Health officials in Monroe County are issuing a warning about a deadly substance that is being found in street drugs in the area. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza and Addiction Services Director Dr. Tisha Smith say a drug called Xylazine also referred to as “Horse Tranquilizer”, has been linked to fatal overdoses in Monroe County.
The drug is an animal muscle relaxant not approved for use in humans. It can produce affects including depression of the central nervous system, shallow or stopped breathing and low blood pressure or slower heart rate.
Dr. Mendoza says Xylazine has been found cut into heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. Narcan doesn’t work on it, but should still be given in an overdose case because it’s usually mixed with opioids.