New Drug Sparks ‘Withdrawal Crisis’ In Philly

A powerful veterinary sedative that’s been mixed into fentanyl has created a “withdrawal crisis” in Philadelphia — and it’s spreading to other cities.

Medetomidine causes almost instantaneous blackouts. Then, when users begin to go through withdrawal, their heart rate and blood pressure soar. They start to sweat, shake and experience uncontrollable vomiting. Many end up in the ICU.

The city’s hospitals are already struggling to deal with the influx of patients experiencing withdrawal. According to Philadelphia public health records, in the first nine months of 2025, there were 7,252 ER admissions for withdrawal, compared with 2,787 for all of 2023.

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