Xylazine is a non-opioid animal tranquilizer that induces sedation and aids in pain relief. While xylazine is intended to be used in veterinary medicine, it has been increasingly found in combination with opioids such as fentanyl and linked to overdose deaths. Due to its impact on the opioid crisis, fentanyl mixed with xylazine has been declared an emerging threat by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The following resources and webpages have more information on xylazine:
Resources from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- What is Xylazine?: Information for people wanting to learn more about xylazine.
- Xylazine Fact Sheet: One-page fact sheet that provides an overview of the risk of xylazine in California.
- Xylazine, Health Risks and Harm Reduction Strategies: A brief overview of the dangers of xylazine and harm reduction strategies for health professionals, drug treatment providers, local policymakers, and harm reduction programs.
Resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Dear Colleague Xylazine Letter: This letter provides information about the consequences of xylazine exposure and what practitioners can do to mitigate harm.
Resources from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- What You Should Know About Xylazine: This guide answers some common questions about xylazine, xylazine use, and overdoses involving xylazine.