Phenazepam and its effects on driving

Abstract

Phenazepam use in the state of Georgia has increasingly become a trend for a drug market looking at new and different recreational drugs. This paper examines the psychomotor effects of phenazepam on individuals and their ability to operate a motor vehicle. This study reviewed phenazepam cases of impaired drivers that were submitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Division of Forensic Sciences between March, 2010, and August, 2011. A total of 11 cases were reviewed, of which five had only phenazepam detected and six had multiple drugs detected in addition to phenazepam. Concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 3.2 mg/L, with a median of 0.17 mg/L and a mean of 0.50 mg/L (0.23 mg/L, excluding the 3.2 mg/L blood concentration). The observed effects where symptomatic of central nervous system depression with slurred speech, lack of balance, slow reactions, drowsiness and confusion. This review indicates that the use of phenazepam at concentrations similar to other low-dose benzodiazepines such as clonazepam can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to drive.