A dangerous substance quietly infiltrating the global drug supply is raising alarm among health experts. Known as a 'zombie drug', it has been linked to a surge in overdoses, severe skin injuries, and cases that are increasingly difficult to treat.
The buzzword 'zombie drug' has gripped many in fear and is gaining traction in health discussions across the globe. Viral videos on social media of people standing motionless and unresponsive in Maharashtra and other parts of the country have raised concerns about public safety.
What is a zombie drug?
While the name sounds sensational, it refers to a substance—xylazine, a medication that was initially developed for use in veterinary medicine as an analgesic and sedative for animals.
This veterinary tranquilizer has been found in some illicit drug supplies and it has not been approved for human use.
How does it affect humans?
According to the US-based National Institute of Drug Abuse, Xylazine can slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Extreme sedation from xylazine can cause people to stop breathing. Repeated xylazine use can cause painful and difficult-to-treat skin and muscle sores, which can lead to infection. In rare severe cases, these may require the affected body part to be amputated.
For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH
According to experts, at certain doses, xylazine’s effects can be life-threatening, especially if it is used with other depressants such as opioids (including fentanyl), alcohol, and benzodiazepines.
It also acts as a central nervous system depressant, possibly explaining why users fall into hours-long unresponsive postures, often standing bent over and motionless, which resembles a 'zombie-like' trance.
For more information, consult a health expert.