New “tranq” drug leading to increase in overdoses, Middlesex County DA says

Xyalzine is resistant to overdose-reversing drug Narcan.

Middlesex prosecutors are warning residents about a relatively new drug linked to several overdoses in the Lowell area. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is commonly used by zookeepers and veterinarians.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan released a statement Friday about the emergence of the new drug. Prosecutors say the drug can be “extremely dangerous” for humans, and worse so when mixed with opioids. The statement says Xyalzine can reduce heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, as well as cause chemical burns and wounds.

“In recent years the drug has transformed into a cheap and addictive adulterant to illicit and dangerous drugs, most commonly fentanyl,” the statement says. “This combination of the two drugs is known in the drug trade as ‘tranq-dope’, and its effects can be life-threatening as it puts users at a higher risk of overdose.”

Notably, the effects of xylazine cannot be reversed by Narcan. However, the DA’s office says Narcan should still be administered to anyone experiencing a xylazine overdose to “mitigate the effects” of any opiates in their system.

Earlier this year, xylazine was in 49 percent of the state’s illicit drug supply. That figure is two times what it was at this point last year, The Boston Globe reported.

Members of law enforcement in Middlesex County are now trained in xylazine overdose response and all have test strips for the drug, the statement says.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from a xylazine overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.