Narcan Won’t Save You From The New Drug Hitting Lubbock Streets

Lubbock has seen a decrease in drug overdoses in recent years, according to Chad Curry, training chief for UMC's EMS workers, which he attributes to less fentanyl coming across the border from Mexico.

Unfortunately, there is another new drug to worry about, one that not even Narcan can save you from.

What is it?

Xylazine, an animal sedative prescribed by veterinarians, is now being used to coat fentanyl pills and increase the longevity of the high. This poses a massive problem, in that Narcan has zero effect on Xylazine.

"Now, they're not breathing and I can't fix it," said Curry in an interview with EverythingLubbock.

Why doesn't Narcan work on this drug?

What happens is that Xylazine puts a protective covering on opioid receptors in the brain, allowing it to hold onto the fentanyl for extended periods, even up to 8 hours. If someone overdoses on fentanyl coated in Xylazine, EMS workers will not be able to save them with a shot of Narcan.

This is not good. Not at all.

Please, remind your kids to stay away from fentanyl. They've heard you say it before, but please, say it again to anyone in the back who wasn't paying attention. It's more important than ever to remind them right now before it is too late.

I've lost several friends to overdoses from fentanyl, the majority of whom likely had no idea fentanyl was even in their drugs. It's in all kinds of places it didn't used to be. If you're questioning whether or not to use some street drugs this weekend, the answer is "no."

If you've gotta get effed up, grab a case of beer, park yourself on the couch, and don't drive.

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