The New Stealth Drug on the Street: A Narrative Review of Xylazine as a Street Drug.
"tranq"
alpha-adrenergic receptor
fentanyl
overdose
polysubstance abuse
sedatives
street drugs
xylazine
Journal
Cureus
ISSN: 2168-8184
Titre abrégé: Cureus
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101596737
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Jun 2023
Jun 2023
Historique:
received:
06
04
2023
accepted:
25
06
2023
medline:
28
7
2023
pubmed:
28
7
2023
entrez:
28
7
2023
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Xylazine is an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist approved for use only in animals with a prescription from a veterinarian. It is a powerful sedative that is slowly infiltrating the recreational street drug scene and is often used by polysubstance abusers. Known as "tranq," it can be fatal, and xylazine-induced toxicity cannot be reversed with naloxone or nalmefene. Due to its vasoconstrictive effects, chronic use of xylazine is associated with necrotic skin lesions and general deterioration of health. Since xylazine is not approved for human use and is not scheduled as a controlled substance, there are no human studies to provide evidence of drug-drug interactions, lethal doses, or reversal protocols. Xylazine is available online without a prescription. Street drug users may take xylazine knowingly or unknowingly, as it is often combined with other illicit substances such as fentanyl. There are no rapid tests for xylazine, although there are specialty tests that can be ordered. Xylazine represents a major threat to street drug users and another challenge to emergency healthcare workers, first responders, and others who care for those who have taken this "new" street drug.
Identifiants
pubmed: 37503500
doi: 10.7759/cureus.40983
pmc: PMC10370501
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Review
Langues
eng
Pagination
e40983Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2023, Pergolizzi Jr et al.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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