Molecular model of xylazine.
5

Can you overdose on xylazine?

People often overdose on xylazine when it’s combined with potent opioids or sedatives.

Yes, you can overdose on xylazine. Remember: not all overdoses are fatal, but even non-fatal overdoses can have lasting health effects.

People can overdose on xylazine when it’s combined with fentanyl or other potent opioids or sedatives. Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that depresses breathing. Those effects combined with an opioid can stop someone’s breathing and cause an overdose. Drugs in the underground market are not labeled and tested. This means people may accidentally consume high doses of xylazine without their knowledge, putting them at risk of overdose. The risk of a xylazine overdose is higher if consumed with other opioids or depressant drugs, like fentanyl, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers.

Reviewed and updated by Jules Netherland, PhD, and Dr. Sheila P. Vakharia on 8/18/25.

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