Bottom Line Up Front: Bromazolam is a highly potent designer benzodiazepine that’s 13 times stronger than morphine in some respects and carries significant risks of overdose, dependence, and severe withdrawal symptoms. Often sold as counterfeit prescription medications, this synthetic drug has been linked to numerous deaths and emergency room visits across the United States.
What is Bromazolam?
Bromazolam (XLI-268) is a triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) which was first synthesised in 1976, but was never marketed. It has subsequently been sold as a designer drug, first being definitively identified by the EMCDDA in Sweden in 2016. This synthetic benzodiazepine is the bromo instead of chloro analogue of alprazolam and has similar sedative and anxiolytic effects to it and other benzodiazepines.
Bromazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine that was originally developed as a candidate medication but was never approved for use. Unlike prescription benzodiazepines, bromazolam has never been approved for medical use and exists solely in the illicit drug market.
Key Characteristics of Bromazolam:
- Chemical Classification: Triazolobenzodiazepine structurally related to alprazolam
- Potency: The “common” dosage range for users of bromazolam was reported to be 1–2 mg, suggesting its potency is similar to alprazolam
- Receptor Activity: Bromazolam is a non subtype selective agonist at the benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors, with a binding affinity of 2.81 nM at the α1 subtype, 0.69 nM at α2 and 0.62 nM at α5
- Legal Status: Not approved for medical use and classified as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS)
How Long Does Bromazolam Last?
The onset of effects is estimated to occur 15–45 min after administration, the duration of action is 5–8 h, and the after-effects last for 1–12 h. The duration depends on several factors including:
- Individual metabolism and body weight
- Dosage amount and frequency
- Method of consumption (tablets, powder, liquid)
- Food intake and stomach contents
- Overall health and liver function
How Long Does Bromazolam Stay in Your System?
The elimination of bromazolam from your system depends on multiple factors including dose, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual physiology. Based on its pharmacokinetic properties and similarities to other benzodiazepines, here are the estimated detection windows:
Detection Times by Test Type:
- Blood: 12-24 hours after last use
- Urine: 1-3 days for single use, up to 7 days with regular use
- Saliva: 1-3 days after last use
- Hair: Up to 90 days (though specialized testing required)
Factors Affecting Elimination:
- Metabolism Rate: Individual liver function and enzyme activity
- Body Weight and Fat: Higher body fat may extend detection times
- Frequency of Use: Regular users may have longer detection windows
- Age: Older adults typically metabolize benzodiazepines more slowly
- Kidney and Liver Health: Impaired organ function can extend elimination
After ingestion, bromazolam phase-I metabolism is mediated primarily by several isoforms of the CYP450 enzyme system (CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP2C9), whereas phase-II metabolism involves the isoenzymes UGT1A4 and UGT2810. The parent compound was detected in the urine of both patients in available studies, whereas the monohydroxylated metabolites were detected in only one.
For comprehensive information about benzodiazepine detox and treatment, visit our specialized benzodiazepine addiction treatment program.
What Does Bromazolam Look Like?
Bromazolam has been found in orange or green tablets and as a yellow powder. Bromazolam has been described as a white or crystalline solid in its pure form. Common appearances include:
- Tablets: Often orange or green, may be scored for splitting
- Powder: Yellow or white crystalline substance
- Counterfeit Pills: Disguised as legitimate prescription medications like Xanax or Valium
- “Gummies”: Bromazolam-containing chewable candy products (“gummies”) have also been observed
What Does Bromazolam Feel Like?
People who used bromazolam described its effects as “hypnotic” and “sedative” and referred to its “muscle relaxing” and “pain relieving” properties. Other reported effects include euphoria, increased confidence and empathy.
Common effects include:
- Sedation and drowsiness
- Anxiety reduction
- Muscle relaxation
- Pain relief
- Euphoria at higher doses
- Some people who used bromazolam reported amnesia
How Strong is Bromazolam?
The “common” dosage range for users of bromazolam was reported to be 1–2 mg, suggesting its potency is similar to alprazolam. One informational website has categorized doses according to their intoxicating effects as “light” (0.5–1 mg), “common” (1–2 mg) and “strong” (2–≥ 4 mg).
This extreme potency makes bromazolam significantly more dangerous than many users realize, leading to accidental overdoses and severe respiratory depression.
How Dangerous is Bromazolam?
Bromazolam poses significant dangers, particularly when combined with other substances. Since 2021, 114 cases analyzed via DEA TOX had specimens that were positive for bromazolam, with mean blood levels reported as 44.8 ng/mL.
Serious Health Risks Include:
- Respiratory Depression: Life-threatening slowing of breathing
- Overdose Risk: This report describes a cluster of three patients treated at a local emergency department after consuming bromazolam with severe complications
- Combination Dangers: Detection of bromazolam with fentanyl has increased dramatically: 75% of bromazolam-positive samples in the USA also contained fentanyl
- Counterfeit Medications: There have been several arrests in the United States for mismarketing bromazolam as alprazolam, typically in the shape of brand name Xanax tablets
Bromazolam Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and are different depending on the type of benzodiazepine being taken. Symptoms can last from a few weeks to a year. Bromazolam withdrawal can be particularly severe due to its high potency.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Muscle aches and tension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Hallucinations and psychosis
- At least one case of withdrawal-associated psychosis and hallucinations was reported after bromazolam was taken repeatedly
Withdrawal Timeline:
- Acute Phase (1-7 days): Most severe physical symptoms
- Sub-Acute Phase (1-3 weeks): Persistent symptoms like fatigue and mood swings
- Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS): In the elderly, long-term benzodiazepine therapy is a risk factor for amplifying cognitive decline
How to Quit Bromazolam Safely
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening. This is why it is recommended that if benzodiazepines are taken for two weeks or longer the person should not abruptly stop taking this drug.
Professional treatment options include:
- Medical Detoxification: Under professional supervision
- Gradual Tapering: The dosage of benzodiazepines should be gradually tapered over an extended period of time, and under the supervision of a healthcare provider
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): To manage withdrawal symptoms
- Intensive Outpatient Programs: Structured support during recovery
- Counseling and Therapy: Individual and group sessions
Legal Status and Regulatory Concerns
Bromazolam is not currently controlled in the United States. However, The Committee recommended that bromazolam (IUPAC name: 8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H- [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine) be added to Schedule IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
Current regulatory status:
- Federal Level: Not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act
- State Level: Some states have implemented individual controls
- International: 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
Will Bromazolam Show Up on a Drug Test?
Bromazolam may or may not be detected on standard drug tests, depending on the specific testing method used:
- Standard Tests: Most workplace drug panels don’t specifically test for designer benzodiazepines
- Specialized Testing: Analytical methods for identification of bromazolam in seized sample matrices include IR, 1H NMR, gas chromatography–MS and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS
- Detection Window: Varies based on usage patterns and individual factors
- Immunoassay Cross-Reactivity: Cross reactivity of the CEDIA and HEIA benzodiazepine kits for 29 designer benzodiazepines has been studied
For detailed information about drug testing and detection, read our comprehensive guide on addiction recovery programs.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
The causality of bromazolam in deaths and other adverse effects could not be assigned definitively, as toxicological results often showed use of more than one substance.
Serious Health Risks Include:
- Fatal Overdoses: In the USA, it was detected in over 250 toxicological cases between 2019 and 2022, comprising 236 post-mortem and 14 cases of driving impairment
- Respiratory Depression: Life-threatening breathing problems
- Cognitive Impairment: Memory loss and confusion
- Physical Dependence: Rapid development of tolerance
- Driving Impairment: Bromazolam has also been detected in drivers arrested for driving under the influence
Bromazolam vs. Other Benzodiazepines
It is the bromo instead of chloro analogue of alprazolam and has similar sedative and anxiolytic effects to it and other benzodiazepines. However, unlike prescription benzodiazepines:
- No Medical Oversight: No quality control or medical supervision
- Unknown Potency: Doses can vary dramatically between batches
- Contamination Risk: Often mixed with fentanyl or other dangerous substances
- Legal Consequences: Several arrests in the United States for mismarketing bromazolam as alprazolam
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with bromazolam use, professional help is available. Warning signs include:
- Inability to stop using despite negative consequences
- Increased tolerance requiring higher doses
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
- Dangerous behaviors like driving while impaired
For immediate help, call Refine Recovery: (866) 890-9573
Get Help for Bromazolam Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with bromazolam or any benzodiazepine addiction, help is available. At Refine Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of designer benzodiazepine addiction and offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs designed to support lasting recovery.
Our Specialized Treatment Program Includes:
- Medically Supervised Detox: Safe withdrawal management
- Residential Treatment: 24/7 care in a luxury setting
- Individual and Group Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-based approaches
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions
- Family Therapy Programs: Healing relationships affected by addiction
- Aftercare Planning: Long-term recovery support
Additional Treatment Services:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Emotional regulation skills
- Group Therapy Services: Peer support and accountability
- Health & Wellness Treatment: Holistic healing approaches
- Life Skills Development: Practical recovery tools
Don’t face this challenge alone. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you reclaim your life from bromazolam and designer benzodiazepine dependence.
Call us today at (866) 890-9573 to speak with an admissions counselor and learn more about our treatment options. Take the first step toward recovery – you deserve a life free from dependence.
For more information about benzodiazepine addiction and treatment, visit our comprehensive resources on benzodiazepine addiction treatment and explore our luxury rehab facility in Beverly Hills.
