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RADAR publishes ad-hoc alerts related to new trends, drugs and harms. Alert 2024/09 was published on 9 May 2024, due to an increase in detections of xylazine in the unregulated drugs market.

Xylazine is a depressant that can cause drowsiness, low heart rate and low blood pressure. It is an alpha-2-adrenoceptor (a2) agonist. It binds to a2 receptors in the body causing...

The mechanism by which xylazine causes wound damage is not well understood. Xylazine can cause blood vessels to narrow and reduce the blood supply to the skin which can slow down...

High-risk settings are places where people may take more drugs than average, often at the same time and from shared batches. Places at higher risk include prisons, hostels,...

Staff working in emergency services and healthcare should be vigilant for the presentation of xylazine toxicity, particularly when working with patients who have used opioids, are...

The presence of xylazine as an adulterant in heroin, benzodiazepines, counterfeit pharmaceuticals and in THC vapes indicates widespread availability. Emergency care staff...

Xylazine information: Use and harms of xylazine, medetomidine and detomidine – ACMD – gov.uk Xylazine resources – Drug overdose – Centers for Disease Control, Injury Center For...

The unregulated drug supply is increasingly toxic and unpredictable. Getting support and treatment reduces the risk of experiencing harm or dying from an overdose. Speak to your...

In the UK, the supply and importation of xylazine is controlled by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. In February 2024, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)...

Depressant drug overdose signs  unresponsive (will not wake when shaken) snoring or noisy breathing seizures or fits nausea and vomiting blue or pale lips and skin pin-point...