Genesis Reference Labs was one of the first medical laboratories in the country to recognize the emergence of xylazine. Based in Florida, Genesis Reference Labs noticed a 2021 Florida Medical Examiners report that a total of 112 deaths were linked to xylazine in 2021 alone. In April of 2023, the White House declared xylazine an emerging threat. Today, Genesis Reference Labs will discuss the growing threat of xylazine in America as this veterinary tranquilizer continues to be a severe issue in Florida and throughout the country.
Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, is increasingly being found in the illicit drug supply, posing a significant threat to public health. Genesis Reference Labs notes that this non-opioid drug is often mixed with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and can contribute to overdose deaths. Xylazine is not approved for human use and can cause serious health problems, including sedation, respiratory depression, skin infections, and withdrawal symptoms.
Genesis Reference Labs Explains What Xylazine Is
Xylazine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. It is used as a sedative and analgesic for animals, but it is not approved for human use. Xylazine is sometimes referred to as “tranq” or “treetop” on the street.
Why is Xylazine being mixed with illicit drugs?
Xylazine is being mixed with illicit drugs for several reasons. It is a relatively cheap and readily available drug, and it can intensify the effects of opioids like fentanyl. Xylazine can also help to prolong the effects of opioids, making it appealing to users who are seeking a longer high. Many users are completely unaware of just how dangerous a substance xylazine is and are also often unaware that it is mixed with the products they are using…
Genesis Reference Labs on The Dangers of Xylazine
Xylazine can cause a number of serious health problems, including:
- Respiratory depression: Xylazine can slow down breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Skin infections: Xylazine can increase the risk of skin infections, including abscesses and gangrene.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Xylazine can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, muscle cramps, and seizures.
How is Xylazine contributing to overdose deaths?
Xylazine is contributing to overdose deaths in several ways. First, it can potentiate the effects of opioids, making overdoses more likely. Second, xylazine does not respond to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, making it more complicated to treat an overdose. Third, xylazine can cause its own respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
Genesis Reference Labs on What is Being Done to Address the Xylazine Threat
A number of steps are being taken to address the Xylazine threat, including:
- Increased awareness and education: Public health officials are working to increase awareness of the dangers of xylazine and to educate people about the risks of using illicit drugs.
- Improved drug monitoring: Drug monitoring systems are being used to track the prevalence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply.
- Development of new treatments: Researchers are working to develop new treatments for xylazine overdose and withdrawal.
What can individuals do to protect themselves?
There are several things that individuals can do to protect themselves from the dangers of xylazine, including:
- Avoiding illicit drug use: The best way to avoid the dangers of xylazine is to avoid illicit drug use altogether.
- Getting help for addiction: If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available for help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service.
- Using naloxone: Naloxone can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, and it may also be helpful in cases of overdose even if xylazine is involved.
- Seeking medical attention: If you experience any health problems after using illicit drugs, seek medical attention immediately.
Xylazine is a serious public health threat that is contributing to the opioid overdose crisis. By increasing awareness of the dangers of xylazine and taking steps to address the issue, we can help protect people from the harms of this dangerous drug. Genesis Reference Labs will continue to offer testing for xylazine as part of their toxicology testing menu. Detecting this illicit drug can better inform healthcare providers and public health officials of the prevalence of xylazine on the street, so that more support can be provided to eradicate it.
Sources:
https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7226a4.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/other-drugs/xylazine/faq.html
