Donald Lyn Frost, a drug therapist, once said: “Drugs take you to the hell disguised as heaven.” In modern times, popular names like ‘marijuana’ circulate not only in the umbrella of medicine, but also in politics.
Xylazine, also known as “Tranq” or the new “zombie-drug,” is a non-opioid drug commonly used as a sedative and an analgesic (pain relief) in the treatment for tetanus in animals or a preoperative drug for veterinary surgeries. It is used in a variety of animals, from the smallest pets to the biggest exotic animals. This drug acts by activating central presynaptic α2 receptors, producing the expected muscle relaxation in a body (Papich, 2021). Because of this, when taken by humans, either accidentally or purposely, it creates low blood pressure and decreases breathing which may result in death. Additionally, it is legitimately sold directly through pharmaceutical distributors and internet sites catering to veterinarians. However, xylazine is also readily available for purchase on other internet sites in liquid and powder form, often with no association to the veterinary profession nor requirements to prove legitimate need (United States Drug Enforcement Administration, 2022a).
Still, it is merely placed in the closet of veterinarians and away from the umbrella of illegality. Unlike criminalized drugs such as heroin and cannabis, this one stays legal. So, how did it become the murderer of 0.03 people out 100,000, according to the Vital Statistics Rapid Release (2023)? Unlike those criminalized drugs, one drug managed to escape the cell and become haphazardly intertwined with an innocent Xylazine–Fentanyl. The worst news is, some are unaware that most illicit drugs and counterfeit pills have this mixture.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic (United States Drug Enforcement Administration, 2022). When combined with a non-opioid like xylazine, it creates a burst of dopamine, the particular chemical that gateway drugs promote. If one is close to overdosing, they could ingest Naloxone against the opioid; however, with xylazine, naloxone is futile. Making this mixture an addiction and an irreversible poison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that the prevalence of xylazine is increasing, spreading beyond the traditional white-powder heroin markets in the northeastern United States where it has been seen for several years. In 2024, the rise of deaths by overdose of xylazine-fentanyl mixture was first acknowledged by the US to be an ‘emerging threat,’ and news from other countries remain anonymous despite the continued use of xylazine. NIDA researchers continue as the rise of deaths and drug-deals increase.
In summary, the abuse of drugs does not cease; but continues to develop faster from the good rather than for the good. Xylazine began as a helpful medication for animals, but now it is the felon as to why its overdose with fentanyl cannot be cured.
Works Cited
Hernández, A. (2024, March 11). As xylazine surges, some lawmakers want jail time for dealers and people who use the drug • Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Pennsylvania Capital-Star. https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/as-xylazine-surges-some-lawmakers-want-jail-time-for-dealers-and-people-who-use-the-drug/
Jiang, X. (2024). Reported Xylazine Use Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years Evaluated for Substance Use Treatment — United States, July 2022–September 2023. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 73. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7326a2
Papich, M. G. (2021). Xylazine hydrochloride. Https://Www.sciencedirect.com/Science/Article/Abs/Pii/B9780323709576005744. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-70957-6.00574-4
rsnadmin. “Xylazine: A Rising Concern.” Principle Diagnostics, 6 July 2023, http://www.principlediagnostics.com/xylazine-a-rising-concern/.
United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022a). DEA Joint Intelligence Report The Growing Threat of Xylazine and its Mixture with Illicit Drugs. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/The%20Growing%20Threat%20of%20Xylazine%20and%20its%20Mixture%20with%20Illicit%20Drugs.pdf
United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022, October). Fentanyl. Dea.gov; U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl
About the Author
My name is Xiu Ann, I’m a senior STEM student from the Philippines currently studying pathology. I have published a research about geodetic engineering science, and a few research synthesis from our school. I hope this article has spread knowledge, and helps in creating a cause of movement for the people searching for a truth.
Her Stem Space 
Leave a comment