What is Xylazine and Why is it Dangerous?
Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” “tranq dope,” or the “zombie drug,” is a powerful sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant approved solely for veterinary use. It is used in animals like horses, cattle, cats, and dogs for sedation or anesthesia during procedures. However, its use in humans is not authorized due to its potentially lethal effects.
Xylazine, though not an opioid, acts as a central nervous system depressant. It can cause extreme somnolence, bradycardia, hypotension, hyperglycemia, and severe respiratory depression. When combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, it can lead to cardiac arrest, coma, or death.
Moreover, xylazine consumption is associated with severe skin injuries such as non-healing ulcers, tissue necrosis, and in extreme cases, amputations. These injuries can occur even if the drug is not administered via injection.
Emerging Threat
Since 2023, the White House in the United States has identified xylazine as an emerging threat. It has been detected in up to 19% of opoid overdose deaths in cities like Philadelphia and New York. The mixture with fentanyl, known as “tranq dope,” results in profound sedation that can leave individuals unconscious for hours, causing severe body damage.
In the United Kingdom, xylazine was added to the list of banned substances in January 2025, classifying it as Category C. Its use, production, or distribution can now result in up to 14 years of imprisonment.
In Mexico, authorities issued a health alert in April 2024 to medical personnel and first responders in border cities like Tijuana and Mexicali due to its growing detection as an adulterant in heroine and fentanyl samples.
A study conducted in these cities found xylazine in over 60 samples analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
In medical practice, this drug cannot be identified through common urine tests, making its detection and timely treatment challenging.
Expert Insights
Clara Fleiz Bautista, coordinator of the Opioides Working Group at the Seminar of Globality Studies, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, emphasizes that health policies should focus on preventing overdoses, promoting comprehensive treatment therapies, and reinforcing the monitoring of new psychoactive substances.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Xylazine? Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that has become a dangerous adulterant in illicit drugs, causing severe health risks when consumed by humans.
- Why is Xylazine dangerous? It can cause extreme somnolence, bradycardia, hypotension, hyperglycemia, and severe respiratory depression. Combining it with other substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol can lead to cardiac arrest, coma, or death.
- What are the associated skin injuries? Xylazine consumption is linked to severe skin injuries, including non-healing ulcers, tissue necrosis, and in extreme cases, amputations.
- Why is Xylazine an emerging threat? Its detection in opoid overdose deaths and its use as an adulterant in illicit drugs have raised concerns, prompting authorities to classify it as an emerging threat.
- What are the legal implications of Xylazine use? In the UK, xylazine is a banned substance with penalties of up to 14 years of imprisonment for its use, production, or distribution.
