Side Effects of Xylazine

Addiction and death due to substance abuse are persistent issues in the UK and around the world. People are becoming more educated about dangerous drugs, and more different types come onto the recreational market.

Later this year, or at the beginning of 2025, 22 drugs will join the list of substances banned in the UK. One of these is xylazine.

It has been called the zombie drug and is beginning to cause serious concern in the US and now the UK – connected with a growing number of drug deaths. Becoming educated about substances is important to combating addiction, so you should know what the effects of xylazine are, how dangerous it is and how to recognise its misuse.

Understanding Xylazine and Its Uses

Xylazine is a sedative medication that is used in veterinary medicine. As a sedative, muscle relaxant and analgesic it can be used to make animals such as horses and cattle calm when wanting to perform diagnostic procedures. It is also used in surgical settings, acting as an anaesthesia and pain killer.

In the last few years, however, xylazine has started appearing in street drugs. Particularly, it has been found mixed in with opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. US authorities raised huge concerns as deaths related to xylazine, known as “tranq” and “tranq dope”, grew from 102 in 2018 to nearly 3500 in 2021.

The first xylazine-related death in the UK was in 2023, and the substance has been found in cannabis THC vapes and tablets advertised as codeine and diazepam.

Xylazine, while it can be effective in treating animals, affects humans differently. This brings unintended risks and dangers.

How Xylazine Affects the Body

Xylazine is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist. This means it primarily affects the central nervous system, having an impact on the release of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

These neurotransmitters are involved in the flight-or-fight response, so when the levels are decreased, pain relaxation, sedation, and muscle relaxation happen.

These intended xylazine side effects occur in animals, which is why it is used on animals for surgery and other medical purposes.

In humans, however, xylazine can cause harmful and potentially fatal effects such as respiratory depression, hypotension and bradycardia.

Common Side Effects in Animals and Humans

There are different common side effects of xylazine that animals and humans experience. The effects in animals are intended and are easier to navigate around if complications arise, whereas in humans, the effects can be unpredictable and hazardous.

Common side effects for animals:

  • Sedation
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Retching and vomiting in dogs

Common side effects for humans:

  • Extreme sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Prolonged drowsiness
  • Slow heart rate
  • Low blood pressure

Extreme sedation and prolonged drowsiness are especially dangerous for people with a heroin addiction or using another opioid with xylazine. You can slip into a coma and potentially die.

The Dangers of Xylazine Misuse in Humans

There has been an alarming rise in xylazine misuse, especially among opioid users, due to the increased fentanyl use. This is because xylazine intensifies the effects of opioids and prolongs them in fentanyl, which has a short duration of action compared to heroin.

As xylazine intensifies the effects of opioids, it also increases the risk of overdose, respiratory arrest and death.

Overdosing due to xylazine provides its unique challenge. Like opioids, xylazine targets the respiratory system, but it is not an opioid. This means that it is resistant to naloxone – a drug that is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Severe and Long-Term Side Effects of Xylazine Misuse

Repeated xylazine misuse can lead to devastating effects that could change your life forever. It’s better to be aware of the risks you or someone you know is taking when abusing xylazine.

Tissue Damage

Xylazine use will eventually lead to damage to your skin. This can come in the form of ulcers, abscesses and open wounds. They are likely to start to the arms and legs and eventually spread. At the injection sites on the body, necrosis can develop, which is the dying and rotting of the skin – zombifying your body. If necrosis occurs and spreads, eventually limbs will have to be amputated to stop the spread.

Mental Health Impact

Severe mental health problems are one of the many side effects of xylazine. Chronic use will result in disorientation and hallucinations. Suffering from an addiction can also lead you to develop depression, anxiety and potentially psychosis.

Organ Damage

Long-term xylazine use may also cause organ damage, such as to your liver and kidneys. This is due to the metabolization of the drug and how soon your organs will not be able to filter it and the xylazine toxicity in your organs will increase.

Recognising Signs of Xylazine Misuse

If you are worried about xylazine misuse, it’s important to be aware of the signs of it. With more knowledge, you can get ahead of the problem before it worsens.

Xylazine misuse symptoms include:

  • Excessive sedation
  • Slow pulse
  • Low blood pressure
  • Skin wounds and lesions
  • Changed behaviour
  • Change in weight
  • Isolation and more secretive behaviour

Xylazine misuse is likely not done purposely. The drug is being mixed into opioids and other depressants during the making of them so people are abusing xylazine unknowingly. If you are a friend, family member, or healthcare provider who knows someone already suffering from an opioid drug addiction, be sure to look out for these signs as well.

How to Get Help for Xylazine Misuse

The situation is not hopeless. You may feel overwhelmed but there are resources available to you.

Your first port of call could be your GP. As well as treating you medically, they can provide you with the information you need for addiction support services in the area.

Support is also available at your fingertips. There are many addiction support hotlines that help people across the country. Organisations such as Change Grow Live, Release and We Are With You exist to help people through addiction.

In most cases, a drug rehab should be the answer. These facilities provide expert treatment, including medical detox. With xylazine abuse, this is recommended due to the intense withdrawal and potential complications it can cause.

No matter how you get help, it’s vital you do. The side effects of xylazine can lead to serious health issues and without intervention, the consequences will only worsen.

Talk to Step One Recovery and Get Help Now

Xylazine is a dangerous drug that many opioid users may take unknowingly. It can produce dangerous side effects such as skin lesions and necrosis that zombify your body, heightened overdose risk and long-term organ damage. This means it is so important to recognise the signs of xylazine abuse and get help quickly.

Step One Recovery is available to help anyone who needs it and every journey begins with one step. If you’re ready to make that step and start the Step One experience, get in touch now.

Call today at 0330 107 2950.