Oregon braces for the impact of drug Xylazine [Video]

PORTLAND, Oregon — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced this week that it’s cracking down on illegal imports of Xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the sedative for animals, but not for humans.

According the Drug Enforcement Administration, Xylazine, also known by its street name “tranq,” is most often used as an adulterant with fentanyl and users are often unaware they’re taking it. Some evidence suggests Xylazine may cause users to become sleepier and more prone to overdose, and it may be responsible for minor to severe skin wounds.

“The idea that skin ulcers that lead to surgeries, maybe even amputations, is horrific,” said Dr. Amanda Risser, senior medical director of substance use disorder services at Central City Concern in Portland.

Risser noted that when …