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Tranq is one of the most dangerous street drugs in existence. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tranq is ravaging the streets as the latest “zombie drug.” A deadly mix of fentanyl and xylazine, the street drug combination, is the cause behind a rise in overdoses nationwide.

Xylazine, also known as “Tranq” by itself, is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. When mixed with the synthetic opioid, xylazine creates a zombie-like state in users, killing or sending them to the hospital. Hence, it is unsurprising that the DEA flagged the drug for a national alert.

Xylazine + Fentaly = Deadly Tranq

According to Anne Melissa Milgram, the 11th Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) since 2021, the consequences of this deadly combination are devastating. Administrator Milgram explains, “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier. DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System reports that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine.”

As substance use disorder treatment providers, the Tarzana Treatment Centers staff understands such dangers. After all, ketamine is a veterinary drug that became popular in the club scene at the end of the last century. Since becoming a club staple, ketamine remains a dangerous temptation, particularly with the ‎LGBTQIA+ community. In contrast, though, particularly when combined with fentanyl, Tranq overdoses often result in fatal overdoses.

Tranq and Naloxone — A Viable Option?

The combination of xylazine and fentanyl places users at a higher risk of suffering fatal drug poisoning. However, xylazine is not an opioid, and the effects of this sedative cannot be reversed. Thus, naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, does not reverse all the effects of Tranq drug poisoning. Still, experts recommend administering naloxone if someone suffers from Tranq drug poisoning. Although the Tranq will not be affected, reversing the fentanyl effects can save a person’s life.

In general, the DEA issues Public Safety Alerts to warn the public of new, emerging threats. With a focus on protecting the safety and health of the American people, such alerts are serious. If you or a loved one is experimenting with Tranq, please seek help before it is too late. Indeed, by contacting TTC today, you could save a life tomorrow.