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Xylazine is being found in street drugs in Rochester, causing fatal overdoses

Xylazine, often referred to as “Horse Tranquilizer,” is being found in local street drugs recently, according to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza.

Earlier in the week there were seven fatal overdoses in Rochester within a 48-hour timeframe.

Xylazine is often used for animals as a sedative, muscle relaxer and analgesic.


The drug is not intended for human use and in humans and if ingested could cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular effects.

The drug has been found to be cut with heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. Though narcan will not work on Xylazine, it should still be used since it is mixed with opioids.