Are There Opioid Overdose Dangers From Xylazine-Laced Fentanyl?

Key Takeaways

Xylazine is a veterinary sedative not approved for human use.
It’s increasingly found mixed with illicit fentanyl, raising overdose risks.
Naloxone (Narcan) may not fully reverse overdoses involving xylazine.
Xylazine can cause severe health issues, including skin ulcers and prolonged sedation.
Treatment and recovery options are available for those affected.

Introduction

A dangerous combination is emerging in the illicit drug market: fentanyl mixed with xylazine. This potent mix is contributing to a rise in overdose deaths and complicating treatment efforts. Understanding the risks associated with xylazine-laced fentanyl is crucial for individuals and communities.

What Is Xylazine?

Xylazine is a sedative used in veterinary medicine to calm animals during procedures. It is not approved for human use. In animals, it slows heart rate and breathing. When humans ingest xylazine, intentionally or unknowingly, it can lead to dangerous health effects, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl.

Why Is Xylazine Mixed With Fentanyl?

Drug dealers may add xylazine to fentanyl to enhance or prolong the drug’s effects. This combination can:

Increase sedation, leading to a higher risk of overdose.
Complicate overdose treatment, as xylazine is not an opioid and doesn’t respond to naloxone.
Cause severe health issues, including skin ulcers and infections.

Health Risks of Xylazine-Laced Fentanyl

The mixture of xylazine and fentanyl poses several health risks:

Respiratory depression: Both drugs can slow breathing, increasing the risk of death.
Unresponsiveness to naloxone: While naloxone can reverse opioid effects, it doesn’t counteract xylazine.
Skin ulcers: Xylazine can cause severe skin wounds that may lead to infections or require amputation.
Prolonged sedation: Users may remain unconscious for extended periods, complicating emergency response efforts.

Recognizing an Overdose Involving Xylazine and Fentanyl

Signs of an overdose may include:

Slow or stopped breathing
Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
Blue or grayish skin tone
Slow heart rate
Skin ulcers or wounds

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose:

Call 911 immediately.
Administer naloxone if available.
Provide rescue breathing if trained to do so.

Remember, naloxone may not fully reverse the effects of xylazine, but it can still help with the opioid component of the overdose.

The Growing Public Health Concern

The presence of xylazine in the drug supply is a growing concern:

The DEA reports that xylazine has been found in fentanyl mixtures across multiple states.
The CDC notes an increase in overdose deaths involving xylazine-laced fentanyl.
Public health officials are working to raise awareness and improve testing and treatment options.

Treatment and Recovery Options

Recovery is possible for those affected by xylazine-laced fentanyl. Treatment may include:

Medical detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral therapy to address underlying issues.
Wound care for skin ulcers caused by xylazine.
Support groups to provide community and encouragement.

Conclusion

The combination of xylazine and fentanyl is a dangerous and growing threat. Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs of overdose can save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available.

Call Ambience Recovery at 866-721-7470 today to speak with a compassionate specialist about your addiction treatment options.

FAQs About Fentanyl Mixed With Xylazine

What are the dangers of an opioid overdose when using fentanyl and xylazine?

The combination of fentanyl and xylazine can significantly increase the risk of opioid overdose, leading to fatal overdose situations. Xylazine is a sedative that can enhance the respiratory depression caused by fentanyl, making it more dangerous for people who use these substances together.

How does the effect of xylazine differ from traditional opioids?

Unlike traditional opioids, xylazine is not an opioid and does not bind to opioid receptors. Its sedative effects can lead to severe respiratory depression and sedation, which can complicate the treatment of opioid overdose, particularly when combined with fentanyl.

What health effects can result from xylazine use?

Health effects of xylazine use can include severe sedation, respiratory depression, and potential for developing wounds due to skin necrosis. This can pose additional risks for people who use drugs, especially when combined with substances like fentanyl.

Are there specific risks for people who use xylazine-laced fentanyl?

Yes, people who use xylazine-laced fentanyl are at a higher risk for overdose due to the unpredictable potency of the mixtures. The presence of xylazine can lead to delayed effects, which may result in users consuming more fentanyl than intended, increasing the risk of fatal overdose.

How can one identify xylazine in illicit drugs?

Xylazine is not commonly detected in standard drug tests. However, fentanyl test strips may help identify fentanyl, but they will not indicate the presence of xylazine. Awareness of the risk of xylazine in illicit drugs is important for those who use drugs.

What should someone do if they suspect a xylazine overdose?

In the case of a suspected xylazine overdose, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately. Basic life support measures should be initiated, and naloxone may not effectively reverse the effects due to xylazine’s non-opioid nature.

Can withdrawal symptoms occur from xylazine use?

Yes, xylazine withdrawal can occur, although it is not classified as an opioid. Symptoms may include agitation, anxiety, and other withdrawal-related effects, which can complicate the recovery of individuals with opioid use disorder.

What is the relationship between xylazine use and opioid use disorder?

The use of xylazine in combination with opioids like fentanyl may represent a dangerous trend among people with opioid use disorder. It complicates the treatment landscape, as the presence of xylazine can mask opioid effects and lead to increased risk of overdose.

How can fentanyl pills and xylazine mixtures affect overdose rates?

The presence of xylazine in fentanyl pills and mixtures can increase the rate of overdose deaths. The combination can create a more potent sedative effect, which can lead to respiratory failure and other life-threatening complications.

What are the implications of the Food and Drug Administration’s stance on xylazine?

The Food and Drug Administration has warned about the dangers of xylazine in illicit drugs, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution among people who use drugs. Understanding the risks associated with xylazine may help mitigate some of the dangers linked to its use in drug combinations.

Resources

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine

https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/what-you-should-know-about-xylazine.html

https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine

Katie Plumb, MA, MSW, LCSW

Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked as a primary therapist, supervisor, and now clinical director for SUD/MH treatment centers for the past 12 years. Katie is trained in Brainspotting, EMDR, Internal Family Systems and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and is passionate about treating substance use disorders, trauma and grief.