Powerful sedative found in illicit vapes

Victorian health authorities are concerned a powerful sedative found in vapes sold in Melbourne could cause life-threatening effects.

The powerful anaesthetic drug etomidate has been detected in illicit vapes sold as ‘space oil’, ‘k-pods’ or ‘space vapes’ in Melbourne, the Victorian Health Department has warned.

Etomidate can cause rapid onset deep sedation, confusion, impaired coordination, vomiting, loss of consciousness and dangerously slow or ineffective breathing, the department warning.

The effects of the drug could be life-threatening, especially if etomidate is mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB/1,4 BD/GBL or other sedatives. 

“Repeated exposure to etomidate may interfere with the body’s stress hormone system,” the department warned.

“This can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion, and collapse. This can be dangerous, especially during a period of illness, injury or other physical stress.”

Affected persons could be difficult to wake up or have difficulty breathing if they’ve developed serious sedative toxicity.

Novel opioids could also be present in the vapes, leading the department to recommend the use of overdose reversal drug Naloxone if users develop symptoms.

“Because unregulated drug products may contain unexpected opioids, naloxone is safe to give if someone has reduced consciousness and slow or difficult breathing.

Naloxone won’t reverse the effects of etomidate.

Naloxone is available for free from participating pharmacies, needle and syringe programs, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, as well as the Victorian Pill Testing Service and the Medically Supervised Injecting Room.