OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday signed an executive order that directs the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately classify the drug xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. It's one of the first states to do so, according to DeWine's office. 

What You Need To Know

  • Xylazine is commonly used in veterinary medicine

  • It's a central nervous system depressant that's used as a sedative, anesthetic and a muscle relaxant

  • It's been found in Ohio's illicit drug supply, leading to dozens of overdoses each year that have been increasing since 2019
  • When the drug is used in combination with an opioid, it'll worsen respiratory depression, can cause debilitating skin ulcers and bacterial infections, leading to possible amputations.

Xylazine is commonly used in veterinary medicine. It's a central nervous system depressant that's used as a sedative, anesthetic and a muscle relaxant. 

DeWine said while the drug is not approved for humans, it's been found in the state's drug supply and is getting mixed with opioids like heroin and fentanyl. 

The Ohio Department of Health reports overdoses involving xylazine have increased each year:

  • 15 overdoses in 2019
  • 45 overdoses in 2020
  • 75 overdoses in 2021

While the complete 2022 data isn't yet available, ODH states there were 113 overdoses involving xylazine as of March 14, 2022. 

"This lethal drug has dangerous side effects which can’t be reversed by naloxone, so there is no way to reverse its impact on people,” DeWine said in a press release. “The rate of overdose deaths involving a mixture of xylazine and other drugs is increasing at an alarming rate, which is exactly why we need to take action now."

According to officials, when the drug is used in combination with an opioid, it'll worsen respiratory depression, can cause debilitating skin ulcers and bacterial infections, leading to possible amputations.

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