A drug called Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” has wreaked havoc in cities all throughout the United States by inflicting fatal symptoms like skin rotting. This “zombie drug” was used to cut heroin and was allowed for veterinary use by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it was recently found in fentanyl and other illegal drugs, according to reports.
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Xylazine is a sedative and analgesic medication that is commonly used in veterinary medicine for animals such as horses and cattle. However, it has also been used illicitly as a recreational drug and is sometimes referred to as the “zombie drug” because of its dissociative effects.
Sedation
Xylazine is a powerful sedative that can cause extreme drowsiness and lethargy. Users may appear to be “zombified” and have difficulty staying awake or alert.
Dissociation
Xylazine can cause a sense of detachment from reality, with users feeling as though they are in a dreamlike state. This can lead to disorientation and confusion.
Slurred speech
Users may have difficulty speaking clearly or coherently due to the sedative effects of the drug.
Impaired motor function
Xylazine can cause muscle weakness and ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), making it difficult for users to walk or move normally.
Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
Xylazine can slow down the body’s vital functions, leading to a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases.
Respiratory depression
Xylazine can also cause shallow breathing or even stop breathing altogether, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
It’s important to note that xylazine is a highly potent drug and should only be used under the supervision of a trained medical professional. Illicit use of xylazine is illegal and can lead to serious health consequences or even death.
According to the New York City Department of Health, 2,668 people died in New York from xylazine overdoses in 2021, and experts believe that xylazine could exacerbate the ongoing drug epidemic.