What is Tranq Dope?

The Emerging Threat of Xylazine and Fentanyl Mixtures

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Fentanyl has been around and a public health threat for more than two decades, but has become the reason for many more deaths in the past five years and captured an avalanche of media attention.

The reason: you only need a dose the size of the tip of a pencil to overdose on this powerful synthetic opioid.

But now, dealers are adding xylazine to fentanyl, creating what is often called ‘tranq dope.’ This combination is even more fatal than fentanyl.

But what is tranq dope, and where does it come from?

Tranq dope is a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine, which is a powerful horse tranquilizer commonly used in veterinary medicine. When paired with fentanyl, it enhances the sedative effects for a more intense high. Dealers are increasingly introducing xylazine into the drug supply to inflate profits and make their wares even more potent.

However, this also comes with a greater risk of side effects, including deadly overdose that cannot be overcome as readily with Narcan.

Read on to learn more about this drug, its effects, and how to get help in detoxing from fentanyl at Purpose Healing Center.

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Tranq Dope: A Dangerous Cocktail

Xylazine and fentanyl mixtures are even more deadly than fentanyl. The sedative effects of tranquilizers in general enhance the relaxing effects of opioids. With the strength of Xylazine, many people in the media have taken to calling it the zombie drug, using it to detach from reality.

Make no mistake though, this increased potency comes with even more risk. Rising supplies of fentanyl mixed with xylazine (tranq is the most common slang name) also comes with an increased risk of negative side effects. The powerful veterinary tranquilizer can cause slowed heart rate, lower blood pressure, and respiratory depression. It is not regulated for human consumption.

In combination with the sedative effects of illicit fentanyl, there’s a really high risk of death. This risk is higher for people who are unknowingly taking tranq found in illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

Unfortunately, xylazine is also a non-opioid medication, so its sedative effects cannot be reduced with naloxone as it is not affected by the life-saving drug better known as Narcan.

To be clear: there is an increased risk of opioid overdose death with xylazine in the illegal drug supply, especially if you do not know you are mixing these illicit drugs. Powdered street drugs are frequently stepped on, containing a variety of substances meant to mimic the effects you are expecting from using the drug.

If you or a loved one are using fentanyl-laced with tranq, or otherwise, it is critical to seek help.

Tranquilizers in Seizures by the Drug Enforcement Administration

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), tranq dope poses a threat more serious than fentanyl. The DEA laboratory system detected the presence of xylazine in approximately 22% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized in 2022. These figures explain the increasing presence of fentanyl deaths also involving xylazine.

Following these findings, xylazine (tranq) was declared an emerging threat according to the National Drug Control Policy. The DEA reports a widespread threat from fentanyl mixtures, as overdose involving xylazine, is harder to reverse. Left untreated, overdose on fentanyl and xylazine comes with a higher risk of death.

How is Xylazine Getting into the Drug Supply?

Xylazine is far from a new drug. It’s been commonly used as an animal sedative for years because of its strong effects and is often used on animals as large as horses.

Manufacturers and dealers may cut fentanyl or heroin with xylazine to stretch it further and turn more profit. It can also be mixed into other powdered drugs like when cutting cocaine, though this is less common because xylazine has a sedative effect, not a stimulant one.

There are also cases where people intentionally mix xylazine and fentanyl to intensify their high, regardless of potential health consequences.

Philadelphia’s Kensington Avenue is an area with especially high rates of detected xylazine in samples of fentanyl and heroin, and some consider it the ‘birthplace’ of the drug combo.

Approximately 91% of samples taken from Kensington contained xylazine in 2022, five times the rate from 2018.

An Increase in Drug Overdose Deaths from Tranq Dope

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are dangerous on their own, with deaths from fentanyl being a serious problem since 2012. Users exposed to fentanyl or other opioids combined with xylazine are at greater risk of fatal overdose.

Fentanyl mixed with xylazine is especially deadly because of the potency of both drugs. This combination poses a severe threat to public health. Any combination of depressant drugs is dangerous with xylazine use, including prescription pain medication drugs, benzodiazepines, anti-anxiety medications, sleep medications, opioids, and alcohol.

Knowing the Signs of an Overdose from Tranq Dope

Being aware of the signs of an opioid overdose can help you get medical intervention before it’s too late. This is a growing problem, so much so that the DEA issued a public safety alert. CDC statistics show overdose deaths are consistently rising, with almost 108,000 people dying from overdose in 2022. These are the most common symptoms:

Muscle spams
Rigid muscles or chest
Slow, decreased breathing
Skin that is cool or clammy to the touch
Appearance of bluish or grayish skin
Gurgling or snoring sounds
An inability to wake up or regain consciousness

It’s important for communities to be aware of overdose signs and how to help. The CDC recommends naloxone be administered for opioid overdose. It takes about 2-3 minutes for a dosage of naloxone to work.

If it does not work after this time, you may need to administer another dose. In all cases emergency medical help should be contacted immediately.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Overdose

During an opioid overdose, it can be hard to come to and seek help for yourself, especially if you are struggling to breathe or lose consciousness.

Any time that you are worried about a life-threatening reaction to opioids or other depressants, you should seek medical care at the nearest emergency department. Be sure to be honest about what you have taken – the emergency room staff is there to help, not get you in trouble. And, they will determine the best treatment by knowing exactly what drugs you have taken.

Will Narcan Reverse the Effects of Xylazine?

Unfortunately, Narcan (naloxone) cannot reverse the effects of xylazine because it is a non-opioid sedative. While it has intense, relaxing effects like heroin, it does not work through the same receptors in the brain.

Even so, naloxone can negate the effects of opioids when you are overdosing. This may be able to provide some relief from this zombie drug combination. It will not stop the sedative effects of xylazine, but sometimes it negates the fentanyl enough that a person regains consciousness.

It is worth noting as well that the impact of this powerful tranquilizer has contributed to a wide array of other health problems, with abscesses being much more common, as well as with deep ‘nodding off’ postures by users that create and exacerbate spinal problems.

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What is Being Done About the Opioid Crisis?

Certain organizations such as the Savage Sisters in Philadelphia promote harm-reduction strategies for drug users struggling with opioid use disorder. They focus on safety while using. For example, you should always be aware of your intentions and avoid using tranq, opioids, and other drugs when you’re alone. Keep naloxone available.

If someone with you does overdose, you can dose them with naloxone, call 911, and provide rescue breaths until first responders arrive.

It can also be beneficial to test street drugs for fentanyl. Drug testing kits are available, however, it’s worth noting this isn’t always effective. The amount of fentanyl needed to overdose is so minuscule that it does not always show up on drug tests.

Additionally, fentanyl mixed with sedatives like tranq or benzodiazepines is especially deadly and unable to be tested for using the average at-home drug tests. Some communities have urged for strips that allow xylazine detection to reduce the risk of fatal drug overdose.

How to Get Help for an Opioid Addiction

The ongoing crisis is a severe threat to public health, especially with illicit drugs like fentanyl and tranq being found in the illegal drug supply. While harm reduction organizations promote safer habits for people struggling who are struggling, the only way to definitively avoid an overdose is to seek help in getting clean.

It only takes one bad batch of heroin, fentanyl, or other substances to kill, especially because there is no way to guarantee what drug combination you are putting in your body. There are also many effects of long-term xylazine use outside of overdose, including severe wounds and skin ulcers, a higher risk of infection, and organ damage/failures from the high levels of toxins in your body. Wound care may be needed for severe wounds to prevent infections.

Getting Proper Treatment is Urgent to Reduce the Risks of Overdose

There may be many reasons a person puts off seeking help for addiction. You may have questions about whether your insurance will cover treatment or if you can get treatment without insurance. Or, you just might not be ready for help.

Unfortunately, the risk when using drugs always remains the same. You may decide that this will be your last dose – but there’s no guarantee you’ll survive it to get help. Take action today, before overdose takes away your chance of getting better.

Purpose Healing Center is a judgment-free facility where we can help you manage opioid and xylazine withdrawal. In addition to medication-assisted treatment, we offer a holistic approach to alcohol and drug rehab.

You’ll learn more about addiction habits and the root cause of addiction. Our clients also develop a strong support system and critical skills that help them overcome drug cravings and lead an overall better, healthier life.

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Find Help Overcoming Opioids at Purpose Healing Center

If you or a loved one are struggling with dependence on xylazine or opioids, we urge you to reach out today. With the increase of fentanyl and tranq in the drug supply, using opioids is more dangerous than ever.

Purpose Healing offers Joint-Commission-accredited facilities with a location in Phoenix as well as a Scottsdale location to better service our Arizona communities. We offer customized, evidence-based treatment plans that offer our clients a better chance at lasting recovery.

We can verify your insurance over the phone, discuss payment options, or set up a tour of our beautiful facilities. Call us confidentially for more information or to get immediate support!