Phenazepam
Overview
Phenazepam is a benzodiazepine drug but was marketed for a long time as a legal high due to its uncontrolled status in most countries. It was developed in 1974 in Russia to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and insomnia. However, it is now predominantly used recreationally. It is around 20 times stronger than valium.
Please refer to ‘benzodiazepines’ section for more information on the more traditional, prescribed benzodiazepines.
After much deliberation, Phenazepam was officially controlled in June 2012 as a class C drug.
At low doses:
- Relaxing
- Helps with sleep
At higher doses:
- Dizziness
- Loss of memory (can be very profound at high doses)
- Loss of coordination
It can be found in (white) powder form or, rarely in 1mg/ml dropper bottles.
Snorted: it is most commonly snorted or ‘bombed’. A ‘bomb’ is prepared by wrapping individual doses in cigarette paper.