A designer drug that is often combined with fentanyl has been detected in Hay River.
The Chief Public Health Officer has issued a public health advisory to the residents of Hay River after investigations discovered the presence of bromazolam within drug supplies.
Bromazolam is considered a benzodiazepine drug, and is most commonly found in combination with fentanyl. This makes it dangerous because many users may not be aware that they are ingesting this additional drug. The effects of fentanyl may then end up being more potent, and naloxone, the substance that can reverse a fentanyl overdose, will be less effective.
Bromazolam cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. The effects of the drug manifest in excessive drowsiness, loss of balance and coordination, partial amnesia, and inability to follow or participate in conversation. Combined with other drugs, the symptoms of bromazolam include prolonged severe sedation, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, and severe respiratory depression associated with coma or even death.
The fact that fatal overdoses involving fentanyl and benzodiazepines are normally polysubstance cases, makes understanding its potential to cause harm very difficult. This combination has been associated with numerous drug user deaths and cases of clinical intoxications.
If someone seems to be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Some of the signs of an overdose include;
• Breathing will be slow or absent;
• lips and nails are blue;
• person is not moving;
• person is choking;
• gurgling sounds or snoring;
• severe sleepiness
• person can’t be woken up; or
• skin feels cold and clammy.
Naloxone kits are also available to residents at every hospital, health centre, and pharmacy in the NWT.
