Bromazolam (brom, broma, bromaz, or brum) is a synthetic benzodiazepine similar to Alprazolam (Xanax). Its increasing presence in the drug market is alarming, especially since individuals seeking Xanax without a prescription may unknowingly consume Bromazolam disguised as fake Xanax. This potent drug can cause death and coma, with naloxone proving ineffective.
What is Bromazolam?
Originally synthesized in the 1970s, Bromazolam was never approved for therapeutic use in the United States. It is the brominated counterpart to the chlorinated drug Alprazolam and has been linked to adverse events, including hospitalization and death. Bromazolam is often found in combination with other drugs, such as the opioid fentanyl. It was first detected in the international drug market in 2016, with detection levels increasing since then.
According to the CFSRE, Bromazolam accounted for just 4% of novel benzodiazepines in circulation in 2021. By mid-2023, its presence had surged to 73%.
Bromazolam is an illicit substance within the category of designer benzodiazepines and New psychoactive substances (NPS). It has similar depressant effects to prescribed benzodiazepines like Valium and Alprazolam but can be more potent and unpredictable.
It is not currently classified as a controlled substance at the federal level in the United States. However, it may be considered a Schedule I controlled substance in some states due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use
What Does Bromazolam Look Like?
Bromazolam has been described as a white solid or a crystalline solid. It has been found in orange or green tablets and as a yellow powder.
According to a WHO report, Bromazolam was first identified in a sample of 0.74 grams of yellow powder seized by Swedish Customs in Stockholm on August 3, 2016.
There is no guarantee of the quality of designer benzodiazepines’ composition/purification, and hence, most NPS consumers may be inadvertently exposed to unsafe and harmful compounds.
The difficult part is dealing with a designer drug that isn’t used for medical purposes. It is challenging to determine how much Bromazolam would need to be consumed to cause adverse effects.
Effects of Bromazolam: How Does It Make You Feel?
Effects are described as fluctuating – the person can quickly change from being sedated to alert to sedated again. Bromazolam has severe sleep-inducing and sedative effects, more so than the known effects of etizolam.
Several reports describe reduced consciousness, memory loss, and blackouts, where individuals have difficulty remembering events that occurred while under the influence of the drug (and for several days afterward).
Some people self-medicate with bromazolam for anxiety or to aid sleep. Most use it to reduce stimulation caused by other drugs, such as methamphetamine.
Benzos like Bromazolam are often used as chill-out drugs after parties to help people sleep after taking stimulants. Some use them to come down off acid, cocaine, speed, or ecstasy after a big night out.
Real-Life Experiences With Bromazolam
People on platforms like Reddit share their experiences on how Bromazolam can make you feel:
- “Benzos (bromazolam is one) can make one completely blackout and do something totally out of character.”
- “It is unfortunately very easy and somewhat common to kill yourself or someone else with benzos during withdrawals or a blackout.”
- “I can advocate for the evilness of Bromazolam. I definitely experienced psychosis from it, had to go on antipsychotics for a few months after…”
Side Effects
Side effects of Bromazolam include:
- Loss of coordination
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Muscle relaxation
- Difficulty breathing
- Amnesia
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Death
Bromazolam vs Alparozam
Bromazolam is stronger than Alparozam (Xanax), more hypnotic, and more sedative. It takes much longer for its effects to wear off. The effects can be felt 15-45 minutes after oral intake, lasting 5-8 hours, and after-effects can persist for 1-12 hours after administration.
Bromazolam as Designer Xanax
Bromazolam is sold under names such as “XLI-268,” “Xanax,” “Fake Xanax,” and “Dope.” These fake Xanax bars present a deceptive appearance of legitimacy, resembling genuine Alprazolam bars. These counterfeit tablets often lack the advertised drug content and instead contain substances like etizolam and bromazolam.
People searching for Xanax without a prescription might come across this deadly benzodiazepine, often marketed as “Designer Xanax.”
According to a CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) report, in February 2023, three 20-somethings ingested pressed tablets of Bromazolam, believing them to be Alprazolam. Despite the administration of naloxone, they remained unresponsive. All three experienced multiple generalized seizures and were intubated in the ICU. Two males recovered and were discharged, but the woman developed epilepsy and fell into a coma.
Affordable and Accessible
Bromazolam is sold as tablets, powder, pellets, capsules, blotters, and liquids at very affordable prices and variably administered. Some are also sold on the illicit drug market as counterfeit forms of traditional benzos or as adulterants in heroin or other synthetic opioids/cannabinoids.
The low cost of Bromaz compared to other Benzo drugs is a concerning factor, as it can make the substance more accessible and appealing. For example, a 4mg Broma bar is typically sold for around $5 each, offering a longer duration and stronger effects than Xanax.
The Expanding Market for Designer Benzodiazepines
The demand for designer benzodiazepines like Bromazolam is on the rise, driven by positive discussions on social media and online drug forums. This surge in popularity is alarming, as it facilitates easier access to these potent substances without adequate understanding or control of their risks.
The Dangers of Mixing Bromazolam with Other Substances
Combining bromazolam with alcohol and other drugs can be extremely dangerous. Substances like alcohol, other benzodiazepines, heroin, opioids, pregabalin, and gabapentin depress the central nervous system, slowing down breathing and leading to respiratory depression, which can result in accidental overdose and even coma.
Although mostly detected alongside fentanyl or other opioids (88%–100% of tested samples),¶ consumption of bromazolam can be life-threatening even in the absence of other drugs.
Naloxone Ineffective
Naloxone is ineffective against Bromazolam. Combining benzodiazepines like Bromazolam with opioids, often called benzo-dope significantly increases the risk of overdose and death. While naloxone is effective for opioid overdoses, it does not counteract the adverse effects of benzodiazepines.
How Dangerous Can Bromazolam Be?
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and challenging to quit. They cause severe and rapid withdrawal symptoms that can be deadly in some cases. Bromazolam, a potent synthetic benzodiazepine, has a tranquilizing effect that can quickly turn into a nightmare if misused.
Self-medicating with Bromazolam leads to a perpetual state of dazed confusion, stripping individuals of their cognitive faculties and emotional control.
Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines can be intense and life-threatening, requiring hospitalization and medical management to prevent severe outcomes like seizures, psychosis, and delirium.
Bromazolam Deaths
According to the CDC report, bromazolam deaths increased significantly in Illinois, from 10 deaths in 2021 to 51 in 2022, marking a five-fold increase within a year. This alarming rise highlights the growing danger associated with bromazolam use.
In 2023, San Francisco experienced a surge in bromazolam-related fatalities, with 44 bromazolam deaths reported that year. According to the National Institutes of Health, these deaths frequently involved the concurrent use of opioids, especially fentanyl, as well as stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine.
Bromazolam has been identified in over 250 toxicology cases submitted to NMS Labs as of June 2022. The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) has tested more than 190 toxicology samples, finding that co-detections with fentanyl account for over 75% of bromazolam-positive cases. This widespread presence of bromazolam in toxicology reports underscores its role in the escalating overdose crisis.
Seeking Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Whether you or a loved is hooked on designer benzodiazepines like Bromazolam or facing dependence on prescription ones such as Alprazolam, it is vital to seek help if benzo use has taken a dangerous turn. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a serious condition that can be fatal, with severe symptoms that may lead to seizures and perpetuate the addiction cycle.
You are not alone, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Still Detox in Boca Raton Florida, can make a significant difference in managing withdrawal symptoms and achieving a safe recovery.
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