Descrease article font size
Increase article font size
Lakelands Public Health has put out a drug poisoning warning for the Peterborough area, cautioning about a yellow or beige substance being sold as “down.”
This drug is believed to be linked to a rise in overdoses and extended sedation, according to a statement from officials.
In an alert released on Wednesday, the health unit noted that the suspected substance has been associated with an increasing number of local drug poisonings and incidents involving “prolonged and heavy sedation.”
Officials cautioned that there is a significant risk of overdose and death.
Lakelands Public Health stated that naloxone should be given if someone is suspected of experiencing a drug poisoning but warned that the medication may not reverse the effects of tranquilizers or sedatives which could also be present in this substance.
Get breaking National news
Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story.
“Naloxone will work on the effects of fentanyl, but not tranquilizers or sedatives,” the alert states.
Story continues below
Health officials mentioned that individuals showing symptoms of poisoning may continue to experience heavy sedation, blackouts, low heart rate, low blood pressure or comas even after naloxone restores breathing.
The alert encourages people not to use drugs alone and suggests carrying multiple naloxone kits since some overdoses might need several doses given two to three minutes apart.
More on Canada More videos
“The Good Samaritan Act protects anyone trying to help in an emergency from possible legal repercussions. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act also helps protect people on the scene of an overdose from being charged for using or possessing drugs for personal use.”
The health unit also advised residents to make use of drug checking strips available at the Consumption and Treatment Site located at 220 Simcoe St. in Peterborough.
Free naloxone kits are offered at all Lakelands Public Health offices, participating local pharmacies and other local agencies.
The warning is expected to remain active until May 21, unless public health officials decide to extend or update it.
If someone experiences shallow, erratic or stopped breathing, they are urged to call 911 immediately.
& copy 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Source link
