The Deadly Effects of Xylazine: The New "Zombie Drug" Wreaking Havoc Across the US

Xylazine, a veterinary medicine licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has become a new cause of concern in the United States due to its deadly effects on humans. The drug, also known as “tranq” or the “zombie drug,” has caused widespread havoc in cities across the country, leading to symptoms such as skin rotting and open sores.

The drug was originally used to cut heroin, but it has more recently been found in fentanyl and other illegal substances. An overdose of xylazine can prevent a person from reacting to naloxone, the most widely used overdose reversal medication, making it unsafe for humans.

The drug’s effects can worsen and spread quickly with repeated contact, causing excessive tiredness, respiratory depression, and open sores that could develop into eschar if left untreated. Xylazine was found in 90% of lab-tested dope samples in Philadelphia in 2021, raising the risk of overdose when combined with other illegal narcotics.

While opioids like fentanyl’s high may last longer when combined with xylazine, those struggling with substance abuse issues claim that the new medicine has eliminated any joy associated with using drugs. The drug acts as a “tranq,” essentially zombifying people’s bodies, according to Sam, a 28-year-old who spoke with Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet,” he said.

In New York City alone, 2,668 individuals died in 2021 due to xylazine overdoses, according to the New York City Department of Health. Experts worry that the drug could exacerbate the country’s current drug pandemic, leading to more fatalities and further complications in the ongoing battle against drug abuse.