Xylazine: An Emerging New Psychoactive Substance among Drug Users in the Coast Region, Kenya

Abstract

The world has witnessed an increase in the range of new psychoactive substances (NPS) available in the illicit drug market. Of concern is the emerging discovery of veterinary drugs as alternative psychoactive substances. Despite the emerging threat posed by NPS, especially those of veterinary nature, majority are not controlled substances. This study thus aimed at elucidating the occurrence of the emerging NPS in the Coast region, Kenya. A purposive sample of 33 IDUs (30 male and 13 female) were recruited into the study for identification of NPS and actual sample collection. A total of 21 samples of suspected NPS were collected and submitted for laboratory identification. Confirmatory results identified xylazine, ketamine,amitriptyline and diazepam as the NPS in the region. Analysis of adulterants in heroin samples confirmed the presence of caffeine; dextromethorphan;  codeine; acetaminophen; metronidazole; chloroquine; and lidocaine. There was no evidence of xylazine as one of the adulterants. However, the emerging entry of veterinary drugs such as xylazine into the illicit drug market poses a major hindrance in reversing the gains realized in the field of harm reduction. The study therefore recommends consideration for scheduling  xylazine and other veterinary drugs prone to human abuse. Further, there is an urgent need for the scientific community to provide an alternative antidote for the management of non-opioid drug-related overdose. Lastly, there is need for Kenya Veterinary Board to institute measures to regulate and control the diversion of xylazine and other veterinary drugs prone to human abuse.