mixed with illegal substances, often alongside fentanyl, creating an even more dangerous combination for users.
According to Hammond, medetomidine is a powerful veterinary sedative capable of causing profound sedation, slowed breathing, dangerously low heart rates, and unconsciousness. When combined with fentanyl or other opioids, the risk of a fatal overdose increases significantly.
One of the greatest concerns, Hammond said, is that naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse the sedative effects of medetomidine. While Narcan remains effective at reversing the opioid effects of fentanyl, individuals exposed to medetomidine may continue experiencing life-threatening sedation and breathing problems even after Narcan has been administered.
Because of that, Hammond stressed that emergency medical care remains critical in suspected overdose cases.
The coroner's office is urging the public to remember several important safety precautions:
Never assume a pill or powder purchased on the street is what it is claimed to be.
Even a single use of an illicit drug can be fatal.
If someone is unresponsive or not breathing normally:
Call 911 immediately.
Administer Narcan if it is available.
Begin rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.
Hammond noted that the illegal drug supply continues to evolve, making street drugs more unpredictable and dangerous than ever before.
"Education saves lives," Hammond said, encouraging residents to share the warning with family members and friends in hopes of preventing future overdose deaths.
As synthetic drugs continue to change, public health officials emphasize that awareness, rapid emergency response, and access to naloxone remain critical tools in saving lives—even when additional substances like medetomidine are involved.
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