Xylazine Usage and Awareness Among People Who Use Drugs in Denver, Colorado

Abstract

Background: Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an alpha-2 agonist with various effects including central nervous system depression, analgesia, and vasoconstriction. Since xylazine is a non-opioid, its effects are not reversible with ,bnaloxone, complicating overdose treatment. Xylazine is becoming increasingly prevalent in the illicit drug supply, especially on the east coast of the United States. This study aims to understand xylazine usage and awareness among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Denver, Colorado.