Seattle authorities have warned about the sale of a drug known as Xylazine, or 'Tranq,' now being sold as a standalone narcotic.

The Whatcom County Health Department reported the area's first Xylazine-related overdose death, where the victim also had fentanyl and methamphetamines in their system.

Xylazine, a sedative not classified as an opioid, is increasingly found in illicit fentanyl products and is linked to a rising number of overdose deaths.

Statistics show Xylazine in 14.8% of overdose deaths in the Northeast and 0.7% on the West Coast, with at least three fatalities in 2024 attributed to it in Seattle.

Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, is ineffective against Xylazine, but authorities still recommend its use in suspected overdose cases while awaiting emergency services.

Public health advice includes not using drugs alone, administering drugs slowly, having naloxone ready, and monitoring individuals after an overdose to prevent recurrence.