Xylazine

Xylazine is a potent sedative often used for horses, cattle and other large animals. Not approved for human use, xylazine, also known as “tranq,” can cause a fatal overdose. It’s difficult to detect xylazine in other drugs since it doesn’t have a distinctive taste, smell, color or texture. 

Effects and Use of Xylazine 

The effects of xylazine are similar to that of opioids but with a faster onset and longer duration. Effects include:

  • Sedation
  • Anesthesia
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Slowed heart and respiratory rates
  • Low blood pressure

Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone, or Narcan, does not reverse the effects. Xylazine can be swallowed, smoked, inhaled, snorted or injected into muscles or veins. It has been used as a substitute for opioids and alongside opioids for additive effects.

Recently, xylazine is being found more frequently in the illicit drug supply in Michigan, often mixed with fentanyl. This combination is especially deadly due to the combined impact on the respiratory and central nervous systems.

Individuals may or may not know xylazine is in their drug supply. Some reports have found the drug laced within other substances such as cocaine without an individual’s knowledge.

Berrien County has seen the greatest increase in xylazine-related deaths in Michigan over the past year.

 What to do if You Suspect an Overdose Involves Xylazine 

 If you suspect xylazine may be involved in an overdose, follow these steps:

  • Call 911.
  • Use naloxone (Narcan). 
    • Though the effects of xylazine cannot be reversed using naloxone, xylazine often is used alongside opioids, which naloxone can reverse, so it should always be administered.
  • Offer cardiovascular and respiratory support through rescue breathing (mouth to mouth) or CPR.

Harm Reduction

The State of Michigan recommends the following for individuals who use drugs to reduce the risk of an overdose.

  • Go slow. Use less.
  • Test your product.
  • Don’t use alone.
  • If you are using alone, double down on other strategies.
  • Have someone check on you.
  • Smoke or snort instead of injecting.
  • If you are using in a group, stagger your use so someone is always alert.
  • Know the signs of an overdose.
  • Carry naloxone and know how to use it.
  • Look out for other people you know who are using.

Resources 

If you or someone you know is experiencing addiction, there are local resources available to help.

Additional Information  

More information about xylazine can be found in these articles:

 Data about opioids and the opioid epidemic in Michigan can be found here.