Rethink Tranq: What You Need to Know About Xylazine
Understanding the Threat Posed by the Hazardous Substance Known as 'Tranq'
Calling all curious cats! dive into the skinny on xylazine, a med nicknamed "tranq" (short for tranquilizer) due to its stance on knocking humans out. Here's the lowdown on this drug that's been causing a stir in recent times.
Fun fact: from 2020 to 2021, xylazine-related overdoses surged a whopping 1,127%! Now, the US Administration has labeled it an "emerging threat," and you might be left scratching your head, adoring kitties, asking, "What the feline is xylazine, and what do I need to know?" Well, paws for thought, because psychiatrist and addiction specialist, David Streem, MD, is here to fill you in!
What in Sam Hill is tranq?
Xylazine is an animal sedative, and despite zero human approval, some folks have been mixing it up with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that's wreaked havoc during the opioid crisis, claiming more American lives under age 50 than any other cause. Streem explains that xylazine and fentanyl are both sedating, scoring high on the pleasure scale for users seeking that sensation in illicit substances.
But beware, tranq is one sly fox, and it's dangerous as hell!
Why it's a menace to your health
Ingesting xylazine can lead to some gnarly skin wounds, lesions, and ulcers that become easily infected. If this rot sets in, it's called necrosis, and spreading quickly becomes a thing. In some cases, amputation takes center stage, yikes!
"Injecting xylazine increases the risk of necrosis, " Streem warns. "And even though that's not unheard of with other drugs that are injected, we're seeing it happen more often with xylazine."
You might find other side effects as well, such as:
- Sight problems (blurry vision).
- Brain fog (coma).
- Eyeball constriction (constricted pupils or miosis).
- Brain scrambles (disorientation).
- Drowsiness.
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Heart rate drops (bradycardia).
- Shallow breathing (hypoventilation).
- Wobblies (staggering).
Where, oh where, is tranq headed?
Xylazine deaths are popping up on local coroner's reports across the nation, with Ohio, home to Cleveland, being a warning signal for what's in store.
Being prepared for a tranq overdose
In early 2023, the FDA approved the over-the-counter use of Narcan® (naloxone), a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, offering hope for those in need when minutes matter. However, Narcan doesn't work on tranq.
"Narcan directly dislodges opiates from the body's opiate receptor so that the drug can't exert its effect," Dr. Streem explains, "but because xylazine is not an opioid, it doesn't bind to the body's opiate receptor, which means Narcan doesn't work."
To save a friend in distress, call 911 (or your country's emergency services number) immediately. If you suspect a xylazine overdose and have access to Narcan, administer it while you await emergency services. This quick action can help those who've been hit with a double whammy of fentanyl and xylazine, as Narcan can counteract the opioid overdose symptoms while they await emergency treatment.
Coping with addiction
Addiction is no joke, and people battling it simply can't snap out of it on their own. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction. They'll help guide you toward the treatment you need to break free from this cycle.
Stay sharp, kitties. Don't get caught up in this deadly dance with tranq!
- The surge in xylazine-related overdoses from 2020 to 2021, as well as its dangerous health consequences, highlights the importance of understanding chronic diseases, mental-health, and health-and-wellness, particularly in the context of emerging medical-conditions.
- The unapproved use of xylazine in human contexts, often mixed with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, serves as a grim reminder of the detrimental impact of various substances on overall health and the potential for chronic diseases.
- The ineffectiveness of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, on xylazine-induced overdoses underscores the need for extensive research and development in the field of science and medicine to address the ever-evolving array of health threats and introduce effective countermeasures.
