Xylazine is a safe and effective sedative for animals, but for humans, it can cause life-threatening reactions like slowed or stopped breathing and serious skin infections. Although this medicine is only available through a veterinarian, it can also be used as an adulterant in illicit substances like opioids. Therefore, human exposure is possible.
Between January 2019 and June 2022 (in 21 jurisdictions), the monthly percentage of illicit fentanyl-involved deaths with xylazine detected increased by 276%. It is nearly impossible to detect xylazine by taste, texture, or smell. The only way to determine if a substance is contaminated is by using a test strip.
Since it is possible for certain individuals to come into contact with xylazine, it’s helpful to know its detection time. Let’s answer the question, “How long does xylazine stay in your system?” so that you can be best informed on medical care, recovery times, and testing methods. If you believe that you or someone you care about is dependent on xylazine, Wolf Creek Recovery can help you recover using evidence-based therapies and healthy lifestyle changes.
Xylazine’s Effects on the Human Body
Xylazine is a powerful veterinary tranquilizer that has made its way into the illicit drug supply. It’s sometimes referred to as “tranq” or “tranq dope,” but it is not approved for human use. Previous studies suggest xylazine can depress the central nervous system, slow breathing, lower blood pressure, and cause skin wounds and withdrawal symptoms. In other words, xylazine has a negative effect on the human body and can cause life-threatening symptoms.
When a person uses xylazine (or a substance containing xylazine), it acts on the central nervous system, causing severe sedation, slowed or irregular breathing, lowered heart rate and blood pressure, unresponsiveness, and impaired motor function and coordination. When mixed with opioids like fentanyl, the effects can be far more severe. And, because xylazine does not respond to naloxone—a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids—overdoses involving the sedative can be harder to treat.
How Long Does Xylazine Stay in Your System?
At this time, there is limited information on how xylazine behaves in the human body. What we do know is that xylazine has a short half-life of about 30 minutes, meaning half the substance leaves the body in this time frame. However, the sedative effects of the substance can last up to 8 hours. These long-lasting effects are one of the reasons why xylazine is added to illicit opioids—people get a longer and more intense “high.”
Outside Influences That Influence How Long Xylazine Stays in the Body
The amount of time xylazine stays in the system can vary from person to person based on these external factors:
- Polysubstance use. When xylazine is mixed with other substances like opioids, it can affect metabolism speed and how effectively the liver processes the sedative.
- Diet and hydration. When and how much you eat plays a role in how quickly your body can filter out substances. Hydration and nutrient-rich foods support the detox process.
- Medications or supplements. Other medications and supplements can interfere with liver enzymes that are responsible for breaking down substances. Some medications can speed up metabolism, while others can slow it down.
- Physical activity. Your activity level affects blood flow, hydration, and metabolism. More active individuals often eliminate substances faster due to improved circulation.
- Type of exposure. The way xylazine enters the body affects how fast it hits your system and how long it sticks around.
How Is Xylazine Absorbed Through the Body?
There are several different routes through which xylazine can enter the body. When used intentionally, injection is the most common route—intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. The risks are substantial, however, and include infection, tissue damage, delayed wound healing, and higher overdose potential.
Another way xylazine can be absorbed through the body is through inhalation (smoking or snorting). Absorption through mucous membranes is rapid, with sedation kicking in almost immediately. The risks of snorting or smoking xylazine include respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and difficulty breathing. A less common way to absorb xylazine is orally, such as by swallowing a contaminated substance. Absorption is slower this way, but the effects are still potent.
Detecting Xylazine on Standard Drug Tests
Standard drug tests, such as those used for employment or emergency care, do not routinely screen for xylazine. Specialized toxicology screens are needed to detect the sedative. However, now that this substance is becoming more widespread, labs are increasingly including it in their testing panels. Below are some estimates on how long xylazine can be detected.
Blood Test
Xylazine can stay in the blood for roughly 24-48 hours after a single use. Higher or repeated doses may extend detection times, as the sedative can accumulate in the body. People with slower metabolisms or impaired liver or kidney function may also see longer detection times. Blood tests are typically used in cases of overdose or emergency situations. However, it’s not part of a standard drug screen, which means specialized blood testing may be required.
Urine Test
It’s estimated that xylazine can be detected in urine for 48 to 72 hours, or about 2-3 days after use. Urine detection times can be influenced by the dose and frequency of use, hydration and kidney function, metabolic rate, and whether xylazine was used in combination with other substances like fentanyl. Xylazine does not show up on standard urine tests; instead it requires specialized toxicology screening.
Hair Test
Xylazine is detectable in hair for weeks to several months after use. Because xylazine enters the bloodstream and deposits into hair follicles, it can be detected in hair for much longer than a urine or blood test. That being said, hair testing for xylazine is extremely rare and usually only performed in forensic or specialized toxicology settings.
Is There a Way I Can Get Xylazine Out of My System Faster?
If you’re wondering how to get xylazine out of your system quickly, the honest answer is that there is no proven way to speed up the process safely. However, there are ways that you can support your body’s natural metabolism and ensure the substance clears.
Xyalzine must be metabolized and excreted naturally, mainly through the liver and kidneys. To support this process, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as this can help filter out toxins. Additional ways to encourage elimination include eating nutrient-rich foods, staying active, and avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medications. You may also want to consider xylazine rehab for more comprehensive support.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Xylazine?
Taking too much xylazine—even once—can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. One of the most concerning effects of xylazine is severe sedation or unconsciousness. Xylazine is a powerful central nervous system depressant, and in high doses, it can cause deep sedation and loss of consciousness. Respiratory depression can also occur, especially if xylazine is mixed with opioids. In fact, this is the leading cause of fatal overdose. Additional complications that can happen include bradycardia (dangerously slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Comprehensive Treatment for Xylazine Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Xylazine can lead to dependence, especially if used regularly. The thing is, most people don’t know they’re using it—it’s often mixed into other substances without their knowledge. However, over time, people might seek out xylazine for its sedative effects. If you or someone you know is dependent on xylazine, help is available. Medically supervised detox is essential to ensure your health and safety. It can also make the detox process more tolerable by ensuring you receive regular monitoring, medications to ease withdrawal, and treatment for dehydration, infections, and wounds.
After detox, ongoing treatment helps address the mental and behavioral side of xylazine use. Whether you choose a residential or outpatient setting, look for comprehensive programs that offer individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, mental health and trauma support, and harm reduction services, such as access to wound care and test strips. Xylazine use disorder is complex, but recovery is possible. For the best outcomes, treatment must address the whole person and any co-occurring disorders.
Wolf Creek Recovery offers the most comprehensive treatment services in Prescott, AZ. Not only do individuals receive therapy and counseling, but also our staff teaches them how to rebuild their lives with healthy coping skills and activities. Our outdoor therapy program introduces clients to various sports and activities they can enjoy, such as pickleball, disc golf, and even camping. Life can be fun and enjoyable without substances—we’ll show you how! To learn more about our programs and their role in the recovery process, contact us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About Xylazine Detection Time
How long does xylazine stay in the body?
Xylazine has a half-life of about 30-50 minutes and is eliminated from the body rapidly compared to other medications. This means that it might be missed on standard drug tests.
Can xylazine be detected on standard drug tests?
Yes, xylazine can be detected on urine, blood, and hair tests. However, specialized testing is usually required, as standard tests do not routinely check for xylazine.
Is there anything I can do to get xylazine out of my system faster?
No, you cannot get xylazine out of your body faster using any type of drink or supplement. Instead, the goal is to support your body’s natural metabolism by eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying active.
