The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) and the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) today urged residents to learn more about a potent animal tranquilizer called xylazine.
Instances of xylazine being mixed with illicit fentanyl and other drugs like heroin and cocaine are rapidly becoming more prevalent in communities across the U.S, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and those combinations can put people at higher risk of a fatal overdose. LPD reports that there have been a total of four local cases since May 2021 in which xylazine has been identified in illegal drugs seized by officers. There have not been any fatal xylazine-related overdoses in Lincoln, according to LPD.
“Illicit xylazine use has followed similar geographic patterns seen in the spread of illicit fentanyl use – beginning in the Northeastern U.S. and later spreading south and west. Even though numbers here are currently low, history tells us that could change,” Lopez said. “We want to keep the community informed and aware of the resources available that can help address this emerging threat and potentially save lives.”
The Health Department has also provided information about xylazine exposure to local health care professionals. Xylazine-containing products may go by the street names tranq, tranq dope, sleep cut and zombie drug, but often people who use these drugs don’t know that xylazine was added, according to the DEA.
Symptoms
Xylazine is not approved for use in people. When used in people, xylazine can cause the following symptoms:
- Unresponsiveness and decreased consciousness
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Reduced or slow breathing
Naloxone
Nebraska law allows bystanders to administer naloxone to save a life. Nebraska residents can get Narcan for free at participating pharmacies without a prescription. View locations where you can pick up Naloxone in Lancaster County, and more information on xylazine, at: lincoln.ne.gov.