As our community continues to battle the opioid epidemic, a new and alarming substance is making its presence known: xylazine (sometimes called tranq). Originally intended as a veterinary medication for sedating large animals, xylazine is not approved for human use. Yet, it has found its way into illicit drug supplies, posing a significant threat to public health and safety.
Xylazine is a potent tranquilizer used primarily in veterinary medicine to sedate animals such as horses and cattle. In humans, xylazine acts as a central nervous system depressant, producing profound sedation and muscle relaxation. Its effects can mimic those of opioids, which has led to its illicit use as an adulterant in street drugs.
One of the most troubling aspects of xylazine is that many individuals who consume it do so unknowingly. Dealers often mix xylazine with heroin, fentanyl, or other substances to enhance the sedative effects. This covert mixing significantly raises the risk of overdose and adverse reactions, as users are unaware of the additional dangers they face.
Narcan (naloxone) is a well-known antidote for opioid overdoses, capable of reversing the life-threatening effects of drugs like heroin and fentanyl. However, Narcan has no effect on xylazine. This means that in cases of xylazine overdose, the life-saving benefits of Narcan are rendered useless, leaving individuals at a higher risk of fatal outcomes.
At Family & Children’s Agency, we have begun to see people testing positive for xylazine through our Project REWARD program. This upward trend underscores the urgency of raising awareness about the dangers of this drug and the importance of accurate testing and diagnosis.
“Xylazine is a significant concern for treatment providers right now, on par with fentanyl. The risk of overdose increases dramatically when xylazine is mixed into other substances, and most people are unaware that this drug is even present in the community. In the same manner that providers have increased awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, increasing awareness of xylazine’s presence and its life-threatening qualities is paramount to reducing the harm it causes in our community,” said Jessica Vivenzio, Director, Behavioral Health at Family & Children’s Agency.
Symptoms of xylazine overdose include severe respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia, necrosis, and prolonged sedation. Naloxone can reverse the effect of opioids and will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose, so Narcan should be given in any case of overdose. However, because it will not address the impact of xylazine on breathing, the effects of xylazine may continue after Narcan is given.
The rise of xylazine in the drug supply is a reminder of the evolving challenges substance use disorder poses. At Family & Children’s Agency, we are committed to educating our community about the risks associated with xylazine and advocating for effective treatment and support for those affected. Increased awareness, better testing, and informed responses are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of this dangerous drug.
By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to protect our community and support those in need.
FCA was recently featured in the Norwalk Hour in their story about xylazine and kratom. You can read it here.
For more information on xylazine and its effects, please visit the CDC’s website.
For more information about FCA’s Behavioral Health programs and Project REWARD program for women overcoming substance use disorder please click here.