Community Drug Alert - Five suspected drug poisoning/overdose related deaths

The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is issuing a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region.

From October 11 to October 21, there were 5 suspected drug-related deaths.

It is respiratory illness season. Respiratory illnesses and infections such COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can affect breathing and may increase risk of overdose. Go slow and use less when sick. “Downers” or drugs with sedative properties cause breathing to slow down so there may be increased risk of overdose death.

The Kitchener CTS Drug Checking Program found high potency Fentanyl, Para-fluorofentanyl, Oxazepam, Flubromazolam AKA “Liquid Xanax”, Fentanyl Analogues, Medetomidine/dexmedetomidine, Bromazolam in samples over the last week

Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine-related drug with a slow onset that can slow or stop breathing, especially if an opioid or alcohol was recently used. Oxazepam is known as a slow "creeper" because the risk of overdose may not happen right away but could happen later.

For more information check the full Comunity Drug Alert, October 22, 2024 release.