XYLAZINE
Tranq // The Zombie Drug
Drug Type: Depressant
Chemical Makeup: C12H16N2S
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Xylazine is known to leave nasty, gruesome sores that can lead to amputation and even death if left untreated. These wounds, along with effects such as low heart rate and breathing rate, have led it to be dubbed as "tranq" or "the zombie drug" widely among the community.
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Although it's a sedative used by veterinarians to apply anesthesia to animals, it's been showing its face in illegal drugs of all kind, making it all the more dangerous especially when the drug user may not even know it's there.
Unlike opioids, there's no way to reverse the effects of a xylazine overdose. Naloxone is rendered useless against an overdose caused by xylazine.
LEGALITY STATUS OF THE ZOMBIE DRUG
Xylazine is technically a legal drug since it's used as a sedative in animals. The FDA has approved it only for veterinary use while it has not been approved for use in humans.
SHORT TERM EFFECTS
Some of the detrimental short-term effects of tranq include blurred vision, disorientation, dry mouth, drowsiness, staggering, coma, bradycardia (slowed heart rate), respiratory depression (slowed breathing), hypotension (low blood pressure), miosis, and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
LONG TERM EFFECTS
In even more serious issues, the long term effects can manifest themselves by way of cardiac and respiratory issues, Xylazine sores, and chemical dependence or addiction.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Xylazine was created in 1962 and found to a potent central alpha2 adrenergic blocking agent. There are no therapeutic uses for the drug as it is not approved for use by humans.
Xylazine is becoming more and more prevalent on the streets, especially when mixed with other illegal drugs.
EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN
Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness and amnesia, as well as slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AFFECTED
In the central nervous system, Xylazine also causes a rapid decrease in the release of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which leads to sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation.