Individual differences in behavioral effects of xylazine and opioid-xylazine mixtures in male rats.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Recent work in animals suggests xylazine neither enhances the rewarding effects nor intake of fentanyl. Anecdotal evidence from people who use drugs indicates some individuals prefer fentanyl adulterated with xylazine. Systematic examination of pharmacological interactions between xylazine and opioids is needed to understand the disparate findings between preclinical studies and human reports.

Objectives

This study examined behavioral interactions between xylazine and opioids in rats to investigate the pharmacology underlying an emerging trend in drug use.

Methods

The sedative, hypothermic, subjective, and respiratory effects of xylazine and opioid-xylazine mixtures were examined in male rats. Locomotor activity was measured in an open field, and body temper

SUBMITTER: Woodhouse KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12262312 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature