Xylazine (Tranq)

Xylazine (Tranq) – Product Description

Xylazine, commonly known as “tranq” or “tranq dope” when mixed with opioids, is a powerful veterinary sedative and central nervous system depressant. It is FDA-approved for use in animals but is not approved for human consumption. Increasingly, xylazine is found as an adulterant in illicit drug supplies, often mixed with fentanyl and other opioids, posing serious health risks.

What Is Xylazine?

• A non-opioid sedative and tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine for sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and pain relief.

• Not a controlled substance but highly dangerous when used by humans.

• Illicitly added to street drugs to extend or enhance the effects of opioids, often without users’ knowledge.

Effects & Risks

• Causes heavy sedation, slowed breathing, dangerously low heart rate and blood pressure.

• Does not respond to opioid overdose reversal drugs like naloxone (Narcan), although naloxone should still be administered if opioid overdose is suspected.

• Associated with severe skin wounds, ulcers, and abscesses that can develop regardless of the method of use (injection, snorting, swallowing, or inhaling).

• Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, and unease.

• Overdose can be fatal due to respiratory depression and cardiovascular effects.

Health Concerns

• Xylazine exposure is linked to increased overdose deaths when combined with opioids.

• Causes serious and rapidly worsening skin infections that require urgent medical attention.

• Users often unaware of xylazine presence in their drugs, increasing risk of unexpected sedation and complications.

Usage & Detection

• Routes of administration include injection, snorting, swallowing, and inhalation.

• Appears in illicit supplies as a liquid, powder, or pressed into pills.

• Testing for xylazine can be done using specialized test strips to detect its presence in drug samples.

Harm Reduction & Safety

• If overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately.

• Administer naloxone if opioids are involved, but be aware naloxone will not reverse xylazine’s effects.

• Seek immediate medical care for any skin wounds or infections.

• Avoid using unknown or untested drugs and consider drug checking services.