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Bromazolam and clobromazolam found in counterfeit ‘Xanax’ sample

Source: CanTEST

A white pressed bar pill expected to contain alprazolam (Xanax) was found to contain alprazolam as well as the novel benzodiazepines bromazolam and clobromazolam. The pill has 3 break lines on each side to create quarters. The front press reads ‘XANAX’ and the back press has a larger ‘2’. The pill was reportedly acquired online and is believed to be in circulation in the ACT and more broadly. The pill was reportedly acquired online and is believed to be in circulation in the ACT and more broadly.

What does this mean? Bromazolam and clobromazolam are new benzodiazepines that have strong sedative effects. There is limited information available about them, and they have not been used in human trials.

Effects? Mixing of multiple different benzos, or any kind of benzo with other depressant drugs (like alcohol, opioids, GHB etc) increases the risk of harms like loss of consciousness and central nervous system depression.

Reducing the harm

Test your stuff! Some counterfeit pharmaceuticals can look very convincing and even be in ‘branded’ blister packs or packaging that appears authentic. Genuine pharmaceuticals are only dispensed from pharmacies and cannot be purchased online.

Come and see us at CanTEST for testing in Canberra.

Start low, go slow. Take half or less and ask a trusted person to check on you. Experiencing adverse or unexpected effects? Don’t take more.

Carry Naloxone. Naloxone does not reverse a benzodiazepine overdose, only opioid overdoses, but it will not cause any harm to use naloxone if you are a first responder to a potential overdose and you suspect an opioid is onboard.

Be alert for signs of an overdose.

Learn CPR and how to place someone in the recovery position to protect their airway. Think someone has overdosed? Call 000 for an ambulance.