xylazine

The fentanyl-additive xylazine causes open wounds, making the illegal drug supply even more dangerous and treatment more complicated

Deaths from overdoses of xylazine-laced fentanyl have surged. The White House drug czar says he's marshaling efforts on testing, tracking, treatment, and stopping the spread.

As fentanyl deaths surge, lawmakers want more drug busts and arrests. But new research found tough police tactics might increase overdoses and drug deaths in communities.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found U.S. deaths involving xylazine, known on the street as Tranq, had already risen 35-fold by 2021.

Whether xylazine is leading to more deaths — as suggested by officials in Washington — is not yet clear. In fact, some early data suggests the drug may inadvertently be diluting the effects of fentanyl.

As in other states, including Florida, California officials are stepping up efforts to combat the spread of xylazine, a powerful animal sedative that’s increasingly being used by people, often with devastating results

Xylazine is already a schedule I controlled substance in Florida, meaning it is a crime to possess it or sell it in the state. Attorney General Ashley Moody has urged the DEA to add it to the controlled substances list.

The White House says drug deaths linked to a mix of synthetic drugs including fentanyl and xylazine — also known as tranq — are a major public health threat. The drug cocktail is spreading fast.

At a Sarasota news conference, Attorney General Ashley Moody says xylazine is being mixed with other, more common illegal drugs, and being sold to unsuspecting users.

The veterinary tranquilizer has been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths across the country, especially in the Northeast. It's often combined with fentanyl, but can't be treated with Narcan.