DOVER – Bromazolam is a synthetic benzodiazepine that was never approved for use in the United States, but according to state health officials, it made its way into the area’s illicit opioid supply and is the reason for a number of overdoses discovered in the counties of Kent and Sussex. at the end of April.
“The increase in Sussex was an increase in overdoses, peaking at about twice the normal volume of overdoses per day,” said Brent Waninger, director of the state’s Overdose Response Center. “The increase was the result of an unknown (at the time) change in drug supply. The peak lasted approximately two weeks.”
In total, the department’s most recent figures, released on May 9, count 148 suspected overdoses in Sussex and another 90 reported in Kent, with 11 suspected deaths in both counties.
“As we identify new or emerging substances in Delaware‘s drug supply, we investigate and aim to provide the most relevant information to our treatment providers and outreach workers across the state,” Mr. Waninger said.
The presence of bromazolam in the state was confirmed in May, according to Waninger, and bordering states have also reported its presence. It is also known as “benzo-drug” and “designer Xanax,” and can be found in street products such as “Xanax bars,” depending on the state.
According to the state health department, the drug exhibits potent sedative, hypnotic and anti-anxiety effects that only become more potent with opioid mixing, increasing the risk of overdose, hospitalization and machine-assisted breathing.
As was the case in Delaware, bromazolam was mixed with the opioid fentanyl and xylazine, a tranquilizer used in horses and other large mammals, according to Waninger.
“Opioids continue to cause significant problems in our community. EMS is working to care for patients with overdose effects and offer options to initiate ongoing treatment,” said Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, director of preparedness and emergency medical services for the health department. “While this episode was short-lived, the chronic problem of patients with substance use disorder continues and EMS will work to address this problem.”
Narcan remains the first line of treatment for suspected overdoses, even if a mixture of substances is suspected, Dr. Rosenbaum said.
“Narcan helps restore breathing and should be the first priority in overdose patients,” he said.
And that is the only answer a person administering Narcan should look for.
“They don’t need to wake up, be alert or talk, just breathe. Narcan nasal spray is administered as a spray into one nostril. Wait three to five minutes for the medication to start taking effect and continue rescue breathing and/or CPR,” Mr. Waninger said. “If they don’t start breathing after a couple of doses of naloxone, there are likely other factors at play and a higher level of medical care is needed right away.”
That’s why the first thing someone should do when they find someone unresponsive due to a suspected overdose is call 911, he said.
Even with the increase earlier this year, Waninger said the overall trend remains favorable in terms of the number of overdoses in Delaware in 2024.
“Overall, the state continues to flatten the overdose curve. We saw a small decrease in overdose deaths in 2023 versus 2022,” she said. “We don’t expect this spike to change that direction.”
You can contact staff writer Brian Gilliland at 410-603-3737 or bg@iniusa.org.
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