Texas Border Business
Rio Grande Valley, TX – The use of xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer, has been increasingly reported in combination with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for an alarming number of overdose deaths in recent years. According to experts, the presence of xylazine in street drugs makes them even more dangerous and unpredictable, as it can cause serious health complications and increase the risk of overdose. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine. The Texas Department of State Health Services further explains products may go by the street names “tranq”, “tranq dope”, “sleep-cut”, “Philly dope” and “zombie drug,” but often users do not know xylazine has been added.
One of the major concerns associated with xylazine is that it is not an opioid, meaning traditional opioid reversal tools such as naloxone (Narcan®) will not work to reverse an overdose. As a result, individuals who use drugs laced with xylazine may be at a higher risk of suffering severe health consequences or even death. However, health professionals still recommend administration of naloxone in cases of suspected overdose as xylazine presence becomes more widespread.
“Xylazine is a potent and dangerous drug that can cause respiratory depression, seizures, and other adverse effects that cannot be reversed with naloxone,” warns Janese Mason, a substance use treatment counselor at Behavioral Health Solutions. “It’s imperative we educate clients and the community on the dangers of xylazine and to seek professional help if struggling with substance use or addiction.”
Moreover, because xylazine is typically used as a veterinary tranquilizer and not intended for human use, there is a high risk of impurities and contaminants in street drugs containing this substance. This can make it even more challenging for medical professionals to diagnose and treat individuals who have been exposed to xylazine, further increasing the risk of harm.
Given the dangers associated with xylazine, it is crucial for individuals who use drugs to be aware of the potential risks and seek help if they experience any concerning symptoms. It is also essential for public health officials to raise awareness about the dangers of xylazine and work to prevent its spread in the community.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges health care professionals caring for patients with OUD to monitor patients for withdrawal symptoms not managed by traditional OUD treatments, as this may indicate xylazine withdrawal. Professionals and patients can report adverse events resulting from possible xylazine exposure to their local health department, poison center, and FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Complete and submit MedWatch reports online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
There is help available. Start your treatment or recovery journey today. Call or email Cynthia Barbosa at (956) 787-7111, ext. 221 or cbarbosa@bhsst.org. For more information on programs and services offered by Behavioral Health Solutions, please visit our website at www.bhsst.org. You can also join our efforts through our social media at facebook.com/bhsofsouthtexas, twitter.com/bhsst, or instagram.com/bhs_st.
Follow the links below for more information:
https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine
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