Despite increasing use of novel benzodiazepines, they are not widely understood or recognized by providers. Similar to the synthetic cannabinoids, novel benzodiazepines are either pharmaceutical research chemicals that never made it to market or are structural modifications to the benzodiazepine backbone. We will provide an overview of what is known about novel benzodiazepines with examples of reports from authentic urine samples. Starting with a brief history and moving into regulatory status, clinical effects and trends in detection of various benzodiazepines, this discussion will be of special value to anyone who utilizes urine drug testing to assess their clients' substance use histories.
Learning Objectives:
The origins of novel benzodiazepines, to include why they are created and used.
Describe how novel benzodiazepines reach end users and the potential dangers associated with their use.
Detection trends of novel benzodiazepines from forensic and health care laboratories.
