First image of the tested substance
First image of the tested substance
Second image of the tested substance
First image of the tested substance
Second image of the tested substance
Second image of the tested substance

Active ingredients and content

Diphenhydramine

2.7 mg

here you can find more information about diphenhydramine from an external website.

Details of the substance tested

Thickness

3.3 mm

Length x width

16.7 x 5.1 mm

Diameter

Weight

388.6 mg

Colour

Colour

White

Fracture groove

Yes

Relevant substance(s)

Alprazolam (Xanax®)

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Risk assessment

This tablet, sold as alprazolam, did not contain the expected benzodiazepine alprazolam, but diphenhydramine.

Diphenhydramine belongs to the group of 1st generation antihistamines. Diphenhydramine has anti-allergic, depressant, antiemetic (anti-nausea), antispasmodic and local anaesthetic (local anaesthetic, pain-reducing) properties.

This active substance is used for sleep disorders, for the treatment of allergic diseases, for the prevention of motion sickness and for colds. Due to the increased risk of side effects when taken, newer antihistamine drugs are preferred in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Due to its depressant effect, diphenhydramine is often misused as an anaesthetic. Compared to alprazolam, diphenhydramine only has an effect at much higher doses (from 25-50 mg therapeutic dose, from doses of 150 mg one speaks of a dose outside the therapeutic benefit). Alprazolam already has an effect at doses as low as 0.25mg. Therefore, there is a risk that the dosage is increased and that an unintentionally high and thus dangerous dose is taken.

The most common possible adverse effects include fatigue, drowsiness and dizziness. Other side effects include headache, visual disturbances, slowing of movements, dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and throat, disturbances in bladder emptying, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, allergies and cardiovascular disturbances. In high doses, it can cause states of confusion, anxiety, numbness in body parts and perceptual disturbances.

Mixed consumption with other depressant substances, sedative drugs (sleeping pills, tranquillisers, painkillers, drugs against depression or convulsions) as well as alcohol should be urgently avoided. This would massively intensify the effect of the substances consumed. In addition, the intake of antihypertensive agents should be avoided, as this can intensify the depressant effect of diphenhydramine.

Medicines bought on the internet are also often misdeclared; always have them tested before use!

Consumption is not advised!

Alert level

Safer Use

Analysis

Have your substance tested in a drug check if you bought it on the black market or on the internet. Counterfeit blisters may look identical to the original packaging.

Mixed use

Do not mix any depressant substances such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB/GBL or opioids. Risk of unconsciousness or respiratory paralysis!

Dosage

Feel your way to the dosage and do not rely on dosage information from friends. Various factors such as habituation or dependence can contribute to a greatly increased dosage!

Testing

If you do not have the possibility to have substances analyzed, first test a maximum of one third of the pill. Some counterfeit drugs contain a more potent substance than the original.

Wait and see

Wait at least 2 hours after taking the drug. With some drugs, the onset of the intoxicating effect is very slow or it is difficult to perceive.

Similar warnings

There are no current warnings for this substance

Things to know