Novel Psychoactive Substances: Xylazine
The Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association is monitoring the emergence of novel psychoactive substances appearing on the illicit drug market in the United States. The term “novel” does not denote a new, never-before-seen substance but rather a substance that is newly available in the drug market. This fact sheet, examines xylazine, a powerful veterinary sedative increasingly appearing as an adulterant in heroin and fentanyl mixtures in the U.S., particularly since 2020. Xylazine has a chemical structure similar to compounds called phenothiazines and operates by decreasing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system, resulting in analgesia, sedation, and muscle relaxation. Xylazine intoxication can result in central nervous system depression, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate. Respiratory depression can also occur, which increases the risk of overdose when combined with opioid-induced respiratory depression. ...
