Xylazine has become an increasingly popular illicit tranquilizer that is often taken in conjunction with opioids such as fentanyl. This dangerous combination has led to an increase in fatal overdoses in addition to causing serious side effects.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine, also known as tranq, is an analgesic used as a veterinary tranquilizer and sedative. Notably, the drug has only been approved for animal use but not human use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Early clinical trials to determine its effectiveness as a sleep aid or anesthetic for humans were discontinued due to the drug’s severe side effects.
Nonetheless, tranq has gained popularity as an illicit sedative that is often mixed with other dangerous substances including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Even if it’s not taken deliberately, it may be used in the manufacture of illicit drugs to enhance its effects. In its pure form, it can be injected, swallowed, or snorted.
Why is Xylazine So Dangerous?
Xylazine is unsafe for human use according to the FDA in part because it has severe effects on the central nervous system (CNS). These effects include drowsiness, depressed respiration, depressed heart rate, and even amnesia. Since Xylazine dangerously reduces the activity of the CNS, these vital functions may be slowed so severely that it could lead to loss of consciousness and death. The risk of overdose is compounded when the drug is used alongside other CNS depressants including opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines. This can create a synergistic effect that is unexpectedly powerful.
Since Xylazine is not generally tested on human subjects, there is limited information about its precise effects. However, users have reported similar symptoms to that of opioid use. These effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure followed by low blood pressure
- Lowered body temperature
- Elevated heart rate followed by slowed heart rate
- Spike in blood sugar
- Depressed respiration
- Drowsiness
- Coma
In addition to these effects, xylazine injected repeatedly in combination with opioids can lead to the development of severe skin ulcers, which may require amputation.
Dangers of Mixing Xylazine with Opioids
Either deliberately or through illicit practices used to cut other substances, the combination of xylazine and opioids has become an increasing danger. Since both opioids and xylazine depress the CNS, xylazine can increase the overall effect of opioids like fentanyl, including severe stupor, sedation, depressed heart rate and breathing.
Compared to other illicit substances, xylazine is fairly easy and cheap to acquire, making it an attractive substance to use to cut other drugs. This means that individuals may be accidentally mixing xylazine and heroin or fentanyl if it was used in their manufacture.
Increasing its danger, xylazine may also reduce the effectiveness of naloxone, the medication used to treat opioid overdoses. That’s because despite being able to reverse the effects of opioids, it has no effect on xylazine. This can complicate overdose treatment, particularly when the individual is unaware that they have xylazine in their system.
Is Xylazine Addictive?
Since clinical trials on humans are limited, there is not enough information to determine if the substance is addictive. However, since it is often used alongside opioids, which do have an extremely high potential for abuse and addiction, addiction to xylazine may be more likely. Opioids tend to create addiction because they reduce pain and create sensations of euphoria. Repeated use can make it difficult for users to experience sensations of pleasure without the drug.
Can You Overdose on Xylazine?
There is a significant risk of overdose associated with xylazine use, particularly since it is often mixed with opioids, which have a high risk of overdose on their own. Despite being on the rise, Xylazine overdose deaths may be systematically underreported because it’s rare to test for xylazine use. If you suspect that you or someone else is overdosing on xylazine or a combination of xylazine and opioids, it’s imperative to contact emergency services. Signs of overdose include:
- Impaired reflexes
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Stupor or confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Pinpoint pupils
- Decrease in heart rate
- Weak pulse
- Decreased blood pressure
- Depressed or labored breathing
Treating Addiction When Xylazine is Involved
Even when done unintentionally, the combination of xylazine and opioids or other drugs can complicate treatment for abuse and addiction. In part, this is because it can lead to more severe withdrawal, leading to longer periods of detox and more distressing and painful symptoms. However, the lack of research on the effects of xylazine on humans makes it difficult to identify other factors that may require treatment.
The current trend in addiction treatment where xylazine is involved is to treat the substance that was used concurrently with xylazine, such as fentanyl. Evidence-based treatments include medical detox, medication, and behavior therapies that can target behaviors and emotions that are linked to substance use. Once the substances such as xylazine and fentanyl are eliminated safely through detox, individuals can learn techniques and relapse prevention strategies to maintain long-term abstinence.
Xylazine FAQs
Should naloxone be given if an overdose involves xylazine?
Though naloxone will not have any effect on xylazine, it is still recommended to treat opioid overdose. Paramedics may provide additional treatment after administering naloxone if they know that xylazine is present.
How can I know if I’ve accidentally taken xylazine?
Combinations of xylazine and other drugs have been found in nearly all US states, which means that the likelihood of xylazine use may be high when using illicit drugs. However, it may be difficult to know for sure.
What are other names for xylazine?
Xylazine is also known as tranq, tranq dope or anestesia de caballo. It is sold under brand names Rompun and AnaSed.
