Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, showing up in overdose deaths

CBS News Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A new drug is popping up in overdose deaths in the northeast, including here in Pennsylvania.

More than a quarter of the overdoses in the state are linked to an animal tranquilizer.

It's called Xylazine and it's being added to opioids.

Because it's not an opioid, the overdose reversal medication, Naloxone, could be less effective.

Drug Overdose
Overdose

Patrick is a Pittsburgh native who grew up watching KDKA-TV and studied journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before working in news, he worked in professional hockey communications and public relations.