Agency bans sale of phenazepam

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Department of Health Director Dr. Paul Halverson announced on Monday an emergency rule banning the sale and distribution of phenazepam, a news release said.

The drug — also sometimes spelled “fenazepam” — is marketed for human consumption, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved its use, the release said.

The emergency rule will be effective for 180 days. Meanwhile, the Arkansas Board of Health will be requested to initiate the regulation of phenazepam as a Scheduled I Controlled Substance.

The regulation process takes about four months to complete. It involves a 30-day public comment period and review by the Legislature’s Public Health and Welfare Committee and the Rules and Regulations Committee.

Halverson said in the release that the Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center alerted the Health Department to the drug’s use in the state. The state Crime Laboratory has processed three phenazepam cases, the release said.

At least one fatality occurred during recreational use after an individual smoked synthetic cannabinoids laced with phenazepam, the release said.

“This regulation is intended to educate the public about the dangers of this drug and illicit drug use, as well as restricting ready access to minors. Enforcement responsibilities will fall primarily to local law enforcement and prosecutors,” Halverson said in the release.