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Bromazolam (also known as Brom, Bromaz, or XLI-268) is a novel depressant belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It exhibits anxiolytic, disinhibition, sedative, muscle relaxant, and memory suppression effects when administered. Bromazolam is not currently scheduled in many regions globally and is frequently distributed online as a research chemical. Structurally, it is the bromine-substituted analogue of alprazolam and has similar pharmacokinetic properties and subjective effects.
Like other benzodiazepines, Bromazolam binds to specific sites on the [[GABAA receptor]] in the brain, amplifying the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).[3] Its availability on the clearnet and darknet has increased its use for self-medication and recreational purposes due to its potent effects.
It is important to note that the pharmacological properties stated are assumed based on its structure and user reports, as no extensive formal research has been conducted.
The sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines after prolonged use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures or death.[4] Users are strongly advised to taper their dosage gradually rather than stopping abruptly.[5]
Bromazolam (XLI-268) is a triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) first synthesized in 1976 by Hoffman-La Roche. Although initially developed as a potential medication, it was never approved for use and remained unmarketed.[6] Bromazolam was first identified in Sweden in 2016 by the EMCDDA and has since been found in nine countries, including Australia, Austria, China, Finland, Germany, India, Sweden, the UK, and the USA.
In European markets, Bromazolam is often sold as blue Diazepam pills,[7] while in the United States, it is more commonly sold as Alprazolam.
Chemistry
Chemical structural comparison of Alprazolam and Bromazolam by Kevin G. Shanks (2023).
Bromazolam is a chemical analog of alprazolam, where the chlorine atom in alprazolam is replaced by a bromine atom.
Pharmacology
Bromazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) and was synthesized in 1976, though it was not brought to market.[8] It acts as a non-subtype selective agonist at the benzodiazepine (BZD) site of [[GABAA receptors]], with a binding affinity of 2.81nM at the α1 subtype, 0.69nM at α2, and 0.62nM at α5.[9] Benzodiazepines enhance the efficiency of GABA neurotransmission, producing sedating and anxiolytic effects[10].
The GABAA receptor consists of five subunits out of a possible 19, leading to a wide variety of receptor subtypes with different properties and interactions with benzodiazepines. Triazolobenzodiazepines like Bromazolam may also possess antidepressant properties, potentially due to their chemical similarity to tricyclic antidepressants.[11]
Half Life
4-8 hours with after effects being reported into the next 12 hours. In some cases people have reported feeling anxiolytic effects well into the 24+ hour mark and withdrawals/rebound anxiety not starting until Day 4/5.
Bromazolam's subjective effects include sedation, relaxation, anxiety suppression, and decreased inhibition.
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Physical effects of Bromazolam are generally marked by intense sedation, sleepiness, and muscle relaxation.
Sedation – Can lead to profound drowsiness, including sudden onset of extreme fatigue and "nodding off."
Perception of bodily heaviness – Often accompanies moderate to high doses, leading to a lethargic state where movement is difficult.
Appetite enhancement – Reported to stimulate hunger in a manner akin to alcohol.
This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
Research on the toxicity of Bromazolam has not been done, however there large amounts of overdoses have been reported in relation to Bromazolam. It is strongly recommended to employ harm reduction practices while using this or any substance.
Tolerance and Addiction Potential
Long-term use of Bromazolam can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines, including the potential for life-threatening withdrawal seizures. Notably, tolerance to Bromazolam builds more quickly than with other benzodiazepines, increasing the risk of dependence.
Dangerous Interactions
Like other benzodiazepines, Bromazolam should not be mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants due to the high risk of fatal overdose caused by respiratory depression.
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Dissociatives - This combination can unpredictably potentiate the amnesia, sedation, motor control loss and delusions that can be caused by each other. It may also result in a sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by a dangerous degree of respiratory depression. If nausea or vomiting occurs before consciousness is lost, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants - Stimulants mask the sedative effect of depressants, which is the main factor most people use to gauge their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant effects wear off, the effects of the depressant will significantly increase, leading to intensified disinhibition, motor control loss, and dangerous black-out states. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if one's fluid intake is not closely monitored. If choosing to combine these substances, one should strictly limit themselves to a pre-set schedule of dosing only a certain amount per hour until a maximum threshold has been reached.
Legal Status
Bromazolam is currently unscheduled in many countries, though some states and nations have specific controls:
- **United Kingdom:** Classified as a Class C controlled substance.[13]
- **United States:** Federally unscheduled, though state-level regulations like in Virginia have placed Bromazolam into Schedule I.[14].
- **Canada:** Classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.
- **Germany:** Subject to national control legislation.
