Xylazine in the NYC Drug Supply
What every New Yorker should know about xylazine (tranq) contamination.
What Is Xylazine?
Xylazine — street name 'tranq' — is a veterinary sedative approved for use in horses and other large animals. It is not an opioid. In recent years, it has increasingly contaminated the illicit fentanyl supply across the Northeast.
Why It's Dangerous
Three main reasons: (1) Narcan does not reverse xylazine, so standard overdose response doesn't fully work; (2) xylazine causes severe skin wounds that can lead to infection, necrosis, and amputation; (3) xylazine withdrawal adds complexity to opioid detox.
NYC Xylazine Data
Approximately 21% of NYC overdose deaths in 2024 involved xylazine. If you're using heroin or fentanyl in NYC, xylazine exposure is very likely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Narcan still help in a xylazine overdose?
Yes — give Narcan. Fentanyl is almost always present alongside xylazine, and reversing the opioid component can save a life. Also call 911 and start rescue breathing.
How are tranq wounds treated?
Tranq wounds require wound care, potential debridement, and sometimes antibiotics. Stopping use is the most important step.