Health professionals are concerned about the emergence of xylazine, also called "tranq dope" or the "zombie drug," which is a powerful and lethal drug that has become apparent in the UK's illicit drug market. Xylazine first appeared in the US, where it caused destruction in places like Philadelphia and New York. As of right now, at least 11 people have died from it in the UK.
Karl Warburton, a 43-year-old citizen of Solihull, West Midlands, was the first person to die from the effects of xylazine in May 2022. Following Warburton's terrible death, there was a worrying pattern that indicated this poisonous substance was becoming more and more rooted in the British drug supply.
Xylazine, also referred to as "tranq dope," is a potent tranquilizer that is mostly used to calm large animals, such as horses. When consumed by humans, it poses serious health concerns and is not meant for use by humans. The medication is known for having a flesh-eating effect that can result in fatal skin ulcers, leading to limb loss. Its effects increase when mixed with opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, making it extremely dangerous. Tranq dope has become a major player in the illegal drug trade and has been linked to numerous deaths, 11 of which have been documented in the United Kingdom. It is frequently combined with other drugs, such as cocaine, vape pens, and fake medications, causing drug users to unknowingly consume it. Despite the risks, there is currently no approved treatment for Tranq medication overdoses.
The terrifying consequences of xylazine on the human body are what make it so dangerous. When injected straight into the bloodstream, it causes painful cytotoxic blisters that eventually cause skin tissue to breakdown and, in extreme situations, require the removal of a limb. Furthermore, xylazine might cause a significant decrease in heart and breathing rates, which could be fatal.
In an attempt to stop xylazine from being more widely available on the UK medication market, specialists are calling for improved testing procedures and greater education for medical professionals. To stop the spread of this drug and reduce associated risks, immediate actions are necessary. These include making inexpensive xylazine test strips available, encouraging medical professionals to be more aware of the symptoms of xylazine-induced skin ulcers, and conducting specific toxicology testing for xylazine in appropriate cases.
In response to the increasing risk that xylazine causes, the government has proposed to reclassify it as a Class-C drug, which would impose severe penalties on dealers, such as fines and jail. But there's more work to be done by communities, medical professionals, and government agencies to stop xylazine from becoming an everyday drug in the UK.
Concerns about drug-related deaths are worsened by the UK's struggles with strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes, in addition to xylazine. The advent of these dangerous drugs highlights the necessity of comprehensive risk reduction plans, such as drug-checking programs and overdose prevention facilities, in order to protect drug users and reduce the adverse impacts of these drugs on public health.
Awareness, preventative measures, and teamwork are essential to reducing the threat of xylazine and protecting susceptible individuals from its deadly effects as long as it continues.
(Input from various resources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
