XYLAZINE / Tranq

A powerful sedative that the FDA has approved
for veterinary use only

Know what’s in your drugs

Xylazine is a non-opioid drug that can slow down the nervous system. It can make breathing and heart rate slower. When tranq is mixed with another drug like heroin, fentanyl or a benzo, it can increase the risk of overdose. The Biden-⁠Harris administration designated fentanyl combined with xylazine as an emerging threat to the United States.

In case of overdose, here’s what you can do:

  • If you think someone has overdosed, give them NARCAN®* and call 9-1-1.
  • If the person is not responding, check if they are breathing.
  • If the person is not breathing and not responding, provide rescue breathing (1 breath every 5 or 6 seconds).
  • If the person starts breathing again (10 breaths/minute), but still seems sleepy, gently move them into a rescue position and keep a close watch on them.

* While xylazine doesn’t respond to NARCAN®, opioids do, so please try it.

Download the information flyer

Tranq has been linked to serious wounds that can quickly get worse and spread.

Tranq, whether smoked, snorted, or injected, can cause serious wounds that may need medical attention. It’s important to see a doctor promptly if you have a wound from using tranq, and to keep it clean and covered to avoid infection.

What can you do if you think there is tranq in your drugs?

Before buying or using a drug, ask others how it makes them feel. Tranq can make you really sleepy, so if you are using it, be sure to use it in a safe place where you won’t fall and hurt yourself. If you think there’s tranq in your drugs, tell someone at a local exchange program so others can be careful too.

You can purchase xylazine test strips here.

Frequently
Asked
Questions about Tranq / Xylazine

vial of Xylazine

Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer used for sedation and anesthesia in animals such as horses and cattle. It is not approved for use by humans.

Xylazine overdoses are on the rise and the Biden administration has declared the combination of xylazine and fentanyl in the illicit drug supply an emerging threat. It’s the first time any drug has been given that designation. 

The drug is showing up in synthetic opioids, heroin, cocaine, and particularly fentanyl, leading to more overdoses. Xylazine can be swallowed, snorted, injected, smoked, or inhaled.

The “high” from fentanyl lasts for a short time and xylazine may be added, at least in part, to extend the effects of fentanyl. However, not everyone who uses fentanyl is intentionally seeking out xylazine; sometimes they are unaware it’s in the drugs they use.

Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that causes drowsiness, amnesia, and can also slow breathing, heart rate, and lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Additionally, it can cause serious skin ulcers which if untreated may lead to amputation.

People who regularly use xylazine often have severe skin ulcers and abscesses. These wounds are often deep and can appear all over the body, and worsen more quickly than other skin infections. For this reason they are sometimes called “zombie wounds.”

As of March 2023, xylazine test strips are now commercially available. These test strips allow individuals to test for the presence or absence of xylazine. You can buy them online.

The main effect of xylazine is heavy sedation, so the person who has overdosed will likely be unresponsive. When xylazine is found in combination with fentanyl, the signs and symptoms can include blue/greyish skin and slowed breathing and heart rate.

Yes. Because xylazine is almost always found in combination with opioids, including fentanyl, Narcan® should still be administered whenever an overdose is suspected. Xylazine is not an opioid, so Narcan® will not reverse an overdose in which xylazine is the sole substance.

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