AU: S4 (Prescription Only Medicine) - Not specifically scheduled by name in SUSMP, but would be covered by the catch all of "Benzodiazepine Derivatives except where separately specified" listed in Schedule 4.[1]
Phenazepam (also known in Russia as bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine) is a benzodiazepine drug, first developed in the Soviet Union in 1975,[7] and now produced in Russia and several other countries.
Phenazepam is used in the treatment of various mental disorders such as psychiatric schizophrenia and anxiety. It can be used as a premedication before surgery as it augments the effects of anesthetics. Recently,[when?] phenazepam has gained popularity as a recreational drug; misuse has been reported in the United Kingdom,[8] Finland,[9] Sweden,[10] and the United States.[11][12]
^Kriikku P, Wilhelm L, Rintatalo J, Hurme J, Kramer J, Ojanperä I (July 2012). "Phenazepam abuse in Finland: Findings from apprehended drivers, post-mortem cases and police confiscations". Forensic Science International. 220 (1–3): 111–7. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.02.006. PMID22391477.
^Mrozkowska J, Vinge E, Borna C (2009). "[Abuse of phenazepam--new phenomenon in Sweden. Benzodiazepine derivative from Russia caused severe intoxication]". Läkartidningen. 106 (8): 516–7. PMID19350785.
^Maskell PD, De Paoli G, Nitin Seetohul L, Pounder DJ (April 2012). "Phenazepam: the drug that came in from the cold". Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. 19 (3): 122–5. doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2011.12.014. PMID22390996.