Xylazine is an analogue of clonidine and an agonist at the α₂ class of adrenergic receptor. It is used for sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and analgesia in animals such as horses, cattle and other non-human mammals.
During the last decade, the veterinary anesthetics have gained popularity as recreational drugs. Over recent years xylazine has emerged as an adulterant in recreational drugs, such as heroin or speedball (a cocaine and heroin mixture).
The use of Xylazine, the zombie drug, among drug addicts seems to be an emerging trend. It also comes with potentially fatal health risks. Xylazine is cheaper than other drugs and produces an effect described to be more intoxicating than heroin.
Why the Nickame, the Zombie Drug?
Xylazine addicts walk bent forward, slipping in and out of consciousness – like zombies. Addicts use this drug by injection and quickly enter this zombie-like state. Xylazine can cause hypotensive, bradycardic, glycemic and comatose reactions, just to name a few. The intoxicating effects of the drug typically last for about six hours.
Other street names include: “tranq”, “tranq dope” or “sleep cut”.
« Back to Glossary Index
