xylazine

DEA Indianapolis, the Marion County Coroner's Office, IMPD, and county prosecutors issued a joint public safety warning on August 3, 2026, as emerging synthetic substances increasingly appear in local overdose deaths.

Rowan County, NC health officials issue urgent alert after 120% increase in opioid overdose ER visits. Xylazine and medetomidine detected in local drug supply, complicating overdose reversal.

DEA issues urgent safety advisory as fentanyl is increasingly combined with xylazine, nitazenes, cychlorphine, and medetomidine—substances that can defeat standard overdose reversal.

Federal drug officials warn that fentanyl is increasingly mixed with xylazine, medetomidine, nitazenes, and cychlorphine — combinations that reduce naloxone effectiveness and increase overdose risk.

The DEA's Pacific Northwest field division warns that xylazine — a veterinary sedative — is now present in most fentanyl seized in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Naloxone still works on the opioid component, but additional risks require attention.