Xylazine is a nonopioid sedative that is not approved for human use and which has no known antidote. It can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension in humans.
The report concluded that there is a need for routine testing for xylazine in suspected deaths. In addition, more research is needed into the drug’s potency and effect on humans to reach a full understanding of risk and to guide prevention efforts. (Complete article (addictionpolicy.org)
Also see
Challenges in Identifying Novel Psychoactive Substances and a Stronger Path Forward
The Ongoing Fentanyl Firestorm and the Unhelpful Gagging of Policy & Practice Possibilities