Xylazine
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer which is reaching the US illicit drug supply (“on the street") where it is known as “tranq" or “tranq dope."​ Xylazine has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide. Some people who use drugs are taking xylazine knowingly in combination with other drugs, especially fentanyl. Other people who use drugs are not aware their drug supply contains xylazine at all.
Xylazine Pamphlet
Click on the image to access the entire guide on info about Xylazine.
What does a Xylazine overdose look like?
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Xylazine overdoses can be hard to identify. The effects of xylazine are similar to those of opioids and xylazine may not show up in routine drug testing.
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The symptoms of a xylazine overdose include:
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Dry mouth
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Drowsiness
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Slow breathing
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Low blood pressure
One of the things that makes xylazine so dangerous is that it is often combined with other drugs, like fentanyl, to increase their potency. However, this also increases the likelihood of overdose. And, unlike fentanyl, xylazine does not respond to naloxone (Narcan), making overdose even more dangerous.
Resources about Xylazine
Health Alerts:
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Drug Enforcement Agency ( DEA) Public Safety Alert​
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CDC: What You Should Know About Xylazine
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FENTANYL-ADULTERATED-OR-ASSOCIATED-WITH-XYLAZINE-EMERGING-THREAT-RESPONSE
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California Department of Public Health ( CDPH) Resources:
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Substance Use and Addiction Prevention Branch: Xylazine
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Healthcare Providers Xylazine in Illicit Fentanyl in the United States
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Xylazine pamphlet-what should I know?
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Folleto de xilazina: ¿qué debo saber? ( Spanish)
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How to Make a Zine from one Piece of Paper
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