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Xylazine - also known as “tranq” - is a strong sedative often used for horses, cattle and other large animals. This drug is not approved for human use and 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.
Xylazine is becoming more common in the U.S. drug supply, and drugs in the Portland metro area have tested positive for xylazine. The drug can be swallowed, smoked, inhaled, snorted or injected into muscles or veins. More recently, it is increasingly used as an additive to illicit or counterfeit fentanyl or other opioids.
What to do if you think an overdose involves xylazine
Individuals may or may not know xylazine is in their drug supply. Because xylazine is not an opioid, Narcan (also known as naloxone) does not reverse the effects. However, xylazine is often mixed in with fentanyl. If someone is experiencing an overdose, naloxone should be given in case they have taken opioids.
If you suspect xylazine may be involved in an overdose, follow these steps:
- Call 911
- Give them naloxone (even if you don’t know what they have taken)
- Provide rescue breaths (CPR) until help arrives.
Effects 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