Bromo Dragonfly: An Odd Drug

It seems as if hundreds of new drugs surface every year. While some are genuinely new, others have been around for years, laying low behind the scenes of news reporting of adverse reactions, ER visits, and deaths expose them. As a drug rehab in Pennsylvania, we always try to stay caught up with the latest drug news to ensure we upgrade and initialize the services necessary to treat every person, no matter the severity or form of their substance use. With that being said, here’s more on the Bromo Dragonfly drug. 

What Is Bromo Dragonfly? 

Also referred to as Bromo, Bromo-DragonFLY, B-Fly, BDF, or simply as Fly, Bromo Dragonfly is an uncommon drug that produces an even more uncommon long-lasting high, making it extremely dangerous. Bromo Dragonfly is a potent hallucinogen and was first synthesized by Matthew A. Parker in the laboratory of David E. Nichols at Purdue University in 1998 as part of research on the central nervous system (CNS) serotonin receptor activity and structure.1  

Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. They are split into two categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP.) Both types cause hallucinations, which are sensations or images of things that are not real.  

Due to its LSD-like side effects on the mind, Bromo Dragonfly can be categorized as a classic hallucinogen. Bromo stepped onto the recreational drug scene in the early 2000s and, since then, has been linked to many cases of severe intoxication and fatalities. It is usually sold in three forms: powder, liquid, and blotter.  

The powder form of the drug may be smoked, snorted, or ingested, while the liquid formulation may be injected intravenously (IV). Bromo Dragonfly blotter paper is made by adding the solution of the drug to blotting paper, which is then perforated into individual doses and decorated with what is known as blotter art to make it seem more appealing.  

The unique and almost playful name of this drug is a reference to its chemical structure, which appears to be in the shape of a dragonfly. To date, there are no approved medical uses for Bromo Dragonfly, making it an illicit and recreational drug of use, among teens and young adults. 

Bromo Dragonfly Effects  

Bromo Dragonfly’s most significant and deadly feature is the duration of its side effects. Bromo effects can last anywhere from 2 to 3 days, which is longer than most, if not all, other drugs, both prescription and illicit.  

As we previously mentioned, Bromo produces LSD and amphetamine-like side effects. The drug works as a stimulant in the CNS, working on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin to create a euphoric and energetic high. However, while it may act like other recreational drugs, Bromo is much deadlier.  

Common Bromo Dragonfly side effects include:1  

• Altered perception of space and time 
• Anxiety 
• Confusion 
• Delusions 
• Diarrhea 
• Euphoria 
• Flashback 
• Headache 
• High-resolution colorful visuals 
• Increased associative thinking 
• Increased energy 
• Kaleidoscopic hallucinations 
• Memory alterations 
• Muscle tension 
• Nausea 
• Paranoid ideation 
• Prolonged hallucinations 
• Prolonged sexual pleasure 
• Severe insomnia 
• Shimmering lights 
• Sweating 
• Twitches 

In reported cases where a Bromo Dragonfly user required medical care, common side effects were:1  

• Blood hypertension 
• Generalized seizures 
• Hallucinations 
• Hyperpyrexia 
• Liver and kidney failure 
• Mydriasis (dilated pupils) 
• Peripheral ischemia (may result from narrowed, blocked, or clotted arteries) 
• Psychomotor agitation (a state of restlessness that causes repetitive and uncontrollable movements) 
• Respiratory problems 
• Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue) 
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate) 

Bromo Dragonfly death is also possible and has been reported mostly in countries such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and the USA.1 In one case reported in Denmark, an 18-year-old woman was found dead after consumption of liquid BDF. The autopsy not only found the drug in her system but also discovered edema (swelling) of the lungs, slight edema of the brain, enlargement of the spleen, irritation of the mucous membranes in the stomach, and ischemic changes in the kidney.1 However, there’s still very little information available concerning deaths linked to Bromo Dragonfly use.  

Help for Drug Abuse at Clearbrook 

Bromo is a potent and long-acting hallucinogen that produces amphetamine and LSD-like side effects, making it growingly popular among teens and young adults. Information currently available on the drug suggests that it can produce severe intoxication and adverse effects with serious medical complications like rhabdomyolysis, respiratory problems, liver and kidney failure, peripheral ischemia, psychosis, and death.  

Considering its impact on the body, it’s safe to say that Bromo Dragonfly has a potential for abuse and addiction, thus placing long-term users in a position where they need professional care to get clean and recover. If you or someone you care about is battling drug or alcohol abuse and needs help, don’t wait to reach out.  

Clearbrook offers medical detox and inpatient rehab programs in Pennsylvania for all types of substance use disorders. For more information about our addiction services and how we can make sobriety possible for you or a loved one, call Clearbrook Treatment Centers today at 570-536-9621. 

Source:  

Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy – Bromo-DragonFly: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of a Benzodifuran Derivative Producing LSD-Like Effects 

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