Bromazolam is a substance of increasing public interest. As a compound not approved for medical use, understanding bromazolam involves exploring its chemical identity, how it interacts with the human body, its complex legal standing, and the potential dangers associated with its use.
Identifying Bromazolam
Bromazolam is classified as a novel benzodiazepine, often synthesized for non-medical purposes and sold as “designer drugs” or “research chemicals.” This triazolobenzodiazepine was first synthesized in the 1970s. It is structurally related to alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, with a bromine atom replacing the chlorine atom found in alprazolam.
These “designer benzodiazepines” are found as a white solid or crystalline powder, and in various forms including orange or green tablets and yellow powder. They are often sold under their own name or as “XLI-268” through online drug markets. The first documented detection of bromazolam by government authorities occurred in Sweden in 2016, with its presence in the illicit drug supply in the United States noted starting in 2019.
How Bromazolam Affects the Body
Bromazolam exerts its effects by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and benzodiazepines enhance its activity. This interaction leads to increased neuronal inhibition, effectively slowing down brain activity.
The primary pharmacological effects experienced by users include sedation, anxiety reduction (anxiolysis), and muscle relaxation. Some individuals also report hypnotic effects, aiding sleep, and reduced stimulation. Amnesia (memory impairment) is another reported effect. The onset of effects after oral administration is estimated to occur within 15 to 45 minutes, with the duration of action lasting between 5 to 8 hours.
The Legal Landscape
The legal status of bromazolam is complex and varies significantly across different jurisdictions, often falling into a “grey market” due to its status as a research chemical. It is not currently under international control by the World Health Organization. However, some countries and regions have implemented controls.
Bromazolam is classified as a Schedule IV substance under Canadian law and is regulated under psychoactive drug control regulations in Germany and the United Kingdom, where it is a Class C drug. In the United States, bromazolam is not scheduled at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act. Several U.S. states, including Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia, have classified bromazolam as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Understanding the Risks
The use of bromazolam carries significant dangers, primarily due to its unregulated nature and unpredictable potency. Common side effects include excessive drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and confusion. Users may also experience blurred vision and slurred speech.
A major risk is overdose, which can lead to severe consequences such as respiratory depression. In severe cases, overdose can progress to coma and even death. The potential for physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium, is also a concern with chronic use.
The dangers are greatly magnified when bromazolam is combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, because both types of substances suppress breathing. Bromazolam has been found mixed with opioids, including fentanyl, and in counterfeit Xanax pills, further increasing the risk of overdose. The lack of quality control in unregulated substances means that the purity and actual dosage can vary widely, making each use unpredictable and potentially harmful.