COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) released a public safety bulletin Wednesday, warning Ohioans of dangerous substances including xylazine, a veterinary sedative, and new synthetic opioids (NSOs).

What You Need To Know

  • ONIC released a public safety bulletin warning about the dangers of xylazine and NSOs

  • Narcan is less effective with NSOs, which can be more potent than fentanyl, and cannot reverse the effects of xylazine, a veterinary sedative not approved for human consumption

  • Fentanyl test strips cannot detect xylazine or NSOs

  • The bulletin coincides with an executive order issued by Gov. Dewine

The bulletin states that some NSOs are more potent than fentanyl and, therefore, can increase the risk of overdose. 

This is especially dangerous because naloxone, or Narcan, is less effective with NSOs and can not reverse the effects of xylazine. Fentanyl test strips are unable to detect NSOs or xylazine. 

ONIC says that naloxone should still be administered whenever an overdose is suspected. 

“Transnational underground chemists and drug traffickers are constantly creating new opioids to get around existing drug laws, and these drug combinations are endangering the lives of Ohioans,” Cynthia Peterman, director of ONIC, said in a press release. “Some NSOs are more potent than fentanyl and can increase the risk of an overdose, which is why we want to remind residents to never take a pill, powder, or liquid that is not prescribed to you by a licensed healthcare [provider].”

Preparation of illegal drugs can involve additional substances including stimulants, depressants, and opioids. There is no way of knowing, without lab testing, if any additional substances are present. 

ONIC recommends to never take drugs that do not come from a licensed healthcare provider.

Xylazine is a medicine used by veterinarians to sedate animals. It is not approved for human consumption or use. 

NSOs are developed by underground chemists and drug traffickers to sidestep existing drug laws. 

The bulletin coincides with Gov. Mike Dewine’s executive order, also on Wednesday, directing the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance.