What is Xylazine (Tranq)? Effects, Overdose Dangers and Treatment Options

Updated 8/10/2026 Clinically reviewed by Dr. John Dyben, DHSc, LMFT, MCAP, – Chief Clinical Officer, Hanley Center

Xylazine is a powerful sedative used in veterinary medicine. It is not approved for human use. It has recently been found in the illegal drug supply in the United States.

Xylazine, sometimes called “tranq,” is being added to fentanyl, and the combination of the two has created the “deadliest drug threat” in the U.S., according to a DEA public safety alert.

Keep reading to learn what xylazine is, what signs to look for in someone you know who may be using xylazine, and how to find help right now.

What is Xylazine?

“Xylazine is a drug that has been used as a large animal tranquilizer for many decades. For years, we have known it should never be put in the human body because of how powerfully it acts to depress respiratory and circulatory systems. It is heart-stopping and breathtaking in the worst possible way.

Opioids can also have these effects, but, if caught in time, they can often be reversed with medicines commonly carried by first responders and even many people on the street. Unfortunately, xylazine does not respond to these medications, rendering them useless. Xylazine use in humans can also cause unexplained wounds that are hard to treat and can appear on the body even where there has been no injury.

The CDC recommends a multi-faceted approach to try to curb the tide of xylazine use and death. It includes increased access to testing so that xylazine can be identified and addressed, promoting education of the public and health professionals, efforts to control distribution and, most importantly, evidence-based prevention and treatment efforts.”

Dr. John Dyben, DHSc, MCAP, CMHP, Chief Clinical Officer of Hanley Center

The animal tranquilizer xylazine is increasingly being used as a synthetic cutting agent for opiates such as heroin and fentanyl. The drug’s use is expanding at an exponential rate and showing up in drug overdoses. Xylazine is rarely found on its own. Instead, it is commonly added to fentanyl and other drugs when they’re manufactured for illegal distribution and use. Xylazine is added to extend the effects of the short-acting fentanyl. When the two are combined, significant adverse effects and results, including death, can occur. If you believe someone you know is abusing xylazine-laced substances, encourage them to get help for their substance use.

Xylazine or “Tranq”

Xylazine is a non-opioid that is used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, muscle relaxant and analgesic. It is not approved for human use by the FDA because of the significant central nervous system effects.

When coupled with heroin or fentanyl, it is known as “tranq” or “tranq dope.” On the street, xylazine is often added to other drugs, like fentanyl. It’s used to stretch the drug supply and increase profits.

Xylazine is available in liquid injectable dosages of 20 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL and 300 mg/mL for veterinary use. The liquid solution might be salted or powdered. As an illicit drug, it might appear as a white or brown powder and can be difficult to recognize just by appearance, since it can be combined with other powders or crushed into tablets.

Xylazine can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, intranasally or orally. Because of its rapid onset, it can affect a person within minutes, and xylazine can last eight hours or more depending on the amount, how it was taken and whether it was coupled with an opioid or other drug(s).

Signs and Symptoms of Xylazine Use

Signs and symptoms of xylazine use can affect a person’s physical presence, behavior and overall health.

Because xylazine is a central nervous system depressant, it can slow critical body functions and cause significant sedation. People who have used xylazine may appear unusually drowsy, confused or difficult to wake. In higher doses, xylazine may lead to loss of consciousness, slowed breathing and dangerously low blood pressure.

Common warning signs may include:

• Extreme drowsiness or sedation
• Slowed breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty staying awake
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination or balance
• Loss of consciousness

Some people may also develop unusual skin injuries, including sores, ulcers or areas of damaged tissue. These wounds can occur near injection sites or on other areas of the body and may worsen over time.

Because xylazine is frequently mixed with fentanyl or heroin, symptoms can vary depending on what other substances are present.

Effects of Xylazine on the Human Body

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Effects

Xylazine affects several critical body systems. Because it slows activity in the central nervous system, it can lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure and slow breathing. These effects are more dangerous when xylazine is mixed with fentanyl or heroin.

In severe cases, a person may stop breathing, lose consciousness or experience a life-threatening overdose.

Xylazine Skin Wounds and Necrotic Lesions

Use may cause skin and soft-tissue wounds, including ulcers. You may see tissue damage and severe abscesses in sites where the drug was snorted or injected. Wounds may also appear away from injection sites, including the arms and legs and the condition of these wounds may worsen more quickly.

In some cases, these wounds may begin as small sores before developing into larger open ulcers. As tissue breaks down, wounds can become difficult to heal and may increase the risk of serious infection.

Because xylazine wounds can worsen rapidly, medical evaluation and wound care are important. Early treatment may help prevent complications and support healing.

Why Xylazine Overdoses Are Uniquely Dangerous

Xylazine is not an opioid. Naloxone does not reverse its effects. However, emergency responders still recommend administering administering if fentanyl or any opioid is suspected.

Even after naloxone is given, a person may continue to experience dangerous symptoms caused by xylazine, including severe sedation, slowed breathing and loss of consciousness. Emergency medical attention is always necessary following a suspected overdose.

Dangers From Using Xylazine

The dangers of taking a drug with xylazine in it are significant. As a sedative, it can lead to unconsciousness, especially at higher doses. This could result in blacking out and being vulnerable to injury, sexual assault or even death. The sedative effects of xylazine can also increase the risk of overdose, particularly when it is combined with opioids such as fentanyl or heroin.

One of the greatest concerns is that xylazine is rarely found on its own in the illicit drug supply. It is most commonly detected in combination with fentanyl, creating a dangerous mixture that can further slow breathing, reduce heart rate and increase the risk of fatal overdose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the percentage of fentanyl-related overdose deaths involving xylazine rose from 2.9 percent in 2019 to 10.9 percent by mid-2022, a 276 percent increase in just a few years.

Because people often do not know xylazine is present in the substances they are using, accidental exposure is common. This increases the risk of overdose, severe health complications and death. The combination of xylazine and fentanyl is especially dangerous because naloxone can reverse the opioid effects of fentanyl but does not reverse the effects of xylazine itself.

Getting Help For Xylazine or Opioid Use Disorder at Hanley Center

Withdrawal from xylazine may produce anxiety, irritability, restlessness and severe hypertension. More commonly, withdrawal from the combination of xylazine and an opioid will show up in withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, restlessness or sweating and dilated pupils or watery eyes. If you’re seeing these signs in someone you love, encourage them to get treatment.

Professional treatment is often the safest option for people struggling with xylazine exposure, opioid dependence or polysubstance use. Because withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substances involved, medical evaluation can help determine the most appropriate level of care.

Hanley provides a holistic and comprehensive treatment program for anyone with a history of opioid misuse or abuse of multiple drugs. Our facilities offer a medical detox to allow your loved one to move through the withdrawal process safely and comfortably. A personalized treatment plan can be created based on their particular needs and evidence-based interventions can help them get on the road to recovery. These methods may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help your loved one identify and modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors related to drug use with a goal of developing coping skills, managing triggers and preventing relapse. Individual counseling and group therapy are fundamental elements of a program and setting up your loved one for long-term success begins with planning for continuing care before the current treatment program ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is xylazine used for in veterinary medicine?

Xylazine is a veterinary medication used as a sedative, anesthetic, muscle relaxant and pain reliever in animals. It is commonly used during examinations, procedures and surgeries. Xylazine is not approved by the FDA for use in humans because it can cause serious side effects, including slowed breathing, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Can Narcan® (naloxone) Reverse a Xylazine Overdose?

No. Naloxone does not reverse the effects of xylazine because it’s not an opioid. However, naloxone should still be administered during a suspected overdose because xylazine is often mixed with fentanyl and other opioids. Anyone experiencing a suspected overdose should receive emergency medical care immediately.

What Do Xylazine Wounds Look Like?

Xylazine wounds may begin as small sores, blisters or areas of discolored skin. Over time, they can develop into large open ulcers with damaged or dead tissue. These wounds may appear near injection sites or on other parts of the body. They often get worse over time if left untreated.

Is Xylazine (Tranq) the Same As Fentanyl?

No. Xylazine and fentanyl are different drugs. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, while xylazine is a veterinary sedative. However, the two substances are frequently found together in the illicit drug supply, creating a combination that increases the risk of overdose and other serious health complications.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Xylazine or Opioid Use Disorder?

Treatment may include medically supervised detox, individual counseling, group therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and ongoing recovery support. Because xylazine is often used alongside opioids and other substances, treatment plans are typically personalized to address each person’s unique needs and circumstances.

Hanley Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for mental illnesses and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting wellness. For information on our programs, call us today: (561) 841-1033.

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