In a recent development, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public health alert regarding a hazardous combination of substances discovered in Central New York and the Capital Region. The community drug-checking programs have detected the presence of medetomidine, a highly potent synthetic sedative, in two recent samples obtained from Schenectady and Syracuse, respectively.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the dangerous effects of medetomidine when combined with other substances, which prompted the DOH to share this critical public health alert. Medetomidine is known to significantly impact the central nervous system and can pose grave risks if mixed with other drugs.

Typically used in veterinary medicine, medetomidine possesses a greater potency in the central nervous system compared to xylazine, according to the DOH. The detection of medetomidine was made possible by the laboratory operated by the Department's Drug Checking Program, in collaboration with ACR Health and Catholic Charities. The first sample containing medetomidine, combined with fentanyl and caffeine, was collected in Schenectady on May 24. As for the second sample, it was collected in Syracuse on June 5 and is suspected to be linked to two non-fatal drug overdoses.

The DOH urges the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions regarding the potential dangers associated with medetomidine and its possible combinations with other substances. The department's Community Drug Checking Program provides comprehensive drug-checking services to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

The DOH will continue monitoring the situation closely and is working diligently to disseminate information about the risks posed by medetomidine. For additional information on the DOH Community Drug Checking Program and the available drug-checking services, please refer to the official website of the New York State Department of Health.