Xylazine
- Tranq
- Tranq dope
- Flesh eating drug
Scientific Names: N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine
Generic Names: Enwau Generig: Xylazine
Desired Effects:
Information about xylazine in humans is incomplete and still emerging.
It is thought that when combined with an opioid like heroin, xylazine causes heavy sedation, prolongs the desirable ‘gouch’ like effects of heroin and reduces the need to re-dose.
Side Effects:
At very high doses, or with other central nervous system depressants, xylazine can cause loss of physical sensation; loss of consciousness; intensification of the effects of other drugs, which can complicate overdose presentation and treatment. Side effects include:
- Dose dependent sedation (sleepiness)
- Respiratory depression (shallow breathing)
- Bradycardia (slows heart rate)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Along with ‘nitazenes’, xylazine is taken unknowingly by people using opioid drugs like heroin, so it is even more important heroin users do what they can to reduce risks.
Long term risks:
Long-term use of xylazine-mixed illicit substances can result in cumulative toxic effects, leading to chronic complications in various organ systems, including chronic wounds and ulcers on the skin.
Short term risks:
The lethal dose of xylazine in humans is not established. The combination of an opioid and xylazine can dangerously lower breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Amnesia is also reported. While xylazine alone does not cause the severe respiratory depression observed with opioid overdose, the profound sedation may lead to suffocation.
Skin Ulcers:
If injected directly into the bloodstream xylazine can cause large open skin ulcers, tissue damage and severe abscesses. These wounds tend to be on legs and arms and are sometimes away from the site of injection. Some reports suggest they may also be caused by snorting xylazine as well as injection.
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, painkiller and muscle relaxant used by vets on large animals. In the US it is known as ‘tranq’ or when added to street heroin or fentanyl as ‘tranq dope’. Xylazine has started to appear in the UK as an adulterant, mainly in heroin, but it has also been found in other street opioids, like tramadol and codeine. Xylazine has already been associated with a number of deaths in the UK since 2022.
The legal status of xylazine is currently being reviewed by the ACMD (the governments drug advisors) and is likely to become a controlled drug. However, at present it falls under the Psychoactive Substances Act.
Xylazine is not use as a street drug in its own right in the UK but has been found as an adulterant in heroin, so is smoked and injected along with the heroin. When found as an adulterant in tramadol or codeine tablets it is swallowed.
Xylazine is used by vets as a tranquiliser for large animals but has no approved human use.
Xylazine can be purchased from online suppliers in China or may be diverted veterinary supplies.
