Xylazine and medetomidine are veterinary tranquilizers that have infiltrated the illicit drug supply, primarily mixed with fentanyl to create what’s known as “tranq dope.” These substances present unique dangers because they don’t respond to naloxone (Narcan) and cause devastating health effects including severe skin wounds that can lead to amputation.
At Nova Transformations in Matthews, NC, we provide specialized care for individuals struggling with polysubstance use involving these dangerous adulterants. Our PHP and IOP programs offer the medical supervision essential for safe recovery.
⚠️ Critical Warning
Naloxone does NOT reverse xylazine or medetomidine effects. However, always administer naloxone if overdose is suspected because tranq dope usually contains fentanyl. Call 911 immediately—medical intervention is required.
What Is Xylazine (Tranq)?
Xylazine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used in veterinary medicine to sedate horses, cattle, and other large animals. It is not approved for human use by the FDA. According to the DEA’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, xylazine remains the top adulterant found in fentanyl powder across the United States.
Why It’s Called the “Zombie Drug”
- Severe skin ulcers and necrosis – Wounds can appear anywhere on the body, not just at injection sites, and may spread rapidly. Many users have required amputation.
- Extreme sedation – Users may appear catatonic or zombie-like, often unconscious for extended periods.
What Is Medetomidine?
Medetomidine is an even more potent veterinary anesthetic that emerged in Philadelphia’s drug supply in 2024 and is now spreading nationwide. It causes more severe withdrawal symptoms than xylazine, often requiring ICU-level care.
Medetomidine vs. Xylazine
Medetomidine is more potent than xylazine and causes even more severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s rapidly replacing xylazine in some drug markets because it’s cheaper and more available.
Xylazine vs. Medetomidine
Xylazine (Tranq)
- Veterinary sedative for large animals
- Top adulterant in fentanyl supply
- Causes severe skin wounds/necrosis
- Does NOT respond to naloxone
- Withdrawal: severe but manageable
- Widespread since ~2020
Medetomidine
- More potent veterinary anesthetic
- Emerging replacement for xylazine
- Causes profound sedation
- Does NOT respond to naloxone
- Withdrawal: severe, often needs ICU
- Emerging since 2024
Health Dangers
🩹Skin Wounds
- Severe ulcers and necrosis
- Can appear anywhere on body
- Spread rapidly if untreated
- May require amputation
- Prone to serious infection
💔Cardiovascular
- Dangerously slow heart rate
- Very low blood pressure
- Cardiac arrest risk
- Prolonged unconsciousness
🫁Respiratory
- Severe respiratory depression
- Compounded by fentanyl
- Naloxone only partially helps
- Requires medical intervention
🔄Withdrawal
- Severe anxiety and agitation
- Rapid heart rate rebound
- Hypertension
- May require ICU monitoring
- Acute psychosis possible
Responding to Tranq Overdose
- Call 911 immediately – Medical intervention is essential
- Administer naloxone – It won’t reverse tranq effects but will help with fentanyl
- Be prepared for multiple naloxone doses
- Perform rescue breathing if trained
- Keep the person warm – Tranq causes hypothermia
- Stay until help arrives
⚠️ Wound Care Is Critical
If you or someone you know has been using tranq dope and has skin wounds, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can prevent amputation.
Treatment at Nova Transformations
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
5 days per week • 6+ hours daily
- Medical monitoring during stabilization
- Wound care coordination
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Family support
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
3 days per week • 3+ hours per session
- Flexible scheduling
- Evidence-based therapies
- Relapse prevention
- Life skills development
- Continued MAT support
- Alumni network
Get Help for Tranq Addiction
Xylazine and medetomidine present unique challenges, but recovery is possible with proper medical care.
Call Now: (704) 997-3500Frequently Asked Questions
Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use. It’s found mixed with fentanyl creating “tranq dope.” It causes severe sedation and skin wounds that can lead to amputation.
No, naloxone does NOT reverse xylazine effects. However, always administer naloxone because tranq dope usually contains fentanyl. Call 911 immediately.
Medetomidine is an even more potent veterinary sedative emerging since 2024. It causes more severe withdrawal, often requiring ICU care.
Yes, most insurance plans cover substance abuse treatment. Verify your insurance or call us.
