emerging drug threats

emerging drug threats:
What you need to know

The illicit drug supply is constantly changing. New synthetic drugs and dangerous substances are appearing in counterfeit pills, powders, and other products, often without the knowledge of the person taking them.

Some of these substances are extremely potent, while others can cause serious health complications when combined with opioids such as fentanyl.

Staying informed about emerging drug threats is an important part of prevention. Knowing the risks can help individuals and families make informed decisions and recognize potentially dangerous situations.

CYCHLORPHINE

Cychlorphine is a powerful synthetic opioid that is chemically different from fentanyl and nitazenes. Early laboratory research suggests it may be significantly more potent than fentanyl.

Cychlorphine has been detected in counterfeit pills and illicit drug mixtures, sometimes combined with fentanyl, stimulants, or other substances without the person's knowledge.

It can cause severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and fatal overdose.

Standard fentanyl test strips do not detect cychlorphine, meaning a negative fentanyl test does not rule out its presence.

Naloxone can reverse its opioid effects, although multiple doses and emergency medical care may be necessary.

NITAZENES

Nitazenes are a group of powerful synthetic opioids. Some nitazenes are as potent as or more potent than fentanyl.

Nitazenes have been detected in counterfeit prescription pills and illicit drug mixtures, sometimes alongside fentanyl or other substances. They can cause severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and fatal overdose.

Because nitazenes are opioids, naloxone can reverse their effects, although additional doses and emergency medical care may be necessary.

XYLAZINE (Tranq)

Xylazine is a veterinary sedative that is not approved for human use. It is increasingly found mixed with illicit fentanyl and other drugs.

Xylazine can cause extreme sedation, dangerously slow breathing, low blood pressure, and a slowed heart rate. Repeated exposure has also been associated with severe skin wounds and infections.

Xylazine is not an opioid, so naloxone does not reverse its effects. However, naloxone should still be administered during a suspected overdose because fentanyl or another opioid may also be present.

MEDETOMIDINE (Rhino Tranq)

Medetomidine is a powerful veterinary sedative that has emerged in the illicit drug supply, frequently mixed with fentanyl.

Medetomidine can cause profound sedation, dangerously low blood pressure, and a slowed heart rate. Regular exposure can also lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including dangerously high blood pressure, that may require hospitalization.

Like xylazine, medetomidine is not an opioid and its effects cannot be reversed by naloxone. Naloxone remains essential when an opioid may also be involved.

7-HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE (7-OH)

7-OH is a substance found naturally in very small amounts in the kratom plant. Concentrated 7-OH products are increasingly marketed and sold online, in smoke shops, and at convenience stores.

These products may be sold as tablets, gummies, drink mixes, or shots.

Concentrated 7-OH has powerful opioid-like effects and carries risks of dependence, withdrawal, and serious adverse reactions, including respiratory depression.

The FDA has warned consumers about concentrated 7-OH products, which have not been proven safe or effective for medical use.

Unlike some other emerging substances, 7-OH may be intentionally purchased by consumers who are unaware of its risks.

CARFENTANIL

Carfentanil is an extremely potent synthetic opioid related to fentanyl. It was developed for veterinary use with large animals and is not approved for human use.

Carfentanil is estimated to be approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Even very small amounts can cause life-threatening respiratory depression.

Carfentanil has reappeared in the U.S. illicit drug supply and has been detected in overdose deaths across multiple states.

Naloxone can reverse carfentanil's opioid effects, but multiple doses and immediate emergency medical care may be necessary.