NJ AR69

Urges the New Jersey Department of Health to increase public awareness about the dangers of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer also known as "Tranq" or "Zombie Drug" that is increasingly linked to overdose deaths

Xylazine is a non-opioid central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness, amnesia, and dangerously low breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure levels

The drug is often mixed with illicit fentanyl and other substances including cocaine, heroin, and benzodiazepines, increasing overdose risk

Naloxone (Narcan) is ineffective against xylazine overdoses because xylazine is not an opioid

Repeated xylazine use causes skin ulcers, abscesses, and other complications; the drug can be injected, snorted, swallowed, or inhaled