Overdose

When xylazine is taken in combination with opioids such as fentanyl, it increases the risk of a life-threatening overdose.

One of the most important things to remember about an overdose that involves xylazine is that it is a central nervous system depressant, not an opioid. This means that naloxone (NARCAN®), the emergency medication designed to reverse the effects of an overdose caused by opioids, will not reverse the effects of xylazine in the body. If you are responding to an overdose, DrugFreeCT always recommends administering naloxone if it is available, even if you are not sure what substances the person who is overdosing has ingested.

Most overdose deaths related to both xylazine and fentanyl also involve additional substances, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines, alcohol, methadone, and prescription opioids.

Testing drugs before using them can help reduce the risks of xylazine and overdose.

Xylazine Test Strips Responding to an Overdose

Sources: NIDA, CDC, National Harm Reduction Coalition