We hosted a roundtable discussion on management of xylazine withdrawal, overdose, and wounds in May 2023. Watch here:
Xylazine is an alpha-2 agonist utilized as a veterinary sedative and increasingly prevalent in the illicit drug supply. It is thought to be an intentional adulterant added to illicit opioids for synergistic effects and/or to prolong the duration of short acting opioids (primarily fentanyl). As of mid-2023 in Philadelphia, 98% of dope samples tested were positive for Xylazine. It is increasingly found in the stimulant supply as well.