Manitoba paramedics 1st in Canada to offer new medication for meth users

Paramedics in Manitoba will become the first in Canada to give meth users olanzapine to reduce the risk of psychosis.

The provincial government will permit paramedics to administer the drug to agitated people who have used methamphetamine, Health Minister Cameron Friesen announced on Monday.

The atypical antipsychotic medication will helplessen or prevent the severityof the symptoms meth users face, such as agitation,the province said in a news release.

The drug, which is already used in some clinical settings, can be deployed by Manitoba's paramedics beginning in December.

"With rising concern around methamphetamine use and its associated psychosis and aggression, we are facing a time where critical action is required," Dr. Ginette Poulin, medical director of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said in a statement.

"This enhanced protocol will be an important contribution to responding to the devastating effects of methamphetamine use and empower first responders safely support patients in distress."

The oral disintegrating tablets are currently given to patients in Australia, the province said.

Response to violent behaviour

The Paramedic Association of Manitoba commended the province for adding another medication to the arsenal of theirfront-line staff.

"These patients can quickly develop paranoia and exhibit violent behaviour even while being assessed, so additional treatment options are needed," said chair Brent Bekiaris.

The provincial government has faced doggedcriticism from opposition partiesfor not doing enough to help meth addicts in what's been described as a crisis.

The Progressive Conservatives say they've acted appropriately to deal withthe growing problem.

They've introduced five walk-in clinics for people struggling with addictions and more mental health beds and women's treatment beds in Winnipeg.

The government recentlyissued a request for proposals from residential treatment centres to treat people with mental health and addictions struggles who would otherwise be sent out of province.