Fentanyl And Xylazine

Fentanyl And Xylazine Uses

Fentanyl and xylazine are drugs that have medical uses but are also known for their illicit use.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50–100 times stronger than morphine and is prescribed as a pain reliever.

Xylazine is a medication used in veterinary practices and animal care facilities. It provides sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and pain relief to animals during procedures such as surgeries, examinations, and handling agitated animals.

Why Is Xylazine Mixed With Fentanyl?

Xylazine is mixed with fentanyl and other drugs to produce a more potent combination while potentially increasing profits for drug dealers.

In pursuit of profit in the illegal drug trade, dealers seek cheaper and more accessible substances to mix with their main product. Xylazine is both inexpensive and readily available. It is regulated as an animal drug and thus has not had the attention human drugs have, and there are several ways to procure it. Therefore, it is an attractive option for adulterating drugs like fentanyl. It also shares similar physical properties with fentanyl, existing as a powder that takes up roughly the same volume. This allows for a seamless and dangerous combination of the two, increasing their supply without any noticeable change in appearance.

The production of illicit drugs can be a crude process, and the addition of xylazine may be accidental and result in unintentional contamination. This is especially true in cases where fentanyl is produced in makeshift laboratories, where quality control is nonexistent.

Though less common, people who use drugs may also mix fentanyl with xylazine due to its psychological effects. It is known to extend the duration of fentanyl’s effects, which can be appealing to people who use drugs. To some, mixing the two drugs enhances the “high.” Some people report that xylazine-laced fentanyl produces a more intense or euphoric high than fentanyl alone.

Xylazine may help to mask the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, which can make it more difficult for people to recognize that they are addicted to fentanyl.

Effects Of Xylazine-Laced Fentanyl

Xylazine can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, and respiratory depression, which can worsen the already dangerous effects of fentanyl.

Other severe effects of xylazine alone and when combined with fentanyl are:

• Xylazine’s sedative and muscle-relaxant properties compound the potent effects of fentanyl, leading to a higher risk of overdose and death due to slowed breathing and heart rate.
• The combination of xylazine and fentanyl can lead to confusion, dizziness, and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
• Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. While naloxone should still be administered in suspected overdoses to counteract the effects of fentanyl, additional medical intervention may be necessary to address the xylazine-related complications.

Xylazine-laced fentanyl is a dangerous combination, intensifying the risks associated with each drug individually and posing challenges in overdose treatment.

Health Effects Of Xylazine And Fentanyl

Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to pain relief and euphoria. However, it can also cause dangerous side effects, including respiratory depression, which can lead to overdose and death.

When used in humans, xylazine can cause a range of problems, including sedation and unconsciousness, respiratory depression, low blood pressure and heart rate, muscle weakness, and severe skin wounds and infections.

Combining the two drugs can amplify the negative effects, leading to even more severe health consequences that can be difficult to treat.

Risks Of Combining Xylazine And Fentanyl

The combination of xylazine and fentanyl poses several unique risks that set it apart from other opioid-related overdoses.

Increased Overdose Potential

The added effects of the two drugs mixed significantly increase the risk of overdose. The respiratory depression caused by both substances can be life-threatening, which makes it much more likely for users to experience a fatal overdose.

Prolonged Sedation

Xylazine can cause low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and other cardiovascular complications, further increasing the risk of overdose and death when combined with fentanyl. Since xylazine extends the duration of fentanyl’s effects, the individual is at a higher risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose due to prolonged sedation and an increased risk of respiratory depression.

Skin and Tissue Damage

Xylazine can cause severe skin reactions, including open sores and ulcers, which can become infected, slow to heal, and challenging to treat. This can lead to long-term health issues, complicating treatment and recovery efforts.

Unpredictable Potency

The uncontrolled nature of illicit drug manufacturing means that the potency of xylazine-laced fentanyl can vary dramatically, making it even more difficult for users to gauge safe dosages. This unpredictability increases the risk of overdose.

These factors combine to create a particularly unpredictable drug experience. The risks of overdose, complications, and addiction become greater. There is an urgent need for heightened awareness, harm reduction strategies, and comprehensive treatment services to mitigate the impact of this health crisis.

Addressing The Challenges Of Xylazine And Fentanyl

Coming to terms with the dual challenges of xylazine and fentanyl addiction requires an approach that includes education, harm reduction, and comprehensive treatment services.

The first step is to raise awareness and provide access to evidence-based interventions. By working toward these goals, we can prevent overdoses, support individuals, and put them on a path to recovery. Other important steps include:

Education and Awareness

Increasing public awareness of the risks of xylazine-laced fentanyl is essential for empowering people to make informed decisions and seek help when needed. This includes educating healthcare providers, first responders, and community members about the unique dangers posed by this drug combination.

Harm Reduction Strategies

Promotion of the use of fentanyl test strips, naloxone distribution, and safe consumption sites can help reduce the harms associated with xylazine-fentanyl use. These harm reduction approaches can save lives and provide incentives and doorways to treatment for those struggling with addiction.

Overdose Response Training

Equipping first responders, healthcare providers, and community members with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to xylazine-fentanyl overdoses can save lives. Ensuring timely access to naloxone and other life-saving interventions is the first step for many.

Treatment and Recovery Support

Access to comprehensive addiction treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies, is essential for helping individuals overcome xylazine and fentanyl addiction. These approaches can address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance use disorders and provide support for long-term recovery.

A multi-level approach is necessary to combat the xylazine-fentanyl crisis.

Get Help Today

Xylazine and fentanyl are a dangerous combination with serious health risks. Education of the public is necessary to heighten the awareness of the signs of overdose and the need to seek professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, treatment is available and effective, and recovery is possible.

If you or a loved one needs help with xylazine and fentanyl addiction, contact a treatment provider today.