white → purple3
Not yet reviewed — this article is pending editorial review by Lyrea.
Bromazolam
8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine
Brom, Bromaz, XLI-268
Bromazolam is a synthetic triazolobenzodiazepine first synthesized in 1976 but never marketed for medical use.1 It emerged as a designer drug, first definitively identified in Sweden by the EMCDDA in 2016.2 Structurally, it is the bromo analogue of alprazolam and produces comparable sedative and anxiolytic effects at a similar potency.34 As with other benzodiazepines, bromazolam carries significant habit-forming potential and poses risks of dependence with repeated use.3
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Threshold~0.5 mg
Light0.5-1 mg
Moderate1-2 mg
Strong2-4 mg
Heavy4+ mg
Duration
Onset15-45 minutes
After Effects1-12 hours
Total5-8 hours
Subjective Effects
The experience closely resembles that of alprazolam and other benzodiazepines, dominated by heavy sedation, anxiety relief, and muscle relaxation with little in the way of sensory alteration. Cognitive and motor impairment scale with dose, and recall of the period after ingestion frequently becomes partial or absent. At high doses the experience can shift into delirium accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations, followed by deep sleep.
Physical
The body feels heavy, relaxed, and uncoordinated, with drowsiness, lethargy, and fatigue as the baseline state. Impaired balance, ataxia, slurred speech, dizziness, and muscle weakness are common, and palpitations are occasionally reported.
Impairment
Sedation
Sedation is the defining physical effect, progressing from drowsiness to deep sleep as the dose increases.
Cognitive
The headspace is one of dulled, slowed cognition and diminished anxiety. Thinking and self-assessment become impaired, confusion is common at higher doses, and anterograde amnesia frequently blanks out memory of the experience.
Suppressions
Cognition is broadly dampened, with impaired reasoning and self-assessment that worsens with dose.
Visual
Visual effects are suppressive at common doses, limited to blurring of vision; visual hallucinations occur only at high doses alongside delirium.
Auditory
Auditory hallucinations are reported at high doses, usually as part of a delirious state.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Bromazolam acts as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABAA receptor, binding non-selectively at the benzodiazepine site across multiple receptor subtypes. It displays highest affinity for the α5 and α2 subunits (Ki of 0.62 nM and 0.69 nM, respectively) with somewhat lower but still high affinity at the α1 subunit (Ki of 2.81 nM).5
Pharmacokinetics
Bromazolam undergoes hepatic phase I metabolism through hydroxylation, catalyzed primarily by CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19, with additional contributions from CYP3A5 and CYP2C9.6 Phase II metabolism involves glucuronidation of both the parent compound and its hydroxylated metabolites, mediated by several UGT enzymes including UGT1A4, UGT2B10, UGT2B4, UGT1A3, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, and UGT2B15.6
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Full Tolerance
As with prescription benzodiazepines, repeated use of bromazolam can produce tolerance alongside dependence and addiction. No specific timeframe for tolerance onset has been characterised, as epidemiological data remain scarce and most available information derives from case studies and individual reports.
Cross Tolerance
Benzodiazepines, GABAergic depressants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateBromazolam demonstrates abuse potential comparable to other benzodiazepines.5 Drug discrimination studies in rats showed full dose-dependent substitution for midazolam, with an ED50 of 0.54 mg/kg, indicating significant reinforcing properties mediated through α1 subunit binding.57
Physical
HighPhysical dependence develops with regular use, similar to prescription benzodiazepines.5 Chronic use leads to neuroadaptation requiring continued dosing to avoid withdrawal symptoms.57
Psychosis Risk
At high doses, bromazolam may induce delirium and auditory or visual hallucinations.5 These effects are dose-dependent and not typically observed at standard doses.
Seizure Risk
While bromazolam possesses anticonvulsant properties at typical doses, high doses may paradoxically induce seizures. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is also associated with seizure risk, though specific data for bromazolam is limited.
History & Culture
Bromazolam was first synthesized in 1976 as part of benzodiazepine research, representing a structural modification of alprazolam where the chlorine atom is replaced with bromine.14 Despite its early synthesis, the compound was never…
Legality
By Country
United StatesIllegalSchedule I · temporary
DEA temporarily placed bromazolam, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers where possible, in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act from March 16, 2026 through March 16, 2028. The correcting amendment states that it corrected an invalid chemical name in the order and is applicable beginning March 16, 2026.
CanadaIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Schedule IV class
Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service classifies bromazolam as a benzodiazepine. Schedule IV, item 18 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act covers benzodiazepines, their salts and derivatives; Health Canada states that substances captured by its benzodiazepine core structure are captured under that item. The Act prohibits trafficking, importing or exporting, and producing a Schedule IV substance except as authorized.
NorwayIllegalBromazolam
Forskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften)19
Bromazolam is expressly listed on Norway's official Narkotikalisten. The regulation records the substance with its chemical name, 8-brom-6-fenyl-1-metyl-4H-benzo[f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepin.
United KingdomIllegalClass C
Classified as a Class C controlled substance under UK drug control legislation.24 Class C represents the lowest tier of controlled substances, with possession, supply, and production without authorization constituting criminal offenses.
BrazilPrescription onlyLista B1
Brazil lists bromazolam in List B1, the list of psychotropic substances subject to a Notificação de Receita B. List B1 control also extends to the listed substances’ salts, ethers, esters, isomers, and salts thereof where their existence is possible.
GermanyRestrictedAnlage II
Bromazolam is expressly and individually listed in Anlage II. Under § 1 Abs. 1 BtMG, substances listed in Anlagen I to III are Betäubungsmittel. Anlage II is the schedule for ‘verkehrsfähige, aber nicht verschreibungsfähige Betäubungsmittel’; § 3 Abs. 1 requires BfArM authorization for the specified dealings, including acquisition and trade. The status is therefore controlled, not a blanket prohibition.
ThailandIllegalCategory I
Ministerial Notification: Specifying names of Category 1 psychotropic substances (No. 3), B.E. 25672021
Thailand designates bromazolam as a Category I controlled psychotropic substance. The Ministry of Public Health notification lists bromazolam by name and gives its chemical name; it is published in the Royal Gazette on 11 October 2024.
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Notes from the Field: Seizures, Hyperthermia, and Myocardial Injury in Three Young Adults Who Consumed Bromazolam Disguised as Alprazolam — Chicago, Illinois, February 2023. (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm725253a5.htm1234
- Detection of the benzodiazepine bromazolam by liquid chromatography (PubMed 38896045). (n.d.). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38896045/1
- Bromazolam — Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Information Repository. (n.d.). https://ecddrepository.org/en/bromazolam12
- Green KD, Bianco LM, McCleskey BC, & Scott KS. (2024). The emergence of bromazolam in Jefferson County, AL: a case series. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 48(8), 566–572. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkae06712
- Critical review report: Bromazolam. (20 October 2023). https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/46th-ecdd/bromazolam_46th-ecdd-critical-review_public-version.pdf?sfvrsn=4f1bccfa_1123456
- Lea Wagmann, Sascha K Manier, Christina Felske, Tanja M Gampfer, Matthias J Richter, Niels Eckstein, & Markus R Meyer. (November 2021). Flubromazolam-Derived Designer Benzodiazepines: Toxicokinetics and Analytical Toxicology of Clobromazolam and Bromazolam. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 45(9), 1014–1027. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkaa16112
- Kelly R. Tan, Uwe Rudolph, & Christian Lüscher. (April 2011). Hooked on benzodiazepines: GABAA receptor subtypes and addiction. Trends in Neurosciences, 34(4), 188–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2011.01.00412
- Bromazolam Prevalence Surging Across the United States Driven In Part by Increasing Detections Alongside Fentanyl. NCJRS Virtual Library (15 June 2022). https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/bromazolam-prevalence-surging-across-united-states-driven-part12
- Alberta RCMP seize drugs containing fluorofentanyl mixed with bromazolam. (2024). https://globalnews.ca/news/10435966/alberta-street-drugs-bromazolam1
- RDC nº 762, de 24 de novembro de 2022. gov.br (n.d.). https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/assuntos/medicamentos/controlados/lista-substancias1
- RDC nº 762, de 24 de novembro de 2022. gov.br (n.d.). https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/assuntos/medicamentos/controlados/arquivos/RDC_762_2022_.pdf/@@display-file/file1
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV, item 18. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca (n.d.). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/FullText.html1
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV, item 18. canada.ca (n.d.). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/mandate/regulatory-role/what-health-canada-regulates-1/controlled-substances-precursors/overview-substance-control-status-determination-process/benzodiazepines.html1
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule IV, item 18. health-infobase.canada.ca (n.d.). https://health-infobase.canada.ca/drug-analysis-service/drug-classification.html1
- Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG), Anlage II (zu § 1 Abs. 1). gesetze-im-internet.de (n.d.). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_ii.html1
- Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG), Anlage II (zu § 1 Abs. 1). gesetze-im-internet.de (n.d.). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/index.html1
- Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG), Anlage II (zu § 1 Abs. 1). gesetze-im-internet.de (n.d.). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/__1.html1
- Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG), Anlage II (zu § 1 Abs. 1). gesetze-im-internet.de (n.d.). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/__3.html1
- Forskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften). lovdata.no (n.d.). https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2013-02-14-199/KAPITTEL_11
- Ministerial Notification: Specifying names of Category 1 psychotropic substances (No. 3), B.E. 2567. ratchakitcha.soc.go.th (n.d.). https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/45251.pdf1
- Ministerial Notification: Specifying names of Category 1 psychotropic substances (No. 3), B.E. 2567. permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th (n.d.). https://permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th/nct_permit_main/Upload/PHYCHO_list_update_25_07_2025.pdf1
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2017 (SI 2017/634). legislation.gov.uk (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/634/made1
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2017 (SI 2017/634). legislation.gov.uk (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/section/51
- The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2017, Article 5. (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/634/article/5/made/data.xht?view=snippet&wrap=true1
- DEA temporary scheduling order, 91 FR 12504, as corrected by 91 FR 37822. federalregister.gov (n.d.). https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/16/2026-05064/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-bromazolam-in-schedule-i1
- DEA temporary scheduling order, 91 FR 12504, as corrected by 91 FR 37822. federalregister.gov (n.d.). https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/24/2026-12653/schedules-of-controlled-substances-placement-of-bromazolam-in-schedule-i-correction1
Further Reading
Balasanova & Johnson (2022) - Phenibut and Bromazolam Use Disorders Case Report
CREW Scotland - What is Bromazolam Harm Reduction Guide
KnowYourStuff NZ - Bromazolam and Novel Benzos Guide
Manchester et al. (2018) - The Emergence of NPS Benzodiazepines Review (DOI)
Pichini et al. (2020) - Designer Benzodiazepines Literature and Trip Reports Analysis
Public Health Scotland - RADAR Bromazolam Alert (2023)
Substance UVic - Bromazolam in Down Supply (2022)
Tripsitter: Bromazolam Fact Sheet- Webb et al. (2023) - Post Mortem Blood Bromazolam Concentrations Study (DOI)
WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence - Bromazolam Critical Review (2023)
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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