INDIANAPOLIS — The Hamilton County coroner is warning residents about a new drug that's been traced back to Marion County.
The Indiana Department of Health says medetomidine, otherwise known as "the zombie drug," is used by veterinarians to relax dogs.
"It's a poison," Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison said.
According to Jellison, the drug got its nickname by how a person acts after using it.
"It slows the body down, it slows the breathing down, it slows the heart rate down, and oftentimes, people kind of appear to be in a zombie-like state," Jellison said.
According to Jellison, the zombie drug is often detected along with fentanyl and heroin. He also explained Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, does not mitigate the symptoms.
"Really, those paramedics, those first responders are handcuffed. I mean, it's difficult to treat people when there is no drug to treat them with for that condition," Jellison said.
If you think someone is overdosing, Jellison said to still use Narcan on them because while it won't mitigate the symptoms of the zombie drug, it will help fight against fentanyl and opioids if in the person's system.
According to Jellison, the drug has not been traced back to Hamilton County. As for Marion County, the health department said they are aware of the findings and are monitoring it.