The Oneida County Overdose Response team is issuing a public health advisory regarding xylazine. A drug used in veterinary medicine to tranquilize animals particularly horses. Xylazine, in combination with other drugs, has been detected in the toxicology reports of three fatal overdoes in Oneida County this year. The drug is only approved for animals because it’s known to be harmful to humans. Xylazine can produce significant harmful and unexpected adverse effects including: Central nervous system depression, such as blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty moving, slurred speech and fatigue. Respiratory depression, such as shallow or stopping breathing Cardiovascular effects, such as low blood pressure and slower heart rate.