JOURNAL ARTICLE

The rise of bromazolam in postmortem cases from Travis County, TX, and surrounding areas: 2021 to 2023.

  • Published In: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2025, v. 49, n. 1. P. 43 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Ellefsen, Kayla N.; Smith, Christina R; Simmons, Paul D; Edelman, Lauren A; Hall, Brad J 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the emergence and impact of bromazolam, a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) benzodiazepine, in postmortem cases from Travis County, Texas, and surrounding areas between 2021 and 2023. Bromazolam was identified in 112 deaths, with a 7.5-fold increase in bromazolam-related fatalities over this period, predominantly affecting men in their early 30s. Polysubstance use was nearly universal, with fentanyl co-occurring in 82% of bromazolam-related deaths, raising concerns about enhanced toxicity due to combined central nervous system depression. The study highlights bromazolam's increasing prevalence in counterfeit pills and "benzo-dope" (benzodiazepine-fentanyl mixtures), underscoring the public health risks amid the ongoing fentanyl epidemic and the need for improved detection and harm reduction strategies.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2025/01, Vol. 49, Issue 1, p43
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Pharmacy and Pharmacology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0146-4760
  • DOI:10.1093/jat/bkae079
  • Accession Number:182369352
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Analytical Toxicology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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