Rhino Tranq Emerges as Lethal Threat to UK Teens

The emergence of a new drug known as “Rhino Tranq” presents a considerable threat to young individuals in the UK. This potent sedative, medically referred to as medetomidine, has started infiltrating illegal drug batches, particularly with ketamine. While it has caused chaos in the United States, where it is often mixed with fentanyl, its recent arrival poses serious risks to UK drug users, especially among teens.

What is Rhino Tranq?

Medetomidine serves primarily as a tranquilizer for veterinary use. It is 200 times more potent than xylazine, often dubbed the “zombie drug.” Unfortunately, overdoses from medetomidine cannot be reversed quickly, adding to the danger it presents.

Teenagers Affected by Rhino Tranq

A 16-year-old girl from Leyland, Lancashire, recently shared her harrowing experience after unknowingly consuming a substance mixed with medetomidine. The young girl suffered severe injuries after jumping from a window while under its influence. She described the frightening effects, prompting numerous concerns from healthcare professionals and parents.

Growing Concerns in the UK

Reports indicate that medetomidine’s presence is becoming more prominent in the North West of England. Local authorities are alarmed, as this issue is relatively new, with public health organizations struggling to manage the influx. The Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs is calling for medetomidine to be classified as a Class C substance.

Startling Statistics

• Medetomidine is 200 times stronger than xylazine.
• It is primarily mixed with ketamine in the UK drug market.
• In Canada, 81% of fentanyl samples tested positive for medetomidine.

Profiles of Users

Many users report terrifying side effects, including heart palpitations, blackouts, and intense panic attacks. Commonly described effects also include feelings of disconnection from reality and memory loss.

Warning Messages from Health Authorities

Drug support groups, particularly in the North West, have issued alerts about the danger of medetomidine in recreational drug supplies. The Greater Manchester Drug Early Warning System has documented instances of ketamine contaminated with this potent sedative.

Therapist Steve Pope has noted a sharp rise in cases involving medetomidine over the past few months. He warns that it may only be the beginning of a grim trend as more individuals experience its dangerous effects.

Responses to Overdoses

The treatment for a medetomidine overdose differs significantly from traditional opioids. While naloxone is effective for fentanyl overdoses, it offers no benefit for medetomidine-related incidents. Health officials emphasize the importance of immediate medical attention in overdose cases involving this substance.

Final Thoughts

Pediatrician Abigail Wilson urges everyone to call 999 if someone shows signs of a medetomidine overdose. In cases where opioid substances might co-occur, administering naloxone can still be crucial.

As Rhino Tranq continues to pose a serious threat to adolescents in the UK, awareness and prevention strategies become vital in combating its spread.