Jeanmarie Perrone, Rachel Haroz, Joseph D'Orazio, Giacomo Gianotti, Jennifer Love, Matthew Salzman, Margaret Lowenstein, Ashish Thakrar, Stephanie Klipp, Lisa Rae, Megan K Reed, Edward Sisco, Rachel Wightman, Lewis S Nelson
Used as a veterinary sedative and not approved for human use, xylazine has been increasingly linked with opioid overdose deaths in the United States. A growing number of people have been exposed to xylazine in the illicit opioid supply (especially fentanyl) or in other drugs, particularly in some areas of the Northeast. Xylazine is an α-2 adrenergic agonist that decreases sympathetic nervous system activity. When combined with fentanyl or heroin, it is purported to extend the duration of the opioid's sedative effect and to cause dependence and an associated withdrawal syndrome; however, data to support these concerns are limited...
March 15, 2024: Annals of Emergency Medicine