Health Sciences Review (Dec 2023)
Xylazine addiction turning humans to zombies: Fact or myth?
Abstract
Xylazine is a strong α-2 adrenergic agonist medication that was initially developed for use in veterinary medicine as an analgesic and sedative for animals. Its primary goal is to calm down animals undergoing medical procedures or testing while minimizing their suffering. Despite being used for veterinary purposes, xylazine has raised concerns because it is increasingly being misused by human populations. Because of its opioid-like sedative and euphoric effects, xylazine has become popular among illicit drug users. Xylazine is a popular recreational drug, especially when mixed with other drugs to intensify its effects. This is because it is inexpensive and readily available in markets. Xylazine addiction has quickly grown into a global concern with serious repercussions that are seen in 2023. Recent reports of xylazine misuse have increased alarmingly, with some reportedly becoming ''zombies'' as a result of the drug's harmful effects on the human body. The impact of xylazine misuse in 2023 is examined in this abstract, which emphasises the negative effects, including an increase in mortality and broad health effects. This review discusses the harmful effects of Xylazine and the factors that make it one of the riskiest medications. The paper also includes some case studies on the drug xylazine, which explains why it is known as a zombie drug.
