Iowa Attorney General Calls for Emergency Action to Schedule "Designer Xanax"

Strategic Insights -

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has joined 20 other state attorneys general in calling on the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to take emergency action to schedule a highly potent and unpredictable drug linked to overdose deaths in the state and across the country. The drug, known as bromazolam, is described as a "designer Xanax" and has been increasingly contributing to overdose deaths, particularly when mixed with opioids. The attorneys general argue that scheduling bromazolam will help law enforcement remove it from circulation, give prosecutors the tools to hold traffickers accountable, and send a clear signal that the drug has no place on the streets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint letter, signed by 21 state attorneys general, including Iowa's Brenna Bird, calls for emergency action to schedule bromazolam, a highly potent and unpredictable drug linked to overdose deaths.
  • Bromazolam, also known as "designer Xanax," is described as lethal, counterfeit, and highly addictive, with no medical use.
  • The drug is increasingly contributing to overdose deaths, particularly when mixed with opioids, and is ineffective against the reversal medication Narcan.
  • The attorneys general argue that scheduling bromazolam will help law enforcement remove it from circulation and give prosecutors the tools to hold traffickers accountable.
  • The drug is currently unscheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act, creating significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials.
  • Iowa Attorney General Bird has stated that bromazolam is already an illegal drug in Iowa and urges the DEA to take swift and definite action to schedule it at the federal level.
  • The joint letter highlights the need for emergency action to schedule bromazolam, citing its clear dangers and the challenges it poses to public health officials and law enforcement.

Statistics:

  • Bromazolam is linked to overdose deaths in Iowa and across the country.
  • The drug is highly potent and unpredictable, particularly when mixed with opioids.
  • Narcan, the reversal medication, is ineffective against bromazolam in overdose emergencies.
  • The federal Controlled Substances Act does not schedule bromazolam, creating significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials.

Sources:

  • (https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/8.18.25%20Bromazolam%20letter%20to%20DEA%20w%20signatures.pdf) Letter to DEA from 21 State Attorneys General
  • (https://penncapital-star.com) Pennsylvania Capital-Star story originally published August 18, 2023