The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a public safety alert warning of the widespread threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine is a powerful sedative that is used in veterinary medicine. When mixed with fentanyl, it can create a deadly drug cocktail.
The DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 states. In 2022, approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine.
Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures can cause a variety of serious health problems, including:
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Coma
- Death
Naloxone (Narcan) can be used to reverse the effects of fentanyl, but it will not reverse the effects of xylazine. If you believe someone has overdosed on a drug mixture containing xylazine, call 911 immediately.
The DEA is working to combat the spread of xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures. However, it is important for drug users to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect themselves.
Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Only buy drugs from trusted sources.
- Test drugs before using them.
- Be aware of the signs of an overdose.
- Carry naloxone with you.
- If you think someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately.
The DEA is committed to protecting the public from the dangers of drug abuse. If you have any information about the trafficking of xylazine or fentanyl, please contact your local DEA office.
In addition to the DEA’s public safety alert, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a warning about the dangers of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. The CDC reports that the number of overdose deaths involving xylazine has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2019, there were only 10 overdose deaths involving xylazine. However, by 2021, that number had increased to 1,000.
The CDC attributes the increase in xylazine-related overdose deaths to a number of factors, including:
- The increasing availability of fentanyl.
- The increasing use of xylazine in the illicit drug supply.
- The lack of awareness of the dangers of xylazine.
The CDC is working to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. The agency has developed a number of resources, including a fact sheet, a toolkit, and a video, to help people learn more about the risks.
The DEA and the CDC are working together to combat the spread of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. However, it is important for drug users to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect themselves. By following the tips outlined above, you can help to keep yourself safe from this deadly drug combination.
Source: https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine
