Silent Killers: Tracking the Deadly Impact of Medetomidine, Tianeptine, Xylazine and Nitazene in Emerging Substance Abuse Trends

Session Description: The landscape of substance abuse in the United States is rapidly evolving with the emergence of new, highly potent synthetic substances. Among the most concerning are xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, and nitazene compounds, a powerful class of synthetic opioids. Both substances are increasingly found in the illicit drug supply, often in combination with fentanyl, compounding their lethality and complicating overdose response efforts. This presentation explores the pharmacology, prevalence, and public health implications of xylazine and nitazene, with a particular focus on their contribution to rising overdose deaths.