Xylazine | The JHI

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Xylazine

Found in:  

Cocaine, Fentanyl, also sold as pure substance

Type/Reason added:  

Veterinary Tranquilizer

Relative Potency:  

n/a

Overview

The Effects

Treatment Options

Description and Classification

Xylazine:

Xylazine is a medication commonly used in veterinary medicine to relieve pain and sedate animals. Vets often use it alongside other drugs for general anesthesia during various procedures. (27)

It has been studied in human earlier, however, due to its frequent association with severe low blood pressure and central nervous system depression, it was eventually rejected for further study in human. (29)

Relative Potency

Potency:

Xylazine is potent as a sedative and muscle relaxant in animals, but its potency in humans varies widely. It enhances the sedative and depressant effects of opioids but does not produce euphoria itself, making it different from true opioids in terms of "potency" for abuse.

Why It Is Added

Purpose

In veterinary medicine, xylazine is used for sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and analgesia, especially in large animals. In illicit drug markets, it is often added to opioids like fentanyl to prolong sedation or to mimic a stronger "high," although it severely increases overdose risks.