In Arkansas, a drug called xylazine is causing worry. Xylazine is a sedative for large animals, like horses. However, xylazine, also known as “tranq,” has made its way to the streets, where it is often mixed with opioids and other drugs. This mix can be nasty for your health.
In this article, we will talk about xylazine, why it is dangerous, and how it affects people’s lives. We will also examine the state’s actions to stop this problem. Everyone needs to know about this issue. We can help make Arkansas a safer place for all by being aware.
Key Takeaways
Xylazine is a drug that makes animals calm. When people use it, they can get very sick or even die.
- Xylazine is widely used in veterinary medicine for animal sedation and pain management.
- Xylazine is a veterinary drug not meant for humans, but its misuse can cause serious health problems.
- Using xylazine with other drugs raises the risks of overdose and other health issues.
Help is available for those struggling with opioid addiction at The Haven Detox-Little Rock. Call us at (501) 271-3342 for more information.
Xylazine Abuse: Explained
Veterinarians use xylazine to keep animals calm or sedate them before a procedure. The drug was created in the 1960s, and since then, it has been used on many animals. Horses, dogs, and cats are some animals that can be treated with xylazine.
The primary use of xylazine is to make animals feel relaxed. It helps them not feel pain during medical procedures. Vets use it to keep animals still and calm. Xylazine is not FDA-approved for use in humans. When people use it, they can get very sick or even die.
Even though xylazine is for animals, it is easy to get. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not control xylazine in the United States. That means it is not illegal to have it, but it is unsafe for people to use. States like Arkansas are working to change this. They want to make xylazine harder to get and help people understand the risks.
The most common form of xylazine abuse is when people mix it with other drugs, like opioids, to make a more potent high. As a central nervous system depressant, xylazine slows heart rate and can be deadly when combined with opioids or alcohol.
Fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and xylazine are the leading causes of overdose deaths. Combining them creates a dangerous drug. It is possible for people addicted to opioids not to know their drug supply is laced with xylazine. Anyone at risk for opioid overdose should carry Naloxone, which helps revive patients who have an opioid overdose.
Veterinary use of xylazine is safe but risks public health when misused. The FDA research and experts work to share information about these threats. Stopping the increasing number of overdose deaths is a top priority.
Effects of Xylazine
Xylazine works by acting on certain parts of the brain. It helps the animal feel calm and sleepy because it affects the brain signals that control pain and relaxation. But when humans use xylazine, it can cause many problems.
There are many risks and side effects for people who abuse xylazine. Illicit use of the drug can suddenly cause blood pressure to drop. It can be hazardous and can make them feel dizzy and weak. It can also cause them to have trouble breathing, leading to drowsiness and severe health problems or even death.
Using xylazine with other drugs can make the risks even worse. When people mix it with opioids, it can cause a powerful reaction. It can lead to an overdose. Overdose from xylazine can lead a person to stop breathing or go into a coma. In some cases, it can even cause death.
Xylazine is a drug that should only be used on animals by a veterinarian. When humans use it, they risk their health and lives. It is essential to understand xylazine’s dangers and use it only for its intended purpose: to help animals during medical treatments.
Xylazine in Veterinary Medicine
In vet medicine, xylazine is a helpful drug. Vets use it to calm animals and manage pain. It is often used during surgery or other treatments. The drug is safe and effective for animals when used the right way.
The dosage of xylazine is different for each animal. Vets choose the right amount based on the animal’s size and needs. They also follow guidelines to make sure it is used safely. When used correctly, xylazine helps animals without causing harm.
Xylazine is good at making animals feel relaxed and pain-free. It makes it a popular choice for vets. Some common uses include helping animals during surgery, dental work, or other medical procedures. Vets also use xylazine to treat animals that are hurt or scared.
It is important to remember that xylazine is for animals, not people. Using it correctly in vet medicine can help animals stay healthy and safe. But when people use it, they put themselves at risk for serious health problems.
Xylazine in Human Medicine
In human medicine, xylazine is not a common choice for pain management. Other drugs are safer and more effective for people. Using xylazine for pain relief is not a good idea because it can be dangerous. Xylazine is not made for humans. Using xylazine can cause serious health problems or even death.
One big problem with xylazine is drug abuse. People may use it to get high or to make other drugs stronger. They may mix it with opioids or other drugs to create a more intense feeling. It is hazardous because it can lead to overdose or other health issues. Using xylazine with other medications can make the risks even worse.
Using xylazine is unsafe, and it is vital to understand the risks and dangers of this drug. By being aware of the problems with xylazine, we can help prevent its misuse and protect people’s health in our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is xylazine legal?
Xylazine is not illegal, but it is not meant for human use. It is a drug used in veterinary medicine to calm animals and manage pain.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not classify xylazine as a controlled substance. That means the USA does not limit the supply of xylazine.
However, using xylazine for humans is unsafe, and some states, like Arkansas, are working to make it harder to get.
Can xylazine be given to humans?
Xylazine should not be given to humans. It is a drug made for animals and is not safe for people. Using xylazine can cause serious health problems, including trouble breathing, low blood pressure, and even death.
Other drugs are made for humans and have been tested to ensure they are safe and effective. Your doctor will never prescribe you xylazine because it is unsafe for human use.
What are the problems with xylazine?
When used by humans, xylazine can cause serious side effects, like trouble breathing, low blood pressure, and even death. It is vital to understand xylazine’s risks and dangers and use it only for its intended purpose: to help animals during medical treatments.
Move Past Addiction at The Haven Detox-Little Rock
If you or someone you love is struggling with xylazine abuse, help is available. The Haven Detox-Little Rock is a safe place where people can find support and treatment.
Our residential facility is designed to make your transition to sobriety calm and comfortable. We have a devoted team that is here to help you overcome addiction and live a healthy life. Don’t let drugs control your life any longer.
Call us at (501) 271-3342 today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you. We can change positively and build a brighter future free from addiction.
