Xylazine: The Dangerous Drug You Need to Know About

Xylazine is a dangerous drug that can adversely affect humans and animals alike. It is used mainly for veterinary purposes, such as tranquilizing, sedating, and immobilizing animals that require medical attention. 

Despite its medical potential, Xylazine can be incredibly dangerous if it isn’t used correctly or given in the wrong doses. It can cause serious side effects ranging from mild to severe and, in some cases, even fatal.

This article will examine Xylazine, from its purpose and uses to potential side effects and safety precautions. By the end of this article, you should better understand how Xylazine works and what steps to take to minimize any risks associated with using it.

What Is Xylazine Xylazine is a potent central nervous system depressant and analgesic. It was first developed in 1962 by the Bayer Company and has since become one of the most widely used veterinary drugs. It was studied in humans and was found to have sedative, hypnotic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties. However, these trials were quickly stopped due to the drug’s serious side effects.

In November 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned medical professionals about the substance, which does not appear on regular toxicology testing and can be difficult to distinguish from opiate usage. Because it is not an opioid, Xylazine may not react to naloxone, commonly used to treat opioid overdoses. Medical professionals must take other measures to treat the overdose if an individual has taken Xylazine.

Xylazine, or "tranq," has shown numerous effects in humans, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. But one specific effect is visible on the skin. In humans, Xylazine can cause decaying skin tissue and skin ulcerations, which can become infected and require amputation if not treated properly.

What Is Xylazine Used for Today?

Xylazine is most commonly used to sedate, tranquilize, and immobilize animals for medical procedures. It is primarily used on large animals such as horses, sheep, cows, and pigs but has also been used on other species. You can find this veterinary drug at pet stores.

In addition to its sedative and tranquilizing effects, Xylazine can be used as an analgesic. It is commonly used in animals for pain relief from medical procedures and surgeries, such as castration or dehorning. It has been found to have some antispasmodic properties, reducing muscle spasms and convulsions caused by certain conditions.

Xylazine is not designed for human consumption and has not been approved for human use by the FDA. It is not a controlled substance, but in some states like New York, it has been classified as a Schedule III controlled substance since 2017. The limits on possession and distribution of this drug are stringent in some states.

Dangers of Xylazine

Xylazine is a potent drug manufactured for vet use only. As it is not a controlled substance, potential abuse in humans is highly possible. The risks of abuse are physical and mental, as Xylazine can cause temporary episodes of confusion and hallucinations in some people.

Xylazine is also hazardous when misused or given too high a dose. It can cause significant side effects that range from mild to severe, including drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, and death. Xylazine can also cause anaphylaxis in some people and may result in a coma or even be fatal if not treated promptly.

The FDA also warns that those exposed to Xylazine regularly may become reliant and have severe withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, traditional pharmaceutical OUD therapy, such as Suboxone, does not address Xylazine withdrawal. While treating patients with OUD, doctors may need to identify and manage Xylazine withdrawal. Currently, no medications have an FDA-approved indication to manage Xylazine withdrawal symptoms.

DEA Warning

Fentanyl is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. Still, Xylazine is quickly gaining traction as a dangerous and potentially deadly substance when mixed with fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has warned that Xylazine is being combined with or substituted for fentanyl in illicit drug supplies.

Drug combinations, including Xylazine and fentanyl, put consumers at a greater risk of deadly drug poisoning. As mentioned, Xylazine is not an opioid, so naloxone cannot affect it. Specialists usually advocate giving naloxone to anyone who appears to be suffering from a narcotic overdose. Individuals who inject Xylazine-containing drug mixes may also develop serious wounds, including necrosis (rotting human tissue), which may necessitate amputation.

Awareness of such DEA warnings and understanding Xylazine’s dangers should reduce the risk of severe health consequences for those using drugs. It is crucial for healthcare providers because they must warn patients about the risks associated with any drugs they may be taking.

Alternatives to Xylazine

There is no shortage of alternatives to Xylazine. Since it's not meant for humans anyway, looking for other sedatives and pain relief medications is much safer. If someone needs pain relief, there are options such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and even opioid medications that a doctor can prescribe.

Even though individuals can turn to other safer drugs for pain relief, you must remember that these medications can still have serious side effects and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Opioid addiction is a real problem in our society. The best way to prevent it is by only taking medications as prescribed and talking to a doctor about the risks associated with any drug they are considering. Luckily, we have treatments like Suboxone and methadone that can help those with opioid addiction get on the path to recovery.

Many providers all over the country specialize in treating opioid addiction, so if you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to opioids, reach out and get help.

Being Informed to Stay Safe

Xylazine is a powerful and dangerous drug with no place at home or elsewhere for humans. Taking it inappropriately can lead to severe medical consequences, even death. It's crucial to be aware of DEA warnings about Xylazine in illicit drug supplies and only to take medications as prescribed by a doctor.

Staying educated and informed about this dangerous drug is the best way to stay safe and reduce the risk of severe health consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, treatments are available that can help you recover.

SuboxoneDoctor.com can help connect individuals with doctors for opioid addiction treatment and provide resources to understand the dangers of Xylazine. Remember, there is still help available. We can all work together to prevent drug abuse and keep ourselves safe.