What is xylazine?

Xylazine is a drug used in veterinary medicine as a sedative with analgesic and muscle relaxant properties. Reports indicate an increased xylazine presence as an adulterant in other drugs, leading to an increase in overdoses and overdose deaths. Xylazine is also known as tranq, tranq dope, sleep-cut, Philly dope, and zombie drug. Xylazine is neither safe nor approved by the FDA for use in humans.

What does xylazine look like?

In a veterinary setting, xylazine comes as a clear liquid. It has been found combined with heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines so it may appear in multiple forms.

How is xylazine used?

In veterinary medicine, xylazine can be administered to animals intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally. In humans, it is possible for the drug to be used in those same routes on its own, but people exposed to xylazine often knowingly or unknowingly use it in combination with other drugs.

How does xylazine affect a person?

When used by humans, the primary side effect of xylazine is the suppression of the central nervous system, in which breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure are slowed to extremely low, life-threatening levels. The effects can be even more dangerous when xylazine is mixed with fentanyl or other substances.

What are other health effects/risks of using xylazine?

Other physical side effects can include severe necrotic skin ulcerations, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), blurred vision, disorientation, amnesia, unconsciousness, and death. The use of xylazine may result in physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

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