SNHD: Dangerous sedative becoming more prevalent in S. Nevada

Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The Southern Nevada Health District said Tuesday that it has detected and increasing supply of xylazine in the local illicit drug supply through its community surveillance program. The program is anonymously collects and samples drug paraphernalia in Clark County.

While xylazine use has not been widely reported in Nevada, the Health District registered three overdose deaths involving xylazine in 2023 (compared to one death in 2020).

Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is a potent tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the national illicit drug supply and has been linked to overdose deaths throughout the United States.

Xylazine is only approved for veterinary use and is not approved for human consumption. It can be life-threatening and is especially dangerous when combined with opioids, such as fentanyl. The use of xylazine can cause drowsiness, amnesia, blood sugar abnormalities, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, dangerously low blood pressure, wounds that can become infected, and death.

Xylazine is not an opioid, and naloxone (Narcan) will not reverse the effects. Because xylazine is often found in substance mixtures containing fentanyl, the SNHD says that it’s important to take extra caution.

To learn more about xylazine, click here .