FDA Warns of Dangerous Animal Tranquilizer in Illicit Opioids

An animal tranquilizer that’s been linked to increasing drug overdoses and other serious side effects triggered a new warning from the FDA.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a letter to health-care professionals that the agency is aware of increasing traces of xylazine being mixed with fentanyl, heroin, and other illegal drugs.

Xylazine, or “tranq” is a depressant that can cause drowsiness and slow down breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is not approved for use in humans.

Since it’s not an opioid, drugs like naloxone ...