Key Takeaways
- Xylazine-laced fentanyl is a growing public health crisis, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.
- Xylazine is a veterinary sedative that is not approved for human use but is increasingly found in illicit fentanyl supplies.
- Unlike opioids, xylazine does not respond to naloxone (Narcan), making overdoses harder to reverse.
- Health risks include extreme sedation, slowed breathing, severe withdrawal symptoms, and skin ulcers that can lead to infection or amputation.
- Many users don’t realize they are taking xylazine, making fentanyl use even more dangerous.
- Professional addiction treatment is the safest way to recover from xylazine and fentanyl dependence.
Introduction
Fentanyl is already one of the most dangerous opioids in the illicit drug market, but when mixed with xylazine, its effects become even more unpredictable and deadly. Xylazine is a powerful sedative used by veterinarians to calm animals before surgery. It was never meant for human use, yet it is now commonly found in fentanyl-laced drugs.
Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) cannot fully reverse its effects. This makes overdoses harder to treat and increases the risk of respiratory failure, unconsciousness, and death. Additionally, long-term xylazine use causes horrific skin wounds and infections, sometimes leading to amputations.
The presence of xylazine in fentanyl is causing a surge in fatal overdoses across the United States. Many people are unaware they are consuming it until it’s too late. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of xylazine-laced fentanyl, the health risks involved, and the treatment options available for those struggling with addiction.
What is Xylazine and Why is it Dangerous?
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine to calm large animals like horses and cattle. It works by depressing the central nervous system, causing deep sedation, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure.
While xylazine was never intended for human use, drug dealers have started mixing it with fentanyl to enhance and prolong its effects. This combination creates a more muscular and longer-lasting high but also increases the risk of severe sedation, breathing difficulties, and overdose.
Unlike opioids, xylazine does not trigger the same brain receptors that fentanyl does. This means that Narcan cannot reverse its effects, making overdoses involving xylazine much more challenging to treat. When someone takes fentanyl laced with xylazine, they are more likely to become entirely unresponsive for long periods. This increases the chance of brain damage or death from lack of oxygen.
How Xylazine Interacts with Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, causing intense euphoria but also slowing down breathing. When xylazine is added to fentanyl, the sedative effects become even more potent, leading to more extended periods of unconsciousness and increased overdose risks.
The most significant danger of xylazine-laced fentanyl is that users often don’t realize they are consuming it. Many believe they are taking fentanyl alone, but instead, they are using a deadly mix of opioids and sedatives. This makes the combined use of xylazine and fentanyl especially dangerous.
The Health Risks of Xylazine-Laced Fentanyl
The effects of xylazine on the human body are devastating. People who use xylazine-laced fentanyl often experience severe drowsiness, dangerously slow breathing, and unresponsiveness. Because of its strong sedative properties, users may remain unconscious for extended periods, putting them at risk for respiratory failure and death.
In addition to its overdose risks, xylazine has other serious health consequences. One of the most disturbing effects is the development of severe skin ulcers, even in people who do not inject drugs. These ulcers, sometimes called “flesh wounds,” can become infected and lead to tissue death. In extreme cases, individuals require amputations due to severe infections.
People who regularly use xylazine-laced fentanyl also experience challenging withdrawal symptoms. Unlike opioid withdrawal, which can be managed with medications like methadone or buprenorphine, xylazine withdrawal causes severe anxiety, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and uncontrollable agitation.
Recognizing and Responding to an Overdose
Overdoses involving xylazine and fentanyl can be more challenging to treat than opioid-only overdoses. Because xylazine does not respond to Narcan, overdose symptoms may persist even after naloxone is administered.
Common signs of an overdose include:
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Unresponsiveness or prolonged unconsciousness
- Blue or grayish lips, fingertips, or skin
- Weak pulse and slowed heart rate
If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Even though Narcan may not work against xylazine, it is still critical to administer naloxone to reverse the opioid effects of fentanyl. Emergency responders may also need to provide oxygen support and medical interventions to prevent death.
Treatment Options for Xylazine and Fentanyl Addiction
Recovering from xylazine-laced fentanyl addiction requires specialized medical care. Because xylazine withdrawal symptoms can be more severe than opioid withdrawal, professional detox programs provide the safest path to recovery.
Medical Detox From Opioids Mixed With Xylazine Withdrawal
The first step in treatment is medical detox, where doctors monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms. Because xylazine withdrawal is different from opioid withdrawal, individuals may require additional medications to manage symptoms like anxiety and high blood pressure.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs
After detox, individuals enter a structured addiction treatment program.
- Inpatient rehab provides 24/7 support in a controlled environment, helping patients recover from both opioid and xylazine dependence.
- Outpatient treatment offers therapy and medical support while allowing individuals to continue their daily lives.
Behavioral Therapy and Support Groups
Long-term recovery requires more than just detox. Therapy programs like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help individuals address the root causes of addiction, develop healthy coping strategies, and prevent relapse. Many also find support through peer-based recovery groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Conclusion
The rise of xylazine-laced fentanyl is creating a deadly public health crisis. Many people unknowingly take fentanyl mixed with xylazine, increasing their risk of fatal overdoses and severe long-term health complications. Because xylazine is not an opioid, traditional overdose treatments like Narcan do not fully reverse its effects. This makes professional addiction treatment more important than ever.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid or xylazine addiction, seeking help can save your life. Virtue Recovery Las Vegas provides comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help you safely recover and regain control of your future.
Call 866-520-2861 today to speak with a professional and begin your journey to healing.
FAQs
What is xylazine, and why is it dangerous?
Xylazine is a veterinary sedative that slows breathing and heart rate. It was never meant for human use and is extremely dangerous when mixed with opioids like fentanyl.
How does xylazine-laced fentanyl cause overdoses?
Xylazine increases sedation and respiratory depression, making fentanyl overdoses more severe and harder to reverse with Narcan.
Can Narcan reverse a xylazine-laced fentanyl overdose?
Narcan can reverse the opioid effects of fentanyl, but it does not work on xylazine. This makes overdoses harder to treat.
What treatment options are available for xylazine addiction?
Professional detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and therapy programs can help individuals recover. Call Virtue Recovery Las Vegas at 866-520-2861 to start treatment today.
What is xylazine, and why is it dangerous when mixed with fentanyl?
Xylazine is a veterinary sedative not approved for human use. When mixed with illicitly manufactured fentanyl, it can significantly increase the risk of overdose, making it more dangerous for people who use drugs.
Is xylazine addictive?
While xylazine is not classified as an addictive substance, its presence in the drug supply can lead to increased risks for individuals with substance use disorder, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl.
What are the effects of xylazine on the body?
The effects of xylazine can include sedation, decreased heart rate, and respiratory depression. When people who use xylazine overdose, these effects can be life-threatening, especially when combined with opioids.
How is xylazine detected in overdose cases?
The CDC reports that overdose deaths with detected xylazine have increased. Toxicology screenings can identify the presence of xylazine in individuals exposed to this substance.
What should I know about xylazine use in the drug supply?
Xylazine is often found in fentanyl pills seized by law enforcement. The presence of xylazine in the drug supply heightens the risk of overdose and complicates treatment efforts for opioid use disorder.
How can one reverse the effects of xylazine during an overdose?
A: Currently, there are no approved treatments specifically to reverse the effects of xylazine. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses but is ineffective against xylazine, emphasizing the need for emergency medical attention.
What are the harms of xylazine in combination with opioids?
The harms of xylazine, mainly when mixed with opioids, include a higher likelihood of respiratory depression and overdose deaths. Individuals exposed to xylazine are at greater risk, especially if they are unaware of its presence in their drugs.
What is the national response to the dangers of xylazine-laced fentanyl?
The Office of National Drug Control has developed a national drug control policy that includes a plan to target xylazine-laced fentanyl, focusing on prevention, education, and treatment efforts to combat the associated risks.
Are there specific populations at higher risk for xylazine overdose?
Yes, people who use drugs and those with a history of opioid use disorder are particularly vulnerable to xylazine overdose. Increased awareness and harm reduction strategies are crucial for these populations.
Resources
https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750022.html
