Vernon Drug Alert

Interior Health Issues Urgent Drug Alert: Counterfeit Xanax Tablets Contain Medetomidine

If you have a tablet that looks like this, call or text 778-212-8611 to get it tested before use.

Vernon, B.C. - Interior Health has issued a DRUG ALERT for counterfeit Xanax tablets circulating in the Vernon area.

These pills are sold as Xanax, Alprazolam, or "bars" and look like a Xanax branded tablet/bar (imprinted such as X ANA X).

The alert states that these counterfeit tablets contain Medetomidine (2%) instead of alprazolam or any other benzodiazepine. Medetomidine is described as a very strong tranquilizer, much stronger than xylazine (200x).

Risks include:

• High risk of overdose than expected

• Different effects than expected

• Low heart rate and blood pressure

• Dizziness, immobilisation, and confusion

• Nausea, amnesia, sleepiness, nodding out for a long time

Medetomidine can cause breathing and heart rate to slow down, which makes overdoses more complicated and last longer. It is potentially dangerous to the heart.

This counterfeit Xanax tablet often does not contain alprazolam or any other benzos, instead, this one contains Medetomidine

If you have a tablet that looks like this, call or text 778-212-8611 to get it tested before use.

Drug checking is available in Vernon from 9 to 5 Mon-Fri and 10 to 4 Sat-Sun at the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy.

The alert recommends considering more drug checking locations (visit drugchecking.ca if going to use drugs) and includes these tips:

• Use with others around or at an Overdose Prevention Site

• Start with a small amount and wait before taking more

• Carry naloxone and know how to use it near you

• Space out your doses

• Get the LifeGuard App at lifeguardapp.com

  
  

Local supports: OPS at 310-MHSU; Downtown Service MHSU at 250-503-3737.

Alert in effect until February 2nd 2026, issued by Harm Reduction | Population Health. Anyone with a matching tablet should get it tested or seek support right away to avoid serious harm. Stay safe.