New benzodiazepine ethylbromazolam detected in New Zealand

How to recognise the drug

Ethylbromazolam has been found in several different forms, including a blue tablet, a white Xanax bar, and white powder. It has been misrepresented as a variety of other benzos, including diazepam and bromazolam.

Ethylbromazolam was detected in white tablets pressed to resemble Xanax and a blue tablet.

Three samples were tested at public drug checking clinics, including one at a New Zealand Drug Foundation clinic in Auckland, and two at a clinic in Wellington held by New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme's DISC Trust. Further testing conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) identified the substance ethylbromazolam in these samples.

A seizure of white tablets pressed to resemble Xanax bars were intercepted by NZ Customs Service. Testing of these tablets by ESR identified the substance ethylbromazolam.

These detections are reflective of broader trends observed in the wider benzodiazepine domestic market, where novel benzos, such as ethylbromazolam, are being misrepresented as legitimate pharmaceutical benzos (such as diazepam and alprazolam). 

Fake benzo pills that have been illicitly manufactured often have unpredictable dosages, increasing the risk of unintended overdose. Many pills internationally have been shown to have varying doses even within the same batch. Some of these counterfeit pills, such as Xanax, can look very convincing and even be in ‘branded’ blister packs or packaging that appears authentic. 

Little is known about the effects, onset and potency of ethylbromazolam. This could lead to people experiencing unexpected or adverse effects after consuming ethylbromazolam believing it to be another substance. 

Like other benzos, ethylbromazolam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. When combined with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol and opioids, benzos can be fatal even at low doses.

The effects of ethylbromazolam may be similar to other benzodiazepines, and can include:

• Sedation and sleepiness 
• Feelings of relaxation 
• Slurred speech 
• Feeling groggy 
• Feeling confused 
• Memory loss 
• Loss of co-ordination of body movements 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Loss of consciousness 

More information on benzodiazepines is available on the NZ Drug Foundation’s website, The Level.

How to reduce harm from the drug

High Alert urges caution should you choose to use benzodiazepines sourced from the illicit market and drug checking is recommended to help minimise the risk.

KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme's DISC Trust run regular drug checking clinics across the country, and a drop off service is now available in Auckland. A calendar of upcoming clinics can be found on The Level.

If you choose to use this substance:

• Avoid using alone. Have a friend who can help, and call an ambulance, if things go wrong. Use a buddy system if needed - where someone is on the phone or calls you to check you are ok.
• Lower doses are less risky. This can reduce the chance of overdosing. Each benzo has a different dosage amount. Some may also have a slower onset with more muted effects which can lead people to re-dose, but taking more is likely to cause unpleasant effects. Crushing the pill, mixing it, and measuring out a small amount helps to distribute the substance more evenly, and avoid overdose.
• In general, swallowing a substance has a slower onset than other methods and means there might be more time to get medical help if needed. In addition, pills often have other substances in them to make the pill big enough to swallow and hold its shape. These other substances can be dangerous if the pill is crushed to snort or inject.
• Avoid using it at the same time as other substances, especially other depressant drugs such as alcohol, opioids, GHB/GBL, ketamine and other benzos as these can increase the risk that your breathing will slow or stop.
• Avoid tasks that require concentration and coordination, such as driving. Benzos can affect your ability to do those tasks for several hours after taking it, even if you do not feel impaired.
• Avoid using benzodiazepines long term. Your body can become dependent on benzodiazepines quickly. Medical support is often recommended to help a person withdraw from benzos, as it can be dangerous to stop taking them suddenly.

Call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has any of the below signs after taking this substance. Don’t leave the person alone and treat it as an overdose if unsure. 

• Chest pains 
• Severe tremors 
• Breathing problems 
• Seizures 
• Loss of consciousness

Medical support if often recommended to help a person make changes to regular use of benzos and minimise the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms - more information on withdrawal is available here on The Level.

Serious withdrawal symptoms require immediate medical attention and can include:

• Chest pain
• Racing heart
• Feeling extremely emotional
• Acting violently
• Psychosis
• Trouble breathing 
• Feeling suicidal
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If you have heard of any reports of this drug, please let us know through the Report unusual effects page, the alert ID is N25/0050. All submissions are anonymous.