What’s happening: Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, is increasingly being found in the U.S. illicit drug supply, often mixed with opioids like fentanyl. The combination is contributing to a surge in overdose deaths and poses new challenges for public health.

Why it matters: Xylazine is dangerous because it slows down breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to potentially fatal levels. Overdose reversal medications like naloxone, which are effective against opioids, do not work on xylazine. This complicates overdose response efforts and adds a new layer of risk for drug users and first responders.

The bigger picture: The White House has declared fentanyl mixed with xylazine an emerging threat. The drug is being detected in increasing amounts across the country, with the DEA reporting that 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized in 2022 contained xylazine. The growing presence of this drug highlights the shifting landscape of the U.S. drug crisis, where synthetic additives are creating more complex and deadly substances.

What to watch: As public health agencies and harm reduction groups adapt to this new threat, efforts are underway to educate the public, provide resources for those at risk, and develop new strategies to address the dangers posed by xylazine-laced drugs. Communities are being urged to carry naloxone, use test strips to check for xylazine, and seek immediate medical help if an overdose is suspected.