Xylazine, often referred to as tranq or tranq dope, is a medication only approved for use on animals. It is increasingly being used by humans as a recreational drug, as it can cause sedating effects and enhance the effects of other substances. It is common for people to experience side effects when taking xylazine, which can range from mild to severe and in some cases, can be fatal.
| Common side effects | Severe side effects |
|---|---|
|
|
If any of the severe side effects above occur, it may be necessary to seek medical attention. Contact a medical professional or call 911 in case of an emergency, such as loss of consciousness or trouble breathing.
- Xylazine is not safe for human use and can cause side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, changes in heart rate, and memory issues.
- Severe side effects of xylazine can occur, including severe slowing of the heart, slowed breathing, and skin lesions.
- People who use xylazine may require professional treatment to help manage side effects, addiction, or withdrawal.
What is xylazine?
Xylazine is used as a sedative and pain relief in animals. It is not approved for human use and is only approved for use in veterinary medicine. However, it is increasingly being found in the US recreational drug supply, often mixed with opioids, particularly fentanyl. [1]
Xylazine enhances the sedating effects of opioids, which can increase the risk of overdose and adverse effects. Reports show that xylazine is associated with growing numbers of overdose deaths in the US. [2]
People may be unaware that they are taking xylazine if it is mixed with other substances, although some are reported to intentionally seek a combination substance including xylazine due to its effects. People may be at risk of developing dependence and addiction to xylazine as well as the drug it is combined with, experiencing side effects of both. [1]
Side effects of xylazine in human
Xylazine is often injected, sniffed, or smoked, and taken alone or in combination with other substances. Xylazine use is likely to cause side effects. Some of the most common xylazine side effects include: [1][3][4]
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Impaired memory
- Dry mouth
Severe xylazine effects
Xylazine can also cause severe side effects, which can be fatal in some cases. This includes: [1][3][4]
- Extreme reduction in blood pressure and heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Respiratory depression
- Wounds or sores on the skin
- Dependence and addiction
- Severe withdrawal symptoms, including chest pain, headaches, and seizures
- Enhanced effects of other substances such as opioids–increasing the risk of adverse effects
People who experience severe side effects of xylazine should contact a medical professional for advice and treatment or call 911, as these effects can be life-threatening.
Xylazine wounds and necrosis
Xylazine has been found to cause wounds on the skin. This can occur when xylazine is injected or taken in other ways and wounds can emerge in areas of the body away from injection sites. Xylazine impacts blood vessels, stopping adequate blood flow and leading to skin death (necrosis) and impaired healing. [5]
One study found that people who use xylazine are far more likely to experience skin ulcers than those who do not, with a prevalence of 38.5% compared to 6.8%. [6]
If the wounds are not adequately treated, they can progress and worsen and may become life-threatening. When wounds become larger, infected, or necrotic, professional treatment may be required. Treatments can include antibiotics, skin grafts, and in severe cases, amputation. [4]
People can manage xylazine wounds at home by keeping them clean, dressed, and moist. Reducing or stopping xylazine use can also help prevent wounds from worsening and speed up the healing process. [4][5]
Xylazine overdose
Xylazine is increasingly being found to be linked to drug overdoses in the US. A report shows that 11% of overdose deaths in 2022 across 20 US states involved a combination of xylazine and illicit fentanyl, an increase from 3% in 2019. [4][7]
Xylazine has a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS), which can result in overdose if taken in large doses and may cause severe effects. When combined with other CNS depressant substances, such as opioids, xylazine may increase these risks and the likelihood of overdose. [1][8]
Signs of a xylazine overdose can include: [8]
- Slowed heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
If a xylazine overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately. There is no antidote for a xylazine overdose but professional monitoring and treatment may be life-saving. Administer naloxone if it is available. This will not reverse the effects of xylazine but it can help prevent fatal opioid overdose effects if an opioid has been taken alongside xylazine. [1]
Treatment for xylazine abuse
If you or someone you know needs help with reducing or stopping xylazine use, different types of professional treatment are available. This includes:
-(1)-guide-detail.jpg?v=1722504234)
-guide-detail.jpg?v=1722501731)