Congress acts to halt spread of deadly ‘tranq’ drug laced with fentanyl
Help is on the Way: Legislation Passed to Combat Deadly Drug Combination
Public health officials battling a dangerous new drug concoction have received a glimmer of hope. The House has recently passed the Senate-amended version of HR 1734, known as the Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality, or TRANQ, Research Act. This significant legislative action aims to address the alarming drug trend that is wreaking havoc across the nation, according to federal data.
The bill is now on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk, where, if signed, it will direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to prioritize the scientific research needed to detect, identify, and understand synthetic opioids like “tranq.”
A Deadly Combination: Fentanyl and Xylazine
The lethal drug combination in question involves fentanyl, a potent opioid, and xylazine, a horse tranquilizer. When used together, these substances induce a zombielike state in users. Xylazine not only prolongs the opioid high but also intensifies feelings of euphoria. However, the consequences on the human body are even more severe when fentanyl and xylazine are combined. Fentanyl slows breathing, while xylazine lowers blood pressure, as reported by the National Institutes of Health.
Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) and co-sponsors Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the bill in March, as the federal government sounded the alarm on this growing crisis.
“Fentanyl is plaguing American communities, and dangerous additives like Xylazine are making it even more deadly,” stated Collins. ”I am proud that my first bill to be signed into law will help our heroes in blue and green stay safe as they selflessly serve our communities.”
In April, the Office of National Drug Control Policy declared fentanyl-laced xylazine as an “emerging threat” to the country, marking the first time such a declaration has been made. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the NIH, emphasized the seriousness of this issue, stating that the combination of these two substances creates a “tsunami reaction.”
The Disturbing Physical Effects
Individuals who consume xylazine and fentanyl, whether through injection, snorting, swallowing, or inhalation, experience unique physical symptoms not observed with other drugs. This has led to the nickname “zombie.” Xylazine causes blood vessels to constrict, resulting in limited blood flow. As a result, the skin develops lesions at the injection site and throughout the body. The skin stretches and disintegrates, posing a risk of limb amputation.
It is worth noting that xylazine is only approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a sedative for large animals, such as horses and deer. As a veterinary medicine, it is not classified as a controlled substance, making it easier to obtain in the United States.
In late 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued an intelligence report warning about the increase in overdose deaths related to xylazine. The Northeast region of the U.S. had the highest number of xylazine overdose deaths between 2020 and 2021, followed by the South. The report also predicted that xylazine use would continue to rise and become more prevalent in the illicit fentanyl supply.
To combat the growing prevalence of xylazine in fentanyl, the FDA took action in February to restrict the importation of the pharmaceutical drug. The agency ensured that the medicine and its related ingredients entering the U.S. were intended for legitimate veterinary entities, manufacturing facilities, and state-licensed compounding pharmacies.
The House initially passed the original version of the bill in May. A Senate version, introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT), was passed in June. Finally, this week, the amended version of the bill was brought up for consideration.
A Unique Threat: Tranq and its Irreversible Effects
Tranq is particularly concerning to public health officials because its health effects cannot be reversed through emergency overdose medication like Narcan. Unlike opioids, tranq poses a distinct threat, rendering commonly used medications ineffective in reversing its effects, as stated by Senator Cruz.
With the passage of this legislation, there is hope that public health officials will receive the support they need to combat the deadly combination of fentanyl and xylazine. By prioritizing research and detection methods, the aim is to save lives and protect communities from the devastating consequences of this dangerous drug trend.
How does the TRANQ Research Act address the urgent need for rapid analysis and detection of “tranq” and other synthetic opioids?
Tion (FDA) for veterinary use. Its use in humans is illegal and extremely dangerous. Other physical effects of the drug combination include respiratory depression, sedation, dizziness, confusion, and memory impairment.
The Urgency for Rapid Analysis and Detection
The TRANQ Research Act aims to address the urgent need for rapid analysis and detection of “tranq” and other synthetic opioids. The bill will allocate funding to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct research that focuses on developing new analytical methods for identifying and quantifying these dangerous substances in forensic and clinical samples.
These advancements are crucial in the fight against the deadly drug combination, as law enforcement and medical professionals currently lack the necessary tools to quickly identify “tranq” in seized drug samples or in patients experiencing adverse effects from its use. By prioritizing research, the bill aims to provide these experts with the knowledge and resources needed to combat this epidemic effectively.
A Collaborative Effort to Save Lives
The passage of the TRANQ Research Act reflects the bipartisan effort to address the alarming rise of fatal drug combinations. Representatives from both sides of the aisle recognized the urgency of this issue and joined forces to pass legislation that aims to save lives and protect communities.
“This is an important step forward in combating the synthetic opioid crisis that is devastating our communities and claiming too many lives,” said Representative Caraveo. “By prioritizing research and analysis, we can better understand the scope of the problem and develop targeted solutions to save lives.”
With the bill now making its way to President Biden’s desk, it is expected to be signed into law, providing a glimmer of hope for communities plagued by the deadly “tranq” drug combination. The legislation aims to equip law enforcement, medical professionals, and researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to combat this dangerous trend effectively. With rapid analysis and detection methods, lives can be saved and communities can begin to heal from the devastating effects of this lethal drug combination.
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