REQUEST Xylazine Resources
How are People Exposed to Xylazine
How to Respond to a Xylazine Exposure
If you are impacted by substance use or know somebody that is, this resource will help you better understand Xylazine, a veterinary sedative that has recently hit the local street drug supply. Know more about Xylazine and where to access resources and support.
What is Xylazine?
According to the CDC, Xylazine (also called “tranq” or “tranq dope”) is a veterinary non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer. Although not a controlled substance in the United States, xylazine is not approved for use in people and has only been approved by the FDA for use with animals.
Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/other-drugs/xylazine/faq.html#what
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.
“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Administrator Milgram. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine.
Read the full DEA Xylazine Public Safety Warning: https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine
Know the Symptoms and Health Risks of Xylazine
When used in people, xylazine can cause:
- sedation
- difficulty breathing
- dangerously low blood pressure
- slowed heart rate
- wounds that can become infected
- severe withdrawal symptoms
- death
How are People Exposed to Xylazine
Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl can be mixed with xylazine, either to enhance drug effects or increase street value by increasing their weight.
It is important to note that people who use drugs found on the illicit market may not be aware of the presence of xylazine.
Xylazine is usually injected, but has also been found to be swallowed or sniffed.
How to Respond to a Xylazine Exposure
The CDC recommends Naloxone/Narcan be given in response to any suspected drug overdose to reverse any possible opioid effects.
Note that Naloxone/Narcan will not reverse the effects of Xylazine. However, because xylazine is often used with opioids like fentanyl, naloxone should still be given.
It’s important to call 911 for additional medical treatment, especially since the effects of xylazine may continue after naloxone is given.
How to Care for Xylazine Wounds
For Wound Care Tips Visit: https://www.lcotf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wounds-scaled.jpg
