Nine new benzodiazepines of summary have been added to the list of psychotropic drugs. These illegal products are more powerful than medication benzodiazepines, with a high risk of fatal overdose.
Synthetic benzodiazepines (also called Benzodiazepines designer, or D-BZD, or synthetic analogues of non-pharmaceutical benzodiazepines) are new psychoactive synthetic substances with a chemical structure and pharmacological effects similar to those of benzodiazepine drugs. On July 10, nine new molecules were added to the list of psychotropic substances: their production, sale and use are now prohibited. The National Agency for Drug Safety and Health Products (ANSM) had already classified certain summary benzodiazepines on this list, in 2018. But new molecules continue to appear and the reports of addictavigilance are constantly multiplying.
The new molecules now illegal are Bentazepam, Bromonordiazepam (synonym Disalkylgidazépam), Flubrotizolam, Fluclotizolam, Gidazazépam, Methylclonazépam, Norflurazepam, Thionordazépam and Tofisopam (or Emandaxin). The products that contain it, mainly sold on the internet, are in the form of powder, tablet, liquid, spray for nasal instillation or e-liquid. They are used in particular to reduce anxiety, such as a sedative or in combination with other drugs.
What are the risks of these substances for the user? “The power of action of these summary benzodiazepines means that they can cause serious health effects, even in very low doses”specifies the ANSM: severe sedation (drowsiness to the coma), confusion, agitation, alteration of memory, balance of balance and coordination, difficulties in breathing. These side effects can last for several days. Above all, “The risk of potentially fatal overdose is very high”.
These molecules are generally consumed at low doses, which can make them difficult to detect in the blood and delay medical management during hospitalization or in case of poisoning. We may suspect an overdose or intoxication to the benzodiazepines of synthesis when a patient presents an alteration of consciousness, hypotonia and respiratory depression without evocative sign of opioid intoxication. “Flumazénil, antagonist of benzodiazepines, makes it possible to neutralize the effects of these synthetic molecules, such as coma and respiratory depression, thus confirming the presence of benzodiazepines”.
In the event of suspicion of taking, the agency recommends contacting the Pharmacodependence-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A) assessment center and to declare any serious case on the Portal Signation-sante.gouv.fr.