Xylazine Laced Fentanyl
In Canada, several topics related to addiction are currently trending. One major focus is the opioid overdose crisis, which remains a critical issue. As of early 2024, we continue to experience a high number of opioid-related deaths, with an average of 22 deaths per day.
Substances like fentanyl and newer contaminants, such as xylazine and nitazenes, are exacerbating this crisis. Xylazine has become more prominent across Canada. In some areas, it has been found in over 25% of drug samples tested in the illegal drug supply. Similar trends are observed in Ontario, particularly in Toronto.
You can find out more about nitazenes here.
What is Xylazine
Xylazine is a veterinary tranquillizer not approved for human consumption. It is primarily used as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic for large animals. It acts on the central nervous system, producing a calming effect, and is often used during surgical procedures.
It is associated in some regions with a rise in drug-related overdoses and deaths. Xylazine is not an opioid, so it doesn’t respond to naloxone, making overdoses involving xylazine more difficult to treat.
Risk Factors in Xylazine
It has severe health risks when used recreationally or as a contaminant in street drugs. When used by humans, xylazine can cause:
- severe respiratory depression,
- bradycardia (slow heart rate),
- hypotension (low blood pressure), and
- profound sedation, which can be life-threatening, especially when mixed with other opioids.
- Does not respond to opioid overdose treatment. (naloxone)
- Its chronic use has been associated with necrotic skin ulcers that are difficult to treat.
(* Necrotic skin ulcers are a serious condition that can destroy skin, muscle, and other soft tissues. It looks like infected skin that is red, warm, swollen, and may have gas bubbles forming under it.)
Overdose Crisis in Canada
British Columbia has been the epicentre of the opioid overdose crisis in Canada for several years. As you may know, the province has the highest rate of overdose deaths, particularly in urban centres like Vancouver.
Alberta has also seen a significant increase in opioid overdoses, particularly in cities like Calgary and Edmonton.
As Canada’s most populated province, Ontario has a large number of opioid-related deaths. The crisis is especially pronounced in both urban and rural areas, with fentanyl being a major contributor to the rise in overdoses.
Our National Context
Overall, xylazine’s involvement in overdose deaths across Canada is on the rise, with some reports indicating that it could be present in 10-20% of opioid-related deaths.
Using street drugs is a risk anyone takes. Understandably, one cannot force another to get help, but vigilance is important. Sold by some claiming a better or a ”new and improved” fentanyl should be aware of the danger. Also, some will sell the drug and state that it is a better substitution for fentanyl.
Nitazenes and Other Synthetic Opioids
Nitazenes belong to a broader category of synthetic opioids known as nitrobenzimidazole opioids. Pharmaceutical companies developed these drugs as potential pain relievers in the 1950s, but they were never approved for medical use.
They are gaining attention from authorities because of their presence in illicit drug markets in Europe, the United States and Canada. They are often sold also as substitutes for or mixed with other opioids like fentanyl. They are also combined with or sold as other opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or counterfeit prescription medications.
Regions of Canada Most Affected
This synthetic opioid, particularly isotonitazene, was reported in Ontario as being found in opioid drug seizures. Its presence is alarming authorities due to its high potency and potential to cause fatal overdoses.
The province of Quebec has similar reports. Nitazenes were identified in seized drugs and are often mixed with fentanyl.
In Western Canada, fentanyl remains the dominant opioid. Analysis of samples is starting to show the presence of this drug in places like Vancouver and Calgary.
Overdose Deaths with Nitazenes
Unlike xylazine, naloxone can reverse nitazene overdoses. However, higher doses may be required due to their strength.
Although this drug remains relatively uncommon in Canada, its extreme potency means that even limited distribution presents a serious risk.
If you have a problem with fentanyl or any other drugs, you can find help for rehab here .
Source: Canada.ca
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
