What is alprazolam? How is it used medically? Why is it called a rape drug?
It became shocking news in the medical world after on June 10, 2015, officers searched a police flat in the Ari area and found several drugs that were classified as Category 2 and Category 4 psychotropic substances according to the Narcotics Code.
The raids were initiated after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found irregularities in the dispensing of alprazolam, a drug that is subject to strict controls and is often misused, particularly in what is often called a “rape drug” or “vagina drug.”
Further investigations revealed that 11 clinics had been impersonated in the purchase of alprazolam, with a circulation of over 80 million baht in the เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง system. It was found that the drugs were ordered and dispensed by a single person, Pol. Col. Dr. Anchulee, also known as “Dr. Air”.
This incident is under investigation by relevant agencies and remains a topic of widespread public interest.
What is alprazolam?
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It has a fast onset and a moderate duration of action. *It is available under several trade names, including Xanax, Zolam, and Xanor.
It is used to treat psychiatric conditions related to stress and anxiety. *It works by relieving anxiety, inducing sleep, and reducing panic attacks. -It also has muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and temporary memory loss effects.
How is it used medically?
Doctors may prescribe alprazolam in patients with psychiatric conditions, such as:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Short-term insomnia
- Withdrawal stress from certain drugs
The drug takes effect within about 20–60 minutes after taking it, and the effects last for about 6–12 hours, depending on the dose and the body’s response.
Common usage sizes
- Initial dose: 0.25–0.5 mg 2–3 times daily.
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 milligrams.
- Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your symptoms and individual response.
Why is it called a “rape drug”?
Alprazolam has been misused, particularly when mixed with alcohol for sexual abuse purposes, because:
- This medicine is colorless, odorless, and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- When mixed with alcohol, it increases the depressant effect, causing the drinker to feel drowsy, dizzy, and lose their balance.
- It may cause temporary amnesia, where the victim will not remember what happened.
Therefore, there are ill-intended people who use it to commit crimes, damaging the reputation of the drug and causing it to be called “rape drug” or “date rape drug” in the media or society.
Dangers of misuse
Using alprazolam without medical advice or using it continuously without control can cause serious harm, such as:
- Drug addiction, both physical and mental
- If you stop taking the drug suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, irritability, tremors, rapid heartbeat, depression, or even seizures.
- Memory loss, abnormal behavior, and hallucinations occur.
- Risk of death if used in combination with alcohol or other depressant drugs.
- If used together with certain medications, such as birth control pills, sedatives, antihistamines, or stomach medications such as cimetidine, it may cause blood levels of the drug to rise beyond control.
Cautions
- Do not use this medication unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not use with alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery after taking this medication.
- Patients with liver disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women must consult a doctor before use.
- It should not be used continuously for a long period of time.
- If you experience any abnormal symptoms such as hallucinations, muscle weakness, or strange behavior, stop taking the medication and see a doctor immediately.
Legal status
Alprazolam is currently classified as a Schedule II psychotropic substance under the Narcotics Act, which means:
- Do not sell without permission.
- Do not possess or use without a doctor’s prescription.
- Not available at general drug stores
This strict control is to prevent misuse, especially among young people and those who want to use it to commit crimes.
Flualprazolam detected for the first time in Thailand
In 2013, the Department of Medical Sciences first detected Flualprazolam in Thailand from counterfeit tablets called Erimin 5, which originally contained the discontinued drug Nimetazepam. It was found that Erimin 5 had been counterfeited by mixing in other active ingredients such as Flualprazolam to avoid the law.
Flualprazolam is a non-medicinal benzodiazepine and a Schedule 1 psychotropic substance. It has a sedative effect that is rapid-acting (10–30 minutes) and lasts for 6–14 hours.
Flualprazolam poses a risk of misuse or crime, especially when secretly mixed in beverages because it is colorless and odorless, which can be life-threatening. Government agencies have therefore issued a warning to the public to be careful and closely monitor the spread of flualprazolam.