The Dangers of Bromazolam Use: What You Need to Know

Bromazolam, a synthetic benzodiazepine, is a dangerous drug increasingly found in the illegal drug supply, often in counterfeit pills and mixed with fentanyl, significantly increasing overdose risk. Its unpredictable effects, potential for addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms make it a serious public health concern. Seeking medical detoxification and therapy is crucial for those struggling with bromazolam substance abuse.

Bromazolam is a designer benzodiazepine that is flooding the market, often disguised as something else, and it’s putting lives at risk. Read on to learn more about bromazolam dangers, understanding the risks, and staying safe.

What Is Bromazolam?

Bromazolam is a synthetic benzodiazepine, meaning it’s not a naturally occurring substance. It was first created in the 1970s, but never approved for medical use. Since 2016, it’s been showing up more and more in the illegal drug supply. In fact, it went from being only 4 percent of the novel benzodiazepines in 2021 to 73 percent by the first half of 2023, a significant leap.

It’s chemically similar to alprazolam (Xanax), but that doesn’t mean it’s the same. This seemingly small difference in chemical structure can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects.

Why Is Bromazolam So Risky?

The novel benzodiazepine dangers are numerous, and bromazolam is no exception. Here’s why this drug is causing so much concern:

• Unpredictable effects: Even a small dose of bromazolam can have unexpected and intense effects, especially if you’re used to prescription benzodiazepines.
• Counterfeit pills: Bromazolam in counterfeit prescription pills is a huge problem. Many pills sold as Xanax are actually fake and contain bromazolam, often without the user knowing. This is a major fake Xanax risk.
• Mixing with fentanyl: Why is bromazolam mixed with fentanyl? Because it’s a deadly combination. The synergistic effect of a benzodiazepine with an opioid creates a substantially more powerful high than either substance alone, potentially allowing traffickers to use less opioid while still producing highly potent effects. Data shows that a large percentage of bromazolam samples also contain fentanyl. This dramatically increases the risk of overdose.
• Legal status: Unlike some other designer benzodiazepines, bromazolam isn’t always illegal. This makes it easier to obtain, but it also means there’s less regulation and quality control.

Bromazolam Side Effects: What to Watch For

Understanding the bromazolam side effects is crucial for recognizing a potential problem. These can range from mild to life-threatening:

• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Amnesia
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma

It’s important to remember that bromazolam side effects can vary depending on the dose, individual factors, and whether other substances are involved.

Bromazolam Overdose: A Medical Emergency

An overdose is a serious medical emergency. What are the signs of a bromazolam overdose? Be aware of these symptoms:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Difficulty following conversations
• Slowed or impaired speech
• Loss of balance
• Amnesia
• Prolonged sedation
• Difficulty staying awake
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Weak or irregular pulse
• Cold and clammy skin
• Unresponsiveness

If you suspect someone is experiencing a bromazolam overdose, call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence.

Naloxone and Bromazolam Overdose: What You Need to Know

Does naloxone work for a bromazolam overdose? Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdoses, but it doesn’t directly counteract the effects of benzodiazepines. However, because bromazolam is often mixed with fentanyl, naloxone can still be life-saving by reversing the opioid component of the overdose. Always administer naloxone if you suspect an overdose, even if you think it might not be from opioids.

Potency and Duration: How Does Bromazolam Compare?

How long do bromazolam effects last? The effects typically last for five to eight hours. Is bromazolam more potent than Xanax? While the dosage ranges are similar, many users report that bromazolam feels more intense and produces a longer period of amnesia than they would expect from Xanax. 

The Dangers of Mixing Bromazolam with Other Substances

What happens if you mix bromazolam and alcohol? Mixing bromazolam with alcohol or other drugs can be extremely dangerous. Alcohol, opioids, and other sedatives can amplify the effects of bromazolam, leading to severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. This combination should be avoided at all costs.

Addiction, Withdrawal, and Long-Term Effects

Bromazolam addiction is a real and serious concern. Like other benzodiazepines, it can be highly addictive, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Bromazolam withdrawal symptoms and timeline are similar to those of other benzodiazepines. Symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and even death. The risk of seizures from stopping cold turkey is high, and medically supervised detoxification is often necessary.

What are the long-term effects of bromazolam use? Chronic use can lead to tolerance, dependence, cognitive impairment, and respiratory problems.

Case Reports and Statistics

Case reports of bromazolam-related deaths are on the rise. San Francisco saw a surge in 2023, and Connecticut reported a high number of designer benzodiazepine deaths, with the majority involving bromazolam.

Staying Safe: Harm Reduction Tips

• Avoid counterfeit pills: Be extremely cautious about buying pills on the street. They are likely to be fake and contain dangerous substances.
• Never use alone: If you are going to use drugs, do so with someone who can call for help if needed.
• Carry naloxone: If you or someone you know uses opioids, carry naloxone and know how to use it.
• Test your drugs: Use drug checking services to test your drugs for fentanyl and other contaminants.
• Know the signs of overdose: Be aware of the signs of overdose and know how to respond.

Finding Help: Treatment and Recovery

How to safely quit using bromazolam? Quitting can be difficult and dangerous, but it is possible with the right support. Finding treatment for bromazolam substance abuse is the first step. Below are some options.

Medical Detoxification

A medically supervised detox can help you safely withdraw and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy

Therapy can help you address the underlying issues that contribute to your substance use.

Support Groups

Support groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for you to connect with others in recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with designer benzodiazepine use, Mountainside can help. We offer individualized and comprehensive treatment that meets people where they are. Contact an admissions counselor today for more information.