LACROSSE, Wis. – Nine overdose deaths in LaCrosse in only three weeks prompted Mayor Mitch Reynolds to call a news conference on a drug that goes by the street name “tranq” – a slang derivative of tranquilizer. Reynolds said tranq is especially insidious because victims don’t respond to the usual overdose antidote Narcon. Tranquil is based on the animal tranquilizer xylazine and laced with fentanyl, heroin and cocaine in varying ratios. Users go into a stupor for several hours. Severe, open wounds erupt quickly. Breathing slows.
Reynolds. Mayor flanked by medical and paramedic experts for. news conference.