Toxic combination of fentanyl, benzodiazepines showing up in Ottawa opioid supply: OPH

Local health officials are warning about fentanyl laced with other drugs showing up in Ottawa's opioid supply. 

Earlier this week, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit released a warning about fentanyl laced with benzodiazepine in Smiths Falls and Brockville. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is now confirming the toxic substance has also been found in the nation's capital. 

While other health units have issued warnings about this type of fentanyl being yellow, OPH says it can come in other colours, including purple. 

According to OPH, the risks of using opioids in combination with a benzodiazepine include both increased respiratory depression and increased sedation. Health officials also say the mixed drug combination is especially dangerous because, while naloxone temporarily combats the effects of fentanyl, it does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepine. 

OPH says it's important to remember that an overdose is a medical emergency and 911 should be called immediately, and those who use drugs should always carry a naloxone kit, and never use alone. 

The health unit says the continued use of illicit fentanyl in Ottawa has contributed to an increase in opioid overdoses over the past year.  

You can visit the OPH's 'Stop Overdose' page for more information on where to access safe consumption services.