Xylazine Fentanyl Overdose
The Deadly Consequences of Mixing Xylazine, Fentanyl and Opioids
The mixing of Xylazine and fentanyl has become a major cause of overdose deaths in the US. This is according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, has been linked to an increasing number of fatalities due to fentanyl overdoses. Individuals often unknowingly use it in combination with other drugs, particularly illicit fentanyl. The combination of opioids and Xylazine is difficult to treat with the standard opioid-overdose antidote, naloxone. This blog post will examine the deadly consequences of mixing Xylazine and fentanyl.
Xylazine is a Tranquilizer With Severe Overdose Risk
Xylazine, also known by the brand name Rompun, is a tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine to sedate and immobilize animals. It is a non-opioid tranquilizer. However, while Xylazine is approved for use in animals, it is not approved for use in humans. As a result, it has become increasingly popular amongst drug users who are looking for a cheap and potent high. This fuels the ongoing opioid crises and fentanyl addiction epidemic.
When taken recreationally, Xylazine can be incredibly dangerous. The sedative effects of Xylazine cause users to become easily disoriented and confused. If combined with a potent opioid, such as fentanyl, heroin, or pain pills, the risk of overdose increases exponentially. This is due to their synergistic mechanism of action and the user’s decreased ability to control their dose. Studies show that nearly 80% of fatal overdoses involving Xylazine were due to its combination with another substance. Which were most commonly fentanyl or heroin.
Therefore, it is incredibly important to recognize the potential risks of Xylazine and other opioids.
Knowledge of the symptoms and consequences of an opioid overdose is essential for anyone who is considering taking these drugs. Whether they are taking it legally or illegally. For those currently suffering from opioid addiction, it is important to recognize the heightened risk posed by taking multiple substances at once. Seek a professional with an addiction psychiatrist. Also make sure to properly store any opioid medications to reduce the risk of accidental overdose or misuse.
Xylazine is Often Combined With Other Drugs, Especially Opioids
Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths across the United States. Addiction psychiatrists warn the public that in most cases, users are unaware that Xylazine has been added to their drugs. This lack of knowledge is particularly dangerous as mixing Xylazine with other drugs, such as opioids or fentanyl, can be deadly.
Xylazine’s growing popularity as a street drug is adding to the opioid crisis and fentanyl addiction epidemic. The presence of Xylazine in combination with other substances increases the risk of an accidental fentanyl overdose. Xylazine is so potent that it can be deadly even in small amounts when used in conjunction with opioids, especially fentanyl.
Naloxone May Not Be Effective Against Combined Xylazine And Opioid Overdose
In the current opioid crisis, naloxone is often used as a lifesaving measure to reverse an opioid overdose in emergency situations. While naloxone can be used to treat opioid addiction and fentanyl overdoses, it may not be effective against Xylazine. Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that is increasingly being used in combination with other drugs, particularly illicit fentanyl. As a result of the drug combination, Xylazine can cause an even greater level of sedation than just opioids alone.
Naloxone is designed to reverse opioid overdose, so it cannot counter the effects of Xylazine. Even in cases where a person has overdosed on opioids, such as with a fentanyl overdose, additional supportive measures may be required if Xylazine is also present. In such cases, only trained medical professionals, such as an addiction psychiatrist, can administer appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help when dealing with opioid addiction, fentanyl addiction, or any drug overdose involving Xylazine.
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The dangers of opioids can’t be understated. Countless people have experienced the effects of overdosing and as an addiction psychiatrist, I would be honored to support you in providing effective treatment in NYC, Manhattan, and across the state. If you are ready to start your therapy journey at my Manhattan-based therapy practice, please follow these simple steps:
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Other Services Offered with Stephen Gilman, MD – Addiction Psychiatrist in NYC, Manhattan
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