Addiction Care · 3 min read · Updated November 13, 2026
Xylazine is a sedative used in veterinary medicine that can be present in the unregulated drug supply. It is not approved for use in people. Someone may be exposed without knowing it. Suspected overdose or serious wounds need medical attention even when no one can confirm exactly what a substance contained.
Recognize uncertainty without delaying help
CDC describes xylazine’s effects on breathing, blood pressure, and alertness, particularly when combined with opioids such as fentanyl. You cannot reliably identify it by appearance or by comparing symptoms with someone else’s experience. Tell medical responders what you know and what remains uncertain.
If a person cannot be awakened or is breathing abnormally, call 911. Do not wait for a laboratory result, a particular pupil size, or confirmation from the person who supplied the drug. The immediate need is assessment and support for breathing and other vital functions.
Give naloxone when opioid overdose is possible
Naloxone does not reverse xylazine itself, but it can reverse opioid effects when opioids are also present. CDC’s clinical guidance emphasizes giving naloxone for suspected opioid overdose and obtaining emergency care. Follow the product and dispatcher instructions and stay with the person.
An incomplete response to naloxone does not mean there is no emergency or that further care is pointless. Other substances and medical complications may require treatment. Review our naloxone safety guide with people who may be present, including where supplies are stored and who will call for help.
Seek wound care before a wound becomes worse
Xylazine exposure has been associated with serious skin wounds that may need specialized care. Do not assume a wound is minor because it is not very painful, or wait until you can stop all substance use before asking for help. A clinician can assess infection, circulation, tissue damage, and an appropriate treatment plan.
Tell the care team when the wound appeared and whether it is changing. Fever, spreading redness, increasing swelling, foul drainage, blackened tissue, or feeling very unwell deserves prompt evaluation. Do not cut away tissue or apply harsh chemicals based on online advice. Ask for written care instructions and a follow-up appointment.
Connect urgent care with ongoing support
Discuss the full substance and medication history, including potential fentanyl exposure. Our guides to fentanyl risks and multiple-substance use can help organize the conversation. Withdrawal and treatment planning may be more complicated when several substances are involved.
Ask about addiction treatment, wound follow-up, transportation, and where to return if symptoms worsen. You deserve respectful treatment for the immediate medical problem while also being offered help with longer-term needs. Neither certainty about the drug nor a perfect recovery plan is a prerequisite for seeking care.
Sources & further reading
General educational information. This guide is not a substitute for advice from a qualified treatment professional.
