What You Need to Know About Xylazine and Opioid Use Disorder

Session Description: The veterinary tranquilizer xylazine has rapidly become a common adulterant in illicit opioids throughout the country. Its swift spread has compounded the devastating effects of the opioid use disorder epidemic and caused the federal government to classify xylazine as an emerging threat. As the drug supply changes, new questions arise for the bedside emergency physician: how do I recognize intoxication with xylazine? How do I manage suspected overdose? How should I treat xylazine withdrawal? What are the long-term effects of xylazine use, and how can I manage them? This session will ensure that participants are armed with the knowledge they will need as xylazine use becomes more common among their patients.