Just when we thought the opioid epidemic couldn’t get much worse, a new synthetic opioid called brorphine has been flooding the illicit drug market.
It has already been involved in the deaths of at least 120 people from the midwest to the east coast.
Brorphine (also called “Purple Heroin”) is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS ) that first popped up in the midwest in 2019. Researchers later identified it in the recreational drug supply in July 2020.
Given the timing…
This makes perfect sense.
Why?
“The Rise of Brorphine” coincides with “The Fall of Isotonitazene” (when the DEA temporarily placed isotonitazense (another synthetic opioid of abuse) as a Schedule-1 drug.
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Is Brorphine Illegal?
Brorphine is classified as a novel opioid similar to fentanyl in potency.
Yet… despite this high level of opioid potency, it’s currently unregulated by the DEA because it doesn’t fall under the classification of “fentanyl analog” — thus making it currently legal to purchase and use.
The DEA is aware of this drug and issue.
Just as they banned isotonitazense, it’s just a matter of time before brorphine is scheduled and made illegal, too.
Pharmacology
In vitro research has shown brorphine to bind to mu-opioid receptors and act as a powerful opioid-agonist similar in potency to fentanyl.
As such, the effects of taking it include:
- Euphoria
- Analgesia
- Sedation (or the opposite “hypomania”)
- Constipation
- Respiratory depression
- Pupil constriction
Brorphine on the Illicit Drug Market
Brorphine is being used by drug dealers as an additive to heroin, fentanyl, flualprazolam, meth, cocaine, counterfeit opioid tablets… and who knows what else.
This increases their profits while simultaneously increasing the chances of their customers overdosing and dying.
Traffickers and dealers tout the novel opioid as a perfect replacement for its predecessor, fentanyl.
In 2019, there was almost no talk of brorphine within online forums.
Nowadays there are many forum threads discussing this novel opioid (dosages, how to take it, where to buy it, etc.).
Final Thoughts
I’m thankful that I quit opioids almost a decade ago because back then, I didn’t have to worry about my pills or heroin having fentanyl or brorphine in them.
My empathy is strong for all that have fallen from this disorder and from all that have suffered yet are blessed to still be alive.
-Matt
P.S. Please feel free to share this article with any loved ones and groups that would appreciate knowing this information.
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