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{{headerpanel|{{Approval}}}}{{Stub}}{{References}}{{Warning/Xylazine}}<!--molecule image may need replacing-->{{SubstanceBox/Xylazine}}'''Xylazine''' (also known as '''xyl''', '''xyla''', or '''tranq''') is a central nervous system (CNS) [[depressant]] substance of the [[chemical class::imidazoline|imidazoline]] class. It is primarily used as an anaesthetic in combination with [[ketamine]] or as an emetic (to induce [[Nausea|vomiting]]) in veterinary medicine.
{{Warning/Xylazine}}
Xylazine is often used as a [[Cutting agent|cutting agent]] for other [[sedative]] street drugs, such as [[ketamine]], [[fentanyl]], and others, leading to many medical complications and deaths for drug users. Fentanyl mixed with xylazine is known as "sleep-cut", "zombie", and "tranq dope" and is sometimes fatal.
<!-- molecule image may need replacing -->{{SubstanceBox/Xylazine}}
'''Xylazine''' (also known as '''xyl''', '''xyla''', or '''tranq''') is a central nervous system (CNS) [[depressant]] substance of the [[chemical class::imidazoline|imidazoline]] class. It is primarily used as an anaesthetic in combination with [[ketamine]] or as an emetic (to induce [[Nausea|vomiting]]) in veterinary medicine.
Xylazine is often used as a [[Cutting agent|cutting agent]] for other [[sedative]] street drugs, such as [[ketamine]], [[fentanyl]], and others, leading to many medical complications and deaths for drug users. Fentanyl mixed with xylazine is sometimes known as "sleep-cut", "zombie", and "tranq dope" and is sometimes fatal. It is most used
Xylazine is not an opioid, and its effects will not be reversed by [[naloxone]] in the case of an overdose, but naloxone should still be used incase of presence of opioids. [[Yohimbine]] has been suggested as an antidote for xylazine and clonidine overdose, but insufficient evidence exists for this cause.
Xylazine is not an opioid, and its effects will not be reversed by [[naloxone]] in the case of an overdose, but naloxone should still be used incase of presence of opioids. [[Yohimbine]] has been suggested as an antidote for xylazine and clonidine overdose, but insufficient evidence exists for this cause.
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] if using this substance, or take measures to ensure they are not taking it unknowingly in other drugs such as by using [https://dosetest.com/product/xylazine-test-strips/ xylazine test strips]. '''Xylazine may be found in almost any drug, even THC vape cartridges.'''
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] if using this substance, or take measures to ensure they are not taking it unknowingly in other drugs such as by using [https://dosetest.com/product/xylazine-test-strips/ xylazine test strips]. '''Xylazine may be found in almost any drug, even THC vape cartridges.'''
==History and culture==
==History and culture==
{{historyStub}}Xylazine was discovered in 1962 to treat [[Increased blood pressure|hypertension]] in veterinary medicine. Studies in humans found it to be a dangerous central nervous system depressant with hazardous side effects and the drug was never approved by the FDA for human use.
{{historyStub}}Xylazine was discovered in Leverkusen, Germany by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayer the Bayer Company] in 1962 to treat [[Increased blood pressure|hypertension]] in veterinary medicine. Studies in humans found it to be a dangerous central nervous system depressant which would significantly decrease blood pressure and heart rate in healthy volunteers. Due to its hazardous side effects, the drug was never approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use.
The drug is often [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_diversion diverted] from veterinarians and used as a cutting agent to make street drugs appear stronger.
Xylazine is FDA approved for veterinary use as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant in certain animals, such as cats, dogs, horses and deer. The combination of ketamine and xylazine (also known as a rodent cocktail) is the most common anaesthetic used in veterinary medicine and scientific research.
The drug is often [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_diversion diverted] from veterinarians and used as a cutting agent to make sedative street drugs appear stronger.<ref>https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/Xylazine.pdf</ref>
==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
{{chemistry}}Xylazine, or N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine, is a compound of the imidazoline chemical class. Imidazolines are substituted amidines in which the amidine function is incorporated into an imidazoline ring
{{chemistry}}Xylazine, or N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine, is a compound of the [[imidazoline]] chemical class. Imidazolines are substituted amidines in which the amidine function is incorporated into an imidazoline ring
==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
{{pharmacology}}Xylazine is structurally similar to [[clonidine]] and an [[agonist]] for the α<sub>2</sub> [[Adrenaline|adrenergic]] [[receptor]]. When α<sub>2</sub> receptors in the brain are stimulated, peripheral vascular resistance decreases, resulting in lowered blood pressure. It has specificity towards the presynaptic α<sub>2</sub> receptors in the vasomotor center in the brainstem. This binding decreases presynaptic calcium levels and inhibits the release of [[norepinephrine]] (NE). The net effect is a decrease in sympathetic nervous system tone.
{{pharmacology}}The pharmacology of xylazine is well established in animal species, however human studies are scarce.
Xylazine is structurally similar to [[clonidine]] and an [[agonist]] for the α<sub>2</sub> [[Adrenaline|adrenergic]] [[receptor]]. When α<sub>2</sub> receptors in the brain are stimulated, peripheral vascular resistance decreases, resulting in lowered blood pressure. It has specificity towards the presynaptic α<sub>2</sub> receptors in the vasomotor center in the brainstem. This binding decreases presynaptic calcium levels and inhibits the release of [[norepinephrine]] (NE). The net effect is a decrease in sympathetic nervous system tone.
==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
{{EffectStub}}Xylazine alone does not have real recreational benefit. It is mostly used by disabled people in poverty for pain relief, to stave off addiction or extend the effects of stronger, low quality opioids such as fentanyl. It is also often added to depressant substances by drug dealers to have their products appear more potent.{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{EffectStub}}Xylazine alone does not have real recreational benefit. It is mostly used by disabled people in poverty for pain relief, to stave off addiction or extend the effects of stronger, low quality opioids such as [[fentanyl]]. It is also often added to depressant substances by drug dealers to have their products appear more potent.{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}{{effects/base
{{effects/base
|{{effects/physical|
|{{effects/physical|
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*'''[[Dry mouth]]'''
*'''[[Dry mouth]]'''
*'''[[Constipation]]'''
*'''[[Constipation]]'''
*'''[[Physical euphoria]]'''
*'''[[Physical euphoria]]''' This effect is not common
*'''[[Muscle relaxation]]'''
*'''[[Muscle relaxation]]'''
*'''[[Motor control loss]]'''
*'''[[Motor control loss]]'''
*'''[[Pupil constriction]]'''
*'''[[Pupil constriction]]''' Pupils may constrict and appear bloodshot
*'''[[Dizziness]]''' - This effect can increase the likelihood of falling and injuring oneself.
*'''[[Dizziness]]''' - This effect can increase the likelihood of falling and injuring oneself.
*'''[[Spontaneous bodily sensation]]''' - Reduced blood flow to the limbs and extremeties may cause a tingling sensation, similar to a "dead leg" after sitting in a strange position for too long
*'''[[Spontaneous bodily sensation]]''' - Reduced blood flow to the limbs and extremeties may cause a tickling or tingling sensation, similar to a "dead leg" after sitting in a position that restricts bloodflow
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] if they decide to use this substance, or take measures to ensure they are not taking it unknowingly in other drugs using [https://dosetest.com/product/xylazine-test-strips/ xylazine test strips]. '''Xylazine may be found in almost any drug, even THC vape cartridges.'''
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] if they decide to use this substance, or take measures to ensure they are not taking it unknowingly in other drugs using [https://dosetest.com/product/xylazine-test-strips/ xylazine test strips]. '''Xylazine may be found in almost any drug, even THC vape cartridges.'''
===Lethal dosage===
===Lethal dosage===
Overdose is often irreversible and fatal in humans. Depending on other drugs used, symptoms may last 8-72 hours. Naloxone will not reverse a xylazine overdose but should still be administered, as fentanyl is present in approximately 98% of xylazine overdoses<ref name=":0">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9128597/</ref>. Xylazine is known to cause toxicity and death in humans at dosage ranges as wide as 40mg to 2400mg <ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594271/</ref> but post-mortem examination may reveal only trace amounts of the drug. In 2020, xylazine was present in 25.8% of overdose deaths in Philadelphia.<ref name=":0" />
Overdose is often irreversible and fatal in humans. Depending on other drugs used, symptoms may last 8-72 hours. Naloxone will not reverse a xylazine overdose but should still be administered, as fentanyl is present in approximately 98% of xylazine overdoses<ref name=":03">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9128597/</ref>. Xylazine is known to cause toxicity and death in humans at dosage ranges as wide as 40mg to 2400mg <ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594271/</ref> but post-mortem examination may reveal only trace amounts of the drug. In 2020, xylazine was present in 25.8% of overdose deaths in Philadelphia.<ref name=":03" />
As of 2014, multiple drugs have been used for therapeutic intervention, including [[lidocaine]], [[naloxone]], [[thiamine]], [[lorazepam]], [[vecuronium]], [[etomidate]], [[propofol]], [[tolazoline]], [[yohimbine]], [[atropine]], [[orciprenaline]], [[metoclopramide]], [[ranitidine]], [[metoprolol]], [[enoxaparin]], [[flucloxacillin]], [[insulin]], and irrigation of both eyes with saline.
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
Xylazine is an addictive substance and may cause dependence and withdrawals even in those who unknowingly used it.
Xylazine is an addictive substance and may cause dependence and withdrawals even in those who unknowingly used it.
*'''United Kingdom:''' Xylazine is not approved for use in humans by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency nor controlled under the 1971 Act. It is, however, likely to be subject to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).
*'''United Kingdom:''' Xylazine is not approved for use in humans by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency nor controlled under the 1971 Act. It is, however, likely to be subject to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).<ref>https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advice-on-xylazine-and-2-methyl-ap-237/advice-on-xylazine-and-2-methyl-ap-237#:~:text=Xylazine%2C%20a%20UK-approved%20veterinary,“the%202016%20Act”).</ref>
*'''United States:''' Although not a controlled substance in the United States, xylazine is not approved for use in people. However, some states are taking steps to classify xylazine as a controlled substance.
*'''United States:''' As a veterinary medication, xylazine is not FDA-approved for any human use. It is not currently a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Some states have placed xylazine on their own controlled substances lists. The FDA also took action in early 2023 to restrict unlawful import of xylazine and the ingredients necessary to make xylazine.<ref>https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine#is-xylazine-legal</ref>
*'''Canada:''' As of December 2022, Xylazine was not controlled in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.<ref>https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/emergence-xylazine-canada/emergence-xylazine-canada-en.pdf</ref>
==See also==
==See also==
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Please see the [[citation formatting guide]] if you need assistance properly formatting citations.
Please see the [[citation formatting guide]] if you need assistance properly formatting citations.
It may contain incorrect information, particularly with respect to dosage, duration, subjective effects, toxicity and other risks. It may also not meet PW style and grammar standards.
As a result, using this substance is strongly discouraged. It is also advised to always test your drugs for the presence of Xylazine using a reagent testing kit or xylazine test strip as it is a dangerous adulterant. Please see this section for more details.
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Xylazine (also known as xyl, xyla, or tranq) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant substance of the imidazoline class. It is primarily used as an anaesthetic in combination with ketamine or as an emetic (to induce vomiting) in veterinary medicine.
Xylazine is often used as a cutting agent for other sedative street drugs, such as ketamine, fentanyl, and others, leading to many medical complications and deaths for drug users. Fentanyl mixed with xylazine is known as "sleep-cut", "zombie", and "tranq dope" and is sometimes fatal.
Xylazine is not an opioid, and its effects will not be reversed by naloxone in the case of an overdose, but naloxone should still be used incase of presence of opioids. Yohimbine has been suggested as an antidote for xylazine and clonidine overdose, but insufficient evidence exists for this cause.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices if using this substance, or take measures to ensure they are not taking it unknowingly in other drugs such as by using xylazine test strips. Xylazine may be found in almost any drug, even THC vape cartridges.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.
Xylazine was discovered in Leverkusen, Germany by the Bayer Company in 1962 to treat hypertension in veterinary medicine. Studies in humans found it to be a dangerous central nervous system depressant which would significantly decrease blood pressure and heart rate in healthy volunteers. Due to its hazardous side effects, the drug was never approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use.
Xylazine is FDA approved for veterinary use as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant in certain animals, such as cats, dogs, horses and deer. The combination of ketamine and xylazine (also known as a rodent cocktail) is the most common anaesthetic used in veterinary medicine and scientific research.
The drug is often diverted from veterinarians and used as a cutting agent to make sedative street drugs appear stronger.[1]
Xylazine, or N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine, is a compound of the imidazoline chemical class. Imidazolines are substituted amidines in which the amidine function is incorporated into an imidazoline ring
The pharmacology of xylazine is well established in animal species, however human studies are scarce.
Xylazine is structurally similar to clonidine and an agonist for the α2adrenergicreceptor. When α2 receptors in the brain are stimulated, peripheral vascular resistance decreases, resulting in lowered blood pressure. It has specificity towards the presynaptic α2 receptors in the vasomotor center in the brainstem. This binding decreases presynaptic calcium levels and inhibits the release of norepinephrine (NE). The net effect is a decrease in sympathetic nervous system tone.
Xylazine alone does not have real recreational benefit. It is mostly used by disabled people in poverty for pain relief, to stave off addiction or extend the effects of stronger, low quality opioids such as fentanyl. It is also often added to depressant substances by drug dealers to have their products appear more potent.Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Sedation - Xylazine is extremely sedating and will most likely put the user to sleep before any enjoyable effects are experienced. Users may not wake up until the effects of the drug wears off.
Dizziness - This effect can increase the likelihood of falling and injuring oneself.
Spontaneous bodily sensation - Reduced blood flow to the limbs and extremeties may cause a tickling or tingling sensation, similar to a "dead leg" after sitting in a position that restricts bloodflow
There are currently 0 experience reports describing the effects of this substance in our experience index. You can also submit your own experience report using the same link.
This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
Xylazine has little or no recreational benefit and is extremely dangerous for the user and will likely lead to medical complications or death. Usage may lead to dependence, diabetes, heart complications, loss of muscle mass, coma, and hyperglycemia. Injection sites may quickly deteriorate, develop necrosis, develop ulcers, develop abscesses and/or become infected. Xylazine related skin wounds can heal if a person seeks medical care and keeps their wounds clean, but continued use may greatly delay or prevent the healing process. These wounds are extremely painful and may have a foul odour. In severe cases amputation may be necessary.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices if they decide to use this substance, or take measures to ensure they are not taking it unknowingly in other drugs using xylazine test strips. Xylazine may be found in almost any drug, even THC vape cartridges.
Lethal dosage
Overdose is often irreversible and fatal in humans. Depending on other drugs used, symptoms may last 8-72 hours. Naloxone will not reverse a xylazine overdose but should still be administered, as fentanyl is present in approximately 98% of xylazine overdoses[2]. Xylazine is known to cause toxicity and death in humans at dosage ranges as wide as 40mg to 2400mg [3] but post-mortem examination may reveal only trace amounts of the drug. In 2020, xylazine was present in 25.8% of overdose deaths in Philadelphia.[2]
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Dissociatives - This combination can unpredictably potentiate the amnesia, sedation, motor control loss and delusions that can be caused by each other. It may also result in a sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by a dangerous degree of respiratory depression. If nausea or vomiting occurs before consciousness is lost, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants - Stimulants mask the sedative effect of depressants, which is the main factor most people use to gauge their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant effects wear off, the effects of the depressant will significantly increase, leading to intensified disinhibition, motor control loss, and dangerous black-out states. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if one's fluid intake is not closely monitored. If choosing to combine these substances, one should strictly limit themselves to a pre-set schedule of dosing only a certain amount per hour until a maximum threshold has been reached.
As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.
United Kingdom: Xylazine is not approved for use in humans by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency nor controlled under the 1971 Act. It is, however, likely to be subject to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).[4]
United States: As a veterinary medication, xylazine is not FDA-approved for any human use. It is not currently a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Some states have placed xylazine on their own controlled substances lists. The FDA also took action in early 2023 to restrict unlawful import of xylazine and the ingredients necessary to make xylazine.[5]
Canada: As of December 2022, Xylazine was not controlled in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.[6]