Lead: Xylazine Adulteration of the Heroin–Fentanyl Drug Supply

Lead Story:

 

Xylazine Adulteration of the Heroin–Fentanyl Drug Supply

Annals of Internal Medicine

Since 2016, xylazine has appeared in the illicitly manufactured fentanyl supply and has increased in prevalence, due to its low cost, easy availability, and presumed synergistic psychoactive effect. It remains unclear whether a distinct xylazine withdrawal syndrome occurs. Xylazine may alter the findings and management of patients with fentanyl overdose and withdrawal. Inadequately treated opioid (and possibly xylazine) withdrawal contributes to the increase in self-directed discharges from treatment settings. Initiation of buprenorphine and perhaps methadone may be compounded by the concomitant use of xylazine. The presence of extensive wounds in people who use xylazine prevents them from accessing resources, including medically managed withdrawal treatment, leading to a cycle of continued and escalating use.

 

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