Xylazine is a tranquilizer approved only for use in animal medicine. However, it is becoming increasingly used as a recreational drug and in combination with other substances such as opioids. It has a very fast onset, typically within minutes, and the effects can last several hours, with most of the drug being excreted from the body quickly.
Factors such as frequency and amount of dosage, age, weight, health, and other individual factors can influence how long xylazine stays in the body. Some clinical tests are available to check for xylazine, although xylazine testing is not part of routine testing and often goes undetected. Also, tests may fail to detect xylazine as it is eliminated from the body rapidly.
- Xylazine has a half-life of up to 50 minutes, which means that it leaves the body very quickly compared to other medications.
- Xylazine can be detected in the body with urine, blood, or postmortem tests. However, routine tests often do not check for xylazine and it may be undetected due to its rapid elimination.
- Treatment for xylazine abuse can include rehab, therapy, and support groups.
How long does xylazine stay in your body?
Xylazine remains in the body for a short time and can be fully eliminated from the body within several hours. It has a half-life of 23-50 minutes, which means that half of the substance is removed from the body within this time. [1]
Xylazine effects can begin quickly after the drug is used, often within minutes and while it is eliminated quickly, the effects can last for up to eight hours, particularly sedation. The onset of effects and duration can depend on the dosage and the method with which it is taken. Xylazine effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and changes in heart rate. [2]
Depending on the type of test and the individual, xylazine can be detected in the body for several hours after last use, although it is not routinely tested for within toxicology screens. [3]
Xylazine detection
Xylazine can be checked for within a drug sample using xylazine test strips. Availability of xylazine test strips might vary from state to state but are often accessible at specialized clinics. Test strips are not 100% accurate but can help people who use drugs to check if xylazine is present before using a substance. This can help prevent or reduce the risk of adverse effects and overdose. [4][5]
Testing for xylazine in the body can include blood or urine tests. These tests can accurately detect xylazine, although should be performed within a few hours of drug use as xylazine is eliminated rapidly. As such, xylazine can often be undetected in the body, contributing to difficulties in treating overdose or other drug effects. [1]
Routine immunoassay toxicology screens currently do not test for xylazine so it can be missed during screening for other drug use. As the prevalence of xylazine in drug overdoses increases, routine testing in some hospitals is beginning to include xylazine. [6]
Currently, information is limited about the detection of xylazine, such as how long after use it can be detected, and requires further studying and understanding. It is thought that, like fentanyl, xylazine can be detected in urine for several hours after use and can accumulate within the body with regular use. [7][8]
Factors that affect how long xylazine stays in your body
The time in which xylazine is eliminated from the body may vary slightly from person to person. Factors that influence how long xylazine stays in the body can include: [8][9]
- Dosage - larger doses may remain for longer
- Frequency of use - chronic and regular use may cause an accumulation of xylazine in the body, causing it to remain for longer
- The age, weight, and general health of the individual
- Other drug use
- Other individual factors
Treatment for xylazine abuse
People who are experiencing xylazine abuse or other substance use problems may require professional advice and treatment. Professional treatment can include:
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