First Xylazine Overdose Death Confirmed In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County health officials are sounding the alarm after a man died from xylazine poisoning earlier this year. The drug, also called "tranq," is a veterinary tranquilizer with no approved use in humans, officials said.

The medical examiner's office on Monday confirmed a 36-year-old man who was found unresponsive in San Jose in late February had xylazine and fentanyl in his system when he died. Officials warned xylazine is increasingly present in drug supplies nationwide, contributing to deaths and serious health complications. The tranquilizing drug is often combined with fentanyl without users' knowledge to prolong the euphoric effects.

The drug can slow down a person's nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rates.

"This tragic event is an important alert to the community that xylazine is now present in drugs in Santa Clara County," said Dr. Michelle Jorden, the county's Medical Examiner-Coroner. "The last thing I want is to see more deaths due to xylazine here, but sadly, the experience of the rest of the country indicates there may be more to come."

While the overdose reversal drug naloxone does not reverse the effects of xylazine, officials strongly recommend using the life-saving medication on a person experiencing an overdose to reverse the opioid-related effects.

"Community members need to be even more vigilant with how and what they are using, with xylazine now in Santa Clara County," said Dr, Tiffany Ho, medical director for the Behavioral Health Services Department. "It is critical to still administer naloxone and call 911 when encountering someone with an overdose, since xylazine is often mixed with opioids for which naloxone could still make a life-and-death difference."

Officials said the county continues to work with community partners to boost outreach and education about the risks associated with xylazine and notify local doctors about the growing threat. People who need treatment for substance use can call the county's call center at any time at 1-800-704-0900.