![]() As of March 2023, fentanyl mixed with xylazine had been found in drug seizures in 48 states. Xylazine was found in more than 90% of illicit drug samples tested in Philadelphia in 2021 and was identified in forensic toxicology samples from 36 of 49 states that were tested in June 2021. The drug is known as “anesthesia de caballo” in Puerto Rico and “tranq” in Philadelphia (or “tranq dope” when combined with opioids, most often fentanyl). Philadelphia and Connecticut appear to have been the epicenters of xylazine use in the continental United States, but use is rapidly spreading throughout the country. Xylazine was identified intermittently in drug samples collected in the continental United States between 20. Xylazine was initially used in combination with a polydrug mixture, commonly referred to as a speedball, containing a stimulant (e.g., cocaine or amphetamine) and an opioid (e.g., heroin, morphine, or fentanyl). The first illicit use of xylazine was reported in Puerto Rico around 2001. The drug’s reported duration of effect is longer than that of fentanyl adulteration of fentanyl with xylazine therefore probably enhances the euphoria and analgesia induced by fentanyl and reduces the frequency of injections. It can be consumed orally or by smoking, snorting, or intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection. Xylazine appears to have entered the illicit drug supply in the northeastern United States as an additive to fentanyl. ![]() The severity of such symptoms, combined with uncertainty about effective treatment options, may compel people to continue to use xylazine, since discontinuation without assistance often isn’t feasible. Xylazine-withdrawal symptoms are not alleviated by the administration of opioids. People who use xylazine, however, may develop physiological dependence, have symptoms consistent with a xylazine-related substance use disorder, and have severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, and dysphoria) after abrupt discontinuation. This class of drugs is not regulated under the federal Controlled Substances Act and historically has been thought to be associated with a low risk of illicit use. Some α 2-agonists are approved for use in humans as antihypertensive agents, for sedation, and for mitigation of opioid-withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt opioid discontinuation. Reduced sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system causes decreased peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure. The effects on the central nervous system include sedation, analgesia, and euphoria. Xylazine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a sedative in veterinary medicine in 1972 but isn’t approved for use in humans.Ĭentrally acting α 2-agonist medications inhibit the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine. It was initially studied for use in humans as an antihypertensive agent, but development for human use was discontinued because of adverse effects. Xylazine is an α 2-agonist in the same drug class as clonidine, lofexidine, and dexmedetomidine. Increasing use of xylazine, most often in combination with other drugs such as fentanyl, is a rapidly growing threat to human health in the United States. NEJM: Xylazine - Medical and Public Health Imperatives Gupta of illicit fentanyl combined with xylazine as an emerging threat to the Nation-the first time any administration has taken this action. ![]() This piece follows the historic designation by Dr. Michael Ashburn, Director of Pain Medicine at Penn Pain Medicine Center, who has joined ONDCP for a short-term role. David Holtgrave, ONDCP’s Emerging Threats Coordinator, and Dr. ![]() Rahul Gupta, the White House Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Dr. – Today, The New England Journal of Medicine published an opinion piece by Dr. “Xylazine poses a threat to public health… Our goal is for the designation of xylazine as an emerging threat and subsequent actions to begin to address this threat before it worsens and undermines efforts to reduce illicit fentanyl use in the United States.” Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |