US declares xylazine or zombie drug “threat” to the nation

The United States announced this Wednesday that it designates xylazine, also known as tranq or zombie drug, as an “emerging threat” in order to be able, for example, to release funds to fight this substance that wreaks havoc in the country.

“This is the first time in our nation’s history that a substance has been designated an emerging threat.“Doctor said at a press conference. rahul guptadirector of the office in charge of the fight against drugs in the White House.

The xylazinelicensed as a veterinary sedative and pain reliever since 1972 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is only approved for use in animals.

Its consumption can slow people’s breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels and cause infections that can lead to amputation of limbs.

Between 2020 and 2021, detection of xylazine by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) increased by nearly 200% in the South of the country and more than 100% in the West.

The designation as an emerging threat will allow funds requested by President Joe Biden from Congress to be used for the 2024 budget, Gupta said.

“We need the support of Congress”, he implored, so as not to have to divert money destined for other causes.

“It’s not a state problem“Democrats or Republicans,”It’s America’s problem”, he insisted.

The government is required, within three months of the designation, to submit an action plan to Congress, which will address several areas: more testing to detect the drug and analysis to better understand where it comes from in order to fight its growing presence in the illegal market.

Medical research is another priority. “We will bring together national experts in this field to (…) identify the most promising approaches for clinical stabilization, withdrawal management and treatment protocolsRahul Gupta detailed.

Besides “we need an antidote”, he added. Naloxone, approved by the FDA in late March, is used to revive a person who has overdosed on an opioid, such as fentanyl, but is not effective against xylazine.

The fentanyl and the xylazineboth synthetic, are often consumed together, according to the DEA.

In February, the US health authorities launched an “import alert” to better control the supply of xylazine and ensure that it is destined for veterinary use.

Source: AFP