Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40476542›Full record

SynthesisThe American journal on addictions2025

Management of xylazine toxicity, overdose, dependence, and withdrawal: A systematic review.

Philipa Owusu-Antwi, Priya Atodaria, Edmund Appiah-Kubi, Zainab Shah, Elpidio Marlon Garcia

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The American journal on addictions, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
8citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

8 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Article
  6. Article
  7. Article
  8. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Philipa Owusu-AntwiRichmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2987-7872
Priya AtodariaSt. George's University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada.
Edmund Appiah-KubiAllegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Zainab ShahRichmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, USA.
Elpidio Marlon GarciaRichmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, USA.

Funding

American Psychiatric Association Foundation
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND

objectivesXylazine, an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist, has been increasingly implicated in substance use and overdose crises. However, little is known about its effects on humans. With the growing public health crisis surrounding xylazine, it has become important to recognize and promptly manage symptoms of xylazine toxicity, withdrawal, and overdose. We conducted a systematic review to consolidate the existing literature on the topics, aiming to identify gaps and propose evidence-based actions for managing patients.

methodsPublished literature from 1957 to 2024 was searched to identify studies focusing on the management of xylazine intoxication, withdrawal, overdose, and dependence in humans. PRISMA guidelines and JBI critical appraisal tools were used to ensure the methodological quality of the included studies and reduce bias in study selection. Thirty-four studies were included in this review.

resultsXylazine misuse was common among men aged 19-45 years and was more likely to be used with other substances than alone. The doses ranged from 40 to 4300 mg, with no established toxic dosing. Supportive care included treatment with naloxone, alpha-2 agonists, and GABAergic medications. There is no antidote or evidence-based treatment recommendations. DISCUSSION AND

conclusionsThis systematic review consolidated the outcomes and proposed guidelines from xylazine management trials. It can serve as a reference for providers to promptly manage xylazine toxicity, withdrawal, and overdose symptoms to improve patient outcomes. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Although there is currently no standardized treatment or antidote, this review will aid ongoing research to address these gaps in xylazine management.

Indexed as

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor AgonistsDrug OverdoseSubstance-Related DisordersSubstance Withdrawal SyndromeXylazineAdultFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedAdrenergic alpha-2 Receptor AgonistsXylazine

Identifiers

PMID40476542
PMCPMC12555106

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.