A capsule filled with off-white powder expected to contain an unknown opioid was found to contain Rilmazafone. Rilmazafone is a benzodiazepine prodrug, meaning the body converts the substance into a benzo after consumption (rilmazolam).

Because of the conversion time in the body, the onset of effects can be delayed and may take 2-3 hours or more.

Rilmazafone is not readily available in Australia, but is prescribed in Japan as a hypnotic/insomnia treatment (branded as ‘Rhythmy’). It’s use has been linked to fatalities in Europe in recent years.

Effects

Rilmazafone can be sedative and hypnotic, including slowed motor skills and memory impairment, and next-day residual ‘hangover’ effects are common.

The risk of harm is significantly increased if using depressants such as alcohol, GHB or opioids at the same time, or consuming multiple pills.

Reducing the harm

Test your stuff!

This sample shows you can’t tell what’s in your drugs just by looking at them, and you can’t always rely on what you’ve been told being accurate. A global trend is that unregulated or counterfeit pharmaceuticals, such as benzodiazepines, are becoming more common and very convincing, making them hard to distinguish from legitimate pharmaceutical products. In some cases, there are several different benzos inside a single pill – drastically raising the risk for users.

While this sample was brought to CanTEST with uncertain expectations, rilmazafone is not readily available from Australian pharmacies.

Start low go, slow

Try a test dose first and never use alone.

Be alert for signs of an overdose

Think someone has overdosed? Call 000 for an ambulance immediately.