Tranq-dope: Deadly Fentanyl-Xylazine Mix
This dangerous mix of fentanyl and xylazine is causing grave concern in the U.S. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of fatal opioid overdoses (most commonly fentanyl), in which xylazine was detected, rose by 276%, from 2.9% to 10.9% between 2019 and 2022.
A recent trend includes the occurrence of open wounds, necrotic tissue and, in some cases, amputation of a limb. This adds a new dimension to the alarming consequences of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. In this blog, we will explore fentanyl/xylazine abuse and its consequences.
Xylazine, also known as “tranq”, is a potent veterinary sedative. Its origin can be traced to the illicit drug market, where illicit, underground laboratories seek to create powerful substances that deliver intense, euphoric effects. According to a DEA report, the number of xylazine positive overdose deaths increased from 808 in 2020 to 3,089 in 2021. Unfortunately, this trend has increased following the introduction of the xylazine and fentanyl combination into the illicit drug market.
According to the DEA public safety alert report, DEA has seized xylazine-containing fentanyl substances in 48 states. They also reported that about 27% of fentanyl powder samples and 7% of fentanyl tablets also contained xylazine in them. This deadly combination has rapidly gained popularity among substance users.
According to a bill, H.R. 4531, passed on December 13, 2023, Xylazine is placed in schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The bill also highlighted the fact that more than 200,000 Americans died of drug overdoses and fentanyl poisonings in the last two years only. One of the most common drugs found in combination with fentanyl is xylazine, which contributes significantly to its lethality.
According to a scientific study published by NCBI, xylazine and fentanyl increase the lethality of each other when mixed. A nonlethal dose of fentanyl increases the lethality of xylazine 5-fold while xylazine increases the lethality of fentanyl 100 times even in its non-lethal doses.
Users, often dubbed “zombies,” due to their lethargic state, suffer from severe sores and wounds. A CBC News YouTube documentary vividly shows the toll tranq takes on people, depicting lives altered forever with the possibility of amputations due to open wounds and tissue necrosis.
Philadelphia is at the epicenter of the tranq epidemic, facing a surge in cases. According a study published by Science Direct, opioid related drug overdose deaths involving xylazine increased from 2% to 19% between 2010 and 2020. The study also reported severe cases of skin ulcerations and wounds in patients using xylazine along with opioids.
According to a report by Philidelphia government, fentanyl has replaced heroin as the most common drug in the city, and it is often mixed with xylazine. The city’s authorities and healthcare systems are struggling to deal with the increasing number of tranq-dope related incidents and overdoses. The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disabilities (DBHIDS) deployed a mobile wound care van in Pennsylvania in response to increasing xylazine abuse related necrosis and wounds. At the time of publication, they had treated 1,254 patients for severe wounds.
One of the most concerning aspects of tranq-dope is its resistance to traditional overdose reversal methods. Naloxone (Narcan), which is typically effective in reversing opioid overdoses, proves less-effective when fentanyl (an opioid) is used in combination with xylazine (a non-opioid). This raises significant treatment concerns for healthcare providers attempting to save lives in the face of this escalating crisis. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone (Narcan) if an individual is experiencing a drug overdose/poisoning.
Numerous studies, such as those reported by reputable sources like STAT News, NPR, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, provide evidence of a troubling connection between tranq-dope use and the development of open wounds among abusers. These open wounds, often accompanied by sores, are described as particularly challenging to treat, leading to long-term consequences for those affected.
The STAT News article from December 2, 2022, suggests that many researchers believe there’s something unique about the tranq-dope combination, making the wounds resistant to healing. This resistance poses a significant hurdle for medical professionals attempting to address the physical toll this mixture inflicts on its victims.
The NPR report from August 13, 2023, delves into the difficulties faced by healthcare professionals in treating wounds resulting from tranq-dope abuse. The complexities lie not only in the severity of the wounds but also in the resistance to healing. As the wounds persist, the potential for more severe consequences, such as amputations, becomes a looming threat.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information‘s study further explores the challenges in managing and treating these wounds, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional medical intervention. Mental health support and harm reduction strategies are crucial components in addressing the unique challenges of tranq-dope related injuries.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released a National Response Plan on July 11, 2023, to address the emerging threat of fentanyl combined with xylazine in the US. This Nation Response Plan aims to reduce 15% xylazine drug poisonings in at least three of four U.S. census regions by 2025 as compared to 2022. The plan released focuses on six pillars of action:
As we confront the alarming surge of Tranq-dope abuse, communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers need to create a comprehensive strategy for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Fentanyl testing plays a pivotal role in this fight, allowing users to make safer choices. At DrugTestKitUSA, we are committed to providing testing resources to tackle this crisis. View the selection of fentanyl urine tests, including a new OTC fentanyl test kit. the latest addition to our Forensic Use Only products – fentanyl strips and xylazine strips for detection in pill, powder, or liquid samples.
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