This week, we warned Floridians about a rise in deaths nationwide from a dangerous designer drug that is often called ‘fake Xanax’.

Bromazolam is gaining popularity throughout the country and is reportedly being mixed with illicit fentanyl. This is a potent novel benzodiazepine, a depressant drug whose side effects include loss of coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, respiratory depression, comas and even death.

There has been an increase in toxicology cases involving bromazolam—from 1% in 2021 to more than 13% in 2022. From 2016-2018, law enforcement seizures of bromazolam never exceeded three per year nationwide. In 2023, that number rose to 2,913.

It is important for Floridians to know how dangerous bromazolam is, especially when mixed with illicit fentanyl. The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education reported that 83% of bromazolam samples tested positive for fentanyl and cautions that naloxone, commonly used to reverse opioid overdose, is ineffective.

So please, never use an illicit substance and remember, just one pill can kill.

To stay informed on dangerous illicit drugs, please visit DoseOfRealityFL.com—our one-stop resource to learn about the threats of drug misuse, how to receive support for addiction and where to drop off unused prescription drugs. If anyone is struggling with drug addiction, you can also visit TreatmentAtlas.org to find treatment resources and get help.

Stay safe, Florida.